Story by Keith Jaco
Staff writer
rjaco@murraystate.edu
Murray State football won a back-and-forth battle with the Eastern Illinois on Saturday night with a 48-41 victory.
The Racers entered Charleston riding a one game win streak after defeating UT Martin 45-38 at home last weekend.
Head Coach Mitch Stewart praised the Panthers’ effort and fight post-game.
“You have to give all the credit to Eastern Illinois,” Stewart said. “This is a tough place to play and their guys fought their hearts out, but mine did too. I thought that we came ready to play; I thought we had a good time playing, and at times our effort and enthusiasm was extraordinary.”
Sophomore running back Rodney Castille got the Racers on the board with a four-yard rush into the endzone just over two minutes into the contest. Eastern Illinois would match the Racers two minutes later on a seven play, 62-yard drive.
Senior kicker Gabriel Vicente continued his perfect streak with a 22-yard field goal to place Murray State in the lead heading into the second quarter. EIU didn’t waste any time taking back control of the lead with a four-yard pass from junior quarterback Johnathan Brantley.
Murray State would win the back-and-forth battle at the half as it finished with two more touchdowns and seven points ahead of the Panthers 24-17.
Eastern Illinois started the third quarter with 10 unanswered points to take a field goal lead over the Racers. Murray State would respond with a seven-yard touchdown run from sophomore running back D.J. Penick, capping off an eight play, 75-yard drive and setting up a 31-27 lead.
The Racers and Panthers would trade touchdowns before the end of the third creating a 38-34 Murray State lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Following a 35-yard field goal from Vicente, Eastern Illinois converted on a 35-yard touchdown run from junior running back Jamal Scott with just over three minutes remaining in the ball game.
With the score knotted up at 41 apiece, senior quarterback Drew Anderson, along with help from Penick, rushed down the field on eight plays and scored the go-ahead touchdown on a two-yard rush by Penick.
The Panthers received the ball with 26 seconds remaining and after several incomplete passes, faced fourth and ten with the game on the line. A complete pass on fourth down ended in a failed lateral attempt, giving the Racers their second consecutive OVC win of the season and their best start in division play since 2013.
Penick displayed a monster performance on Saturday night, scoring a career-high three touchdowns and rattling off another career game-high 180 yards on the ground. Penick’s three rushing touchdowns matched his 2017 season total.
Anderson came to play as well, throwing for 209 yards on 21-36 passing. Anderson would finish the night with one touchdown pass as well as one interception.
Penick gave the credit for his success Saturday to the men up front, his offensive line.
“It all starts up front,” Penick said. “Without the offensive line, we’re nothing. They’ve done a phenomenal job and they’re improving each week. Looking at last year’s offensive line to this years is crazy.”
Stewart concurred with that sentiment following the Racers’ win.
“I know the two running backs get the publicity and fame, but those front five played their hearts out,” Stewart said. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of these guys and how ready I am to get back to work next week.”
The Racers will look to continue their OVC success at 1 p.m. next Saturday, Oct. 13, against Tennessee State University at Roy Stewart Stadium.