Story by Keith Jaco
Staff writer
rjaco@murraystate.edu
The Murray State Racer football team has a chance to cement its first winning season since 2011 with a victory over Austin Peay on Saturday, Nov. 17.
The Racers are entering the final week of the 2018 season on a high note, following their epic comeback victory over Southeast Missouri State on Saturday, Nov. 10, at Roy Stewart Stadium.
The Racers won in dramatic fashion over the SEMO last Saturday, rattling off 34 unanswered points, 27 in the second half, only to give up the lead with 20 seconds remaining. Junior wide receiver Malik Honeycutt played the hero as he returned the ensuing Redhawks’ kickoff 79-yards to the end zone to secure the Racer victory.
Stewart and his staff will be preparing for a deceiving APSU team this weekend.
“They play very hard and they’re motivated,” Stewart said. “Offensively, they give you a lot of issues because it’s almost like a triple option in the way they run their offense. Defensively, they just don’t give you a lot of cheap yardage; you’re going to have to work for it.”
Senior quarterback Drew Anderson recovered from throwing three first-half interceptions to put together one of the best second-half performances in the OVC this year. Anderson threw for 412 yards on 37-63 passing with four touchdowns.
Austin Peay is coming off a blowout loss to Eastern Illinois – a game in which the Panthers outscored APSU 35-7 in the first half. The Panther offense was too much for the Governors, as EIU won 52-21.
APSU is 4-6 overall and 2-5 in conference with both wins coming at home. The Governors handled Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech with ease, outscoring them 90-44 in two games.
Junior running back Kentel Williams and sophomore quarterback Jeremiah Oatsvall have each contributed significantly to the Governor offense this season. Williams has rushed for 746 yards and six touchdowns on 86 attempts this season. Oatsvall has thrown for 1438 yards on 89-178 passing with 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
The Racers face Austin Peay at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at Fortera Stadium in Clarksville, Tennessee.