Murray State (0-1, 0-0 OVC) vs. Mississippi Valley State (0-1, 0-1 SWAC)Time: Sept. 10 - 4 p.m.
Location: Rice-Totten Stadium - Itta Bena, Miss.
TV: Racer TV Network and ESPN3 (Internet)
STORY LINES
The Racers look to avoid their second-straight 0-2 as they travel to Mississippi Valley State for the first meeting between to two schools. It also marks the first time Murray State will play a team from the SWAC.
Murray State running back Mike Harris became just the second Racer back to go over 100 yards against an FBS opponent when he rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown against Louisville. He carried the ball 26 times in the opener, the second-most attempts in his career.
The Racer defense held Louisville scoreless over the final 43:20 of the game. MSU held the Cardinals to just 131 second-half yards and forced two turnovers in each half.
Saturday's game will mark the first of five televised games on the Racer Television Network. The network will also carry the games against Georgia State (Oct. 8), Eastern Illinois (Oct. 15), Tennessee Tech (Nov. 5) and Southeast Missouri (Nov. 19).
The Game
The Racers play their second non-conference road game in as many weeks as they travel to face Mississippi Valley State on Sept. 10 at 4 p.m. The game will be carried on the Racer Television Network, as well ESPN3.
vs. Mississippi Valley State
The contest between the two schools will be the first meeting on the gridiron. It is also the first road trip to Mississippi since the Racers played Mississippi State in 2005.
vs. the SWAC
The contest also marks the first time Murray State will play a team from the SWAC.
Racers Receiving Votes
The Racers continue to receive national recognition as they are receiving votes in both the national polls for the second-straight week. MSU moved up a couple spots in each poll, and now rank 29th in both polls.
On Grass
The game against Mississippi Valley State will mark the only time this season the Racers will play on grass. Last season, MSU lost 21-20 to Central Arkansas in their only game on natural grass.
Two Racers Return Home
Two members of the Racer football team will have a homecoming of sorts as they will be playing within two hours of their hometowns. Safety Darius Buck is from Vicksburg (2 hours) and linebacker Sam Small is from Winona (49 minutes).
Fewest Points vs FBS
Murray State held its own against Louisville as the Racers only allowed 21 points, including no points in the second half. It is the fewest points allowed to an FBS team since the Racers tied Memphis 10-10 in 1985.
Defense Forces Turnovers in Opener
The Racers defense forced four turnovers in the season opener against Louisville. It marked the fourth-straight season that the Racers forced at least two turnovers in the season opener.
Two-Way Barnett
Senior Dexter Barnett proved his value to the team in the opener as he played on both sides of the ball against Louisville. Barnett, who is a receiver, also saw time at corner in the fourth quarter. Throughout camp, Barnett spent time working at safety and corner to provide depth in the secondary.
Davis Gets Two
Senior Darrell Davis was pushed into action early in the contest against Louisville and responded in a major way. The St. Louis, Mo., native intercepted a pass in the first half and recovered a fumble in the second half.
Scouting Mississippi Valley State
The Delta Devils enter the contest with an overall record of 0-1, and an 0-1 record in the SWAC. MVSU opened its season at home against Alabama State, falling 41-9. The Delta Devils rushed for 155 yards and threw for 172 yards. The defense allowed 123 yards on the ground and 196 yards through the air. Quarterback Garrick Jones led the offense by rushing for 113 yards and passing for 121 more yards. Turnovers were the problem in the opener as the Delta Devils lost five fumbles and threw two interceptions. Wide receiver Paul Cox caught four passes for 86 yards, while Kenneth Dabney had four grabs for 43 yards.
Dabney also returned seven kickoffs for 121 yards. Kicker Carlos Sanchez supplied the points as he went 3-of-4 on field goal attempts, connecting from 30, 32 and 32. Linebacker Terrell Johnson led the defense with eight tackles, including a tackle-for-loss. Rico Mazique also added eight stops. Javaris Fritz registered two sacks and blocked a field goal.
Whitehead Impresses in Opener
Transfer Julian Whitehead quietly went about his business Thursday evening and led the Racer defense with nine tackles. The junior has quickly made himself a leader of the defense.
Defense Posts 2nd Half Shutout
The Murray State defense entered the season as a question mark, but they made their presence known in the season opener as they shutout Louisville over the final 43:20 of the game. It was the first time the defense pitched a second-half shutout since Oct. 4, 2008 against Austin Peay (APSU scored a safety in 3rd quarter). The last time the Racers allowed no points in the second half was the 2007 season opener against Lambuth.
Defense Limits Cards in 2nd Half
The Racer defense dominated the second half as they limited Louisville to just 131 yards of offense in the second half. The defense also forced a pair of turnovers in the second half.
Harris Carries Load
Senior Mike Harris carried the load for the offense in the season opener as he carried the ball 26 times against Louisville. The 26 carries are the second most in his career, behind only his 30 attempts against Missouri State last season.
GAME NOTES
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