When the APSU Govs meet the Murray State Racers in any sporting event, the game promises to be intense and close. Saturday’s OVC match-up was just that, with the Racers coming out the victors, 27-17, at Roy Stewart Stadium.
The Govs jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead after freshman kicker Stephen Stansell connected from 52-yards out at the 12:45 mark in the second quarter and junior runningback Terrence Holt followed up with a 30-yard dash to the end zone on the Govs’s next possession.
The Govs held the Racers scoreless until less than two minutes were left in the half.
After a failed fourth-down conversion near midfield, the Racers began a six-play, 50-yard drive to the end zone.
The Racers quarterback, Casey Brockman, who was starting his first collegiate game, connected with Prince Nwagbara with 22 seconds left in the half to cut the Govs’ lead to 10-7.
While the Govs’ offense appeared to hit a wall in the third quarter, the Racers began to make plays to take over the game.
The Govs’ defense kept the game within reach by holding Murray to two field goals until there was only eight minutes left in the game.
Murray State’s kicker, Kienan Cullen, first converted from 34 yards for the only score in the third quarter. He later made another field goal from 21 yards out to give the Racers a small lead.
After the Govs went three-and-out on their ensuing possession, The Racers’ Derrick Townsel returned Ryan Keys’ punt 56 yards. The return set up Charlie Jordan’s three-yard score for a Racer 20-10 lead.
All-American defensive end Austen Lane pushed the Racer lead to 27-10 when he intercepted a Jake Ryan pass and took it 21 yards for another Racer touchdown.
But the excitement did not end there.
The always dangerous Holt returned the following Racer kickoff 99 yards to the house. But it proved to be the last score for the Govs. The Govs dropped their second straight game.
The loss drops the Govs to 3-6 overall, 2-4 in the OVC.
Holt led the Govs with 241 all-purpose yards, including 77 rushing yards.
Ryan completed 13-of-25 passes for 192 yards and two picks. He found Adrian Mines on seven catches for 119 yards.
APSU finished with 293 yards of total offense and a sour 1 of 15 on third down conversions compared to Murray State’s 6-of-16.
Daniel Becker led the Govs defensively. He had 13 tackles and two sacks. Safety Amius Smith produced six tackles and one forced fumble. Kevis Buckley and Tremanye Townsend both grabbed first interception of the season.
Holt was named OVC Specialist of the week for his performance. This is the second time he has been recognized for his performance.
The Govs will host the Tigers of Tennessee State for Senior Day, Saturday, Nov. 14, with a 4 p.m. kickoff at Governors Stadium.
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