Despite a new player calling the shots from quarterback, the Racers lost 37-17 to No. 2 Eastern Illinois, dropping to a record of 5-5 (3-3).
After taking over in the second half a week earlier at UT Martin, junior Parks Frazier took the field for the first time Saturday as the starting quarterback.
The Racers struggled to contain the Panthers’ offense in the first two quarters, but only trailed 21-0 at the half.
The offense made two early trips to the redzone, but could not convert the drive into points.
Things did not look good for Murray State at the opening of the third quarter, as they fumbled in their own endzone for a safety and gave up a touchdown less then four minutes into the half.
Facing a 30-0 deficit, the offense finally was able to put points on the board.
Senior Duane Brady broke a 47-yard run to put the team into the Panthers’ territory. Two plays later, Frazier hit freshman tight end Jesse Blackburn for a 23-yard pass. Frazier then connected with sophomore running back Pokey Harris for his first career touchdown catch.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Racers forced and recovered a fumble. Though the drive was stopped short of the endzone, sophomore Mark Wynstra added three points with a field goal.
After trading a few punts with eastern Illinois, the Racers again forced a turnover. They capitalized once more, this time with a touchdown.
Eastern Illinois earned the points right back with a 61-yard touchdown run on the next drive to seal the 37-17 win.
Frazier completed 32 of 50 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns.
Powell led the receivers with nine catches for 74 yards. He became the second receiver for Murray State to catch 200 passes in his career.
The Racers’ next game will be at 2 p.m. at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn., where the face off against Tennessee State.
