The Murray State Racers were unable to gain momentum to score against the fourth ranked South Dakota Coyotes, losing 59-0.
To start the first quarter, the Coyotes put themselves on the board early with a seven play drive resulting in a touchdown. The Racers were unable to answer, with their first drive resulting in punting the ball. South Dakota scored two more times with two touchdowns from running back Travis Theis, one resulting from a Racers turnover.
In the second quarter, the Racers were still unable to put together anything offensively, even with the defense being able to hold South Dakota to just a field goal. Linebacker Justice Cross and defensive back Lovie Jenkins both had three tackles during the quarter and defensive lineman C.J. Brown sacked South Dakota quarterback Aidan Bouman late in the first half.
The highlight of the half was an interception from Jamari Dailey, the first of his collegiate career. In a postgame interview, Dailey commended the play call for allowing him the opening to get possession of the ball for the Racers. Still, the Racers were unable to do anything with the half ending 24-0.
The Racers started the second half with the ball, but after three plays quarterback Jayden Johannsen threw his second interception of the game, allowing for another South Dakota touchdown. Later in the third quarter, the Racers forced South Dakota to punt but muffed the punt, allowing the Coyotes to gain possession again and score another touchdown. The Coyotes would go on to score three more times before the game ended.
Head Coach Jody Wright gave credit to South Dakota during his post game interview, complementing their offense.
“We know what we’re going against now,” Wright said, “we’re better than 59-0… It’s a black and blue league and you need to be bigger, faster, stronger. We gotta upgrade some areas and keep finding what guys can do and try to hold up.”
Murray State will try to bounce back as they travel to Terre Haute to play the Indiana State Sycamores on Oct.12, with kickoff set for 1 p.m.
