The Murray State Racers put up a fight during their Homecoming game at Roy Stewart Stadium on Oct. 19, falling short in a 40-32 loss to Illinois State.

Running back Jawaun Northington got the scoring started for the Racers, breaking free for a 48-yard touchdown run at the 11:23 mark in the second quarter. Northington finished the day with 104 rushing yards and two touchdowns, becoming the first Racer to 100 rushing yards this season. It was also his first career rushing 100 yards.  

Down by nine and needing to make a play, linebacker Justice Cross intercepted a pass from Redbird quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse, returning it 36 yards to put the offense in good field position. The pick was Cross’ first career interception. With just 52 seconds in the second quarter, Elijah Downing grabbed a 24-yard pass for a touchdown, bringing Murray State within two points of the Redbirds, making the score going into halftime 16-14.

The Racers continued to battle in the second half. The best play of the third quarter was a blocked field goal attempt by redshirt defensive lineman Dennard Flowers, the first by a Racer this season. Early in the fourth quarter, quarterback Jayden Johannsen connected with J’Kalon Carter for a 6-yard touchdown, while Northington added his second rushing score of the day, bringing Illinois State’s lead down to just eight points with five minutes remaining in the game.

Although Illinois State added a late field goal, James London nailed a 51-yard field goal in the final minute to bring the Redbird lead back to eight. The kick was his third field goal of 50-plus yards this season.

Despite the losing effort, the Racers look to carry the new found momentum as they host the No. 1 ranked North Dakota State Bison next Saturday, Oct. 26, at Roy Stewart Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.