Murray State football’s difficult season continued with another defeat on Saturday, Nov. 16, as the Racers fell 48-6 to the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. The loss dropped Murray State’s record to 1-10 as they head into their final game of the regular season, which will also mark the conclusion of their 100th season in program history.
The Racers faced a tough challenge from the start, as Kentucky took advantage of two Murray State interceptions, converting them into touchdowns to take a commanding 24-0 lead by halftime. Despite a strong effort, the Racers struggled to move the ball effectively in the first half, with only one drive making it to the red zone, ending without points.
Murray State’s standout performer on the day was kicker James London, who continued his impressive season by drilling a 32-yard field goal in the final minute of the third quarter and adding another from 36 yards at the start of the fourth. These two field goals were the only points for the Racers on the day.
Kentucky’s offense dominated the game, finishing with 582 total yards compared to the Racers’ 259. Murray State managed just 90 rushing yards and 169 passing yards, as they were unable to gain consistent yardage against the Wildcats’ defense.
London’s two successful field goals brought his season total to 14, tying him for 10th place on the Racers’ all-time single-season list. This milestone ties him with Gabriel Vincente (2017) and Kienan Cullen (2008, 2009), and solidifies London’s reputation as one of the top kickers in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC). London currently leads the MVFC in field goals made this season.
Now, the Racers turn their attention to their final regular-season game, set for Saturday, Nov. 23, against the Southern Illinois Salukis in Carbondale. This will be the 23rd meeting between the two teams, with the series currently tied at 10-10-2. Southern Illinois has won the last four
matchups, including the previous season when Murray State was in their debut year as an MVFC member.
As they close out their 100th season, the Racers are looking to end on a positive note against the Salukis and finish their season with a much-needed victory.
