Story by Gage Johnson
Senior Writer
The Racers are coming off a 2017 season where they ranked last in the OVC in total offense. With the season in full swing, Murray State Offensive Coordinator Nick Coleman spoke on the offense’s plans to right the ship.
Play style:
Coleman understands the struggles the Racers had on offense last year, and has big plans to put the pressure on opponents on the offensive side of the ball.
“We’re going to be one of those offenses that doesn’t blink,” Coleman said. “We want to play as fast as possible. Like in basketball, we’re trying to distribute to different guys in space and spread it around. If we have a stat sheet with 15 guys with 15 touches we’re happy.”
The passing game:
Murray State, despite its struggling offense, had a definitive bright spot: its passing game was second in the conference last year, averaging about 198.8 YPG. A competitive quarterback battle defined the offseason with the addition of senior transfer Drew Anderson. Although Anderson ultimately won the battle, Coleman is confident in his pass-catching and throwing options.
“Obviously Jordon Gandy is gone, but the receivers have stepped up and the quarterback battle has been great,” Coleman said.
Replacing Jordon Gandy:
Gandy was a crucial part of the Racers offense before graduating and pursuing a professional career this offseason. Gandy lead the team in receiving yards with 954 – 700 more than the second-leading receiver on the team. Despite the loss, Coleman thinks they will be just fine.
“We’re doing by committee,” Coleman said. “We’re trying to do it with more depth. Having guys fresh and tag in and play. If we can roll three-deep and make plays then we’ll be fine.”
The running game:
The Racers run game last season is a pivotal reason why they struggled at times. The team was last in the OVC in rushing yards, tallying just 720 total rushing yards on the year. Wide receiver turned running back sophomore Rodney Castille will be receiving some touches at the position, but it will be sophomore running back DJ Penick at the helm of the backfield again. Head coach Mitch Stewart thinks last year’s experience and the newfound depth at the running back position will help Pennick be fully prepared for the season.
“Last year, DJ was forced into a situation as a freshman not many are put into, in that he had to be the guy,” Stewart said. “It was a great learning experience from him. I think last year with all the ups and downs will help him this year. The depth we have at that position will also help take some off the beating off of him.”
With a game under their belt, Coleman thinks his players are primed to take the OVC by storm. While he expects big things from his offense, at the end of the day, the Racers’ offense just wants to come away with the win.
“The biggest thing we want to lead the conference in is wins,” Coleman said. “That’s the only thing we’re going to care about. Passing yards, rushing yards, and touchdowns are fun, but at the end if we lead the conference in wins we’re happy.”
