Story by Keith Jaco
Staff writer
After a dismal start to the 2018 season, the Murray State Racer football team sits alone atop the OVC with a perfect record in conference play.
Murray State’s turnaround has been a team effort with help coming from the offense, defense and special teams.
Head Coach Mitch Stewart is by no means surprised with his team’s turnaround.
“I believed in these kids the whole time and this does not surprise me whatsoever,” Stewart said. “We haven’t changed the practice schedule yet, we may have tinkered some times for travel purposes, but our time on the field and our time in those meeting rooms hasn’t changed. The coaching staff believes in those kids they’re putting out on the field and the kids believe in those coaches.”
The Racers have turned around a season that began with three consecutive losses, which sparked concerns in multiple areas of their game. Since their loss to the University of Kentucky on Saturday, Sept. 15, the Racers have put together a 4-0 win streak and secured first place in the OVC.
The offense has found its groove and is spreading the field by incorporating over ten different receivers. Senior quarterback Drew Anderson has thrown for 1,159 yards on 95-149 passing, with 11 touchdowns during the Racers four-game win streak.
Anderson has also worked with multiple players at the running back position, utilizing players like senior D.J. Penick, sophomore Rodney Castille and junior Quarderman Sloan interchangeably throughout the season.
The Racer defense has improved steadily throughout the win streak, lowering opponent’s scoring totals in each of the last three games. Senior defensive end Kenney Wooten has contributed heavy pressure on quarterbacks, while senior linebacker Quincy Williams has got in on multiple takeaways, including a pair of interceptions.
Senior cornerback Marquez Sanford believes his team has a higher ceiling than their four-game winning streak.
“I think we can play even better than we did on Saturday,” Sanford said. “There’s some plays we leave out on the field that we know we can make. I think we have a long way to go to get better, but we’re moving up and getting closer each week.”
Murray State controls its own destiny in the OVC, as they look ahead to opponents like Jacksonville State University and Austin Peay University. The Racers will look to pack the stands and play a full 60 minutes as they attempt to add to their winning streak at home this weekend.
Murray State will host Jacksonville State for its homecoming game at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, at Roy Stewart Stadium.
