November 3, 2010

Golden Eagles return to action with tough chore at Murray State

The Golden Eagle football team returns to action Saturday following a two-week layoff, and Tech will have a daunting task -- try to stop the explosive Murray State Racer offense, which leads the Ohio Valley Conference in several categories. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.

Download/view Golden Eagle Game Notes (PDF)

Photo: Caleb Mitchell (15), Marty Jones (11) and the Golden Eagle defense face a tough task Saturday at Murray State.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Hold onto your hats Saturday afternoon when Tennessee Tech visits Murray State for an Ohio Valley Conference football battle -- the Racer offense is more than fast-paced and the Golden Eagle defense will have its hands full facing some of the most explosive offensive performers in the league.

Tech looks to win its fourth consecutive game and is coming off an open weekend that allowed some of the team's many injuries to heal somewhat. Still, the Golden Eagles could be short-handed when they invade Stewart Stadium for the 1 p.m. contest. Tech is 4-4 overall and 3-2 in OVC play.

Murray State, meanwhile, brings a 3-5 overall record into the fray and a 2-3 league mark following a 28-21 loss to Eastern Kentucky last Saturday.

Tech owns an edge in the all-time series including a 45-14 victory last year in the finale. Murray State, however, handily beat Tech the last time these squads met in Murray, claiming a 51-21 win in 2008.

With a new head coach in Chris Hatcher, the Racers lead the OVC in total offense and passing offense, and are second in scoring. Quarterback Casey Brockman tops the conference in total offense and passing, while Marcus Harris is first in receiving and receiving yards. Mike Harris is first in scoring and second in rushing.

That's a lot of talent to try to corral, but the Golden Eagle defense has several weapons in place led by a veteran secondary that includes rover Dustin Dillehay, free safety Marty Jones, and cornerbacks Caleb Mitchell and Richmond Tooley.

It's the final road game of the season for the Golden Eagles, who finish the campaign with home contests against Eastern Kentucky and Jacksonville State.

Records in 2010:

Tennessee Tech is 4-4 overall / 3-2 Ohio Valley Conference
Murray State is 3-5 overall / 2-3 Ohio Valley Conference
Series Record: Tech leads the series, 41-33-1
First Meeting: 1930
Last Meeting: Tech 45, MSU 14 (Nov. 21, 2009)
Current Streak: Tech - one game
Tech Radio:
Golden Eagle Sports Network (Roger Ealey, Buddy Pearson and Brandon Goodwin)
        also Free Teamline (Call 1-800-846-4675 - team code 0654)
Television: None
Live Stats: www.GoRacers.com
Last Games:
Tech defeated Tennessee State, 21-10 (Oct. 23);
Murray State lost at Eastern Kentucky, 28-21
Web Stream: OVCsports.TV
Web sites:
Tennessee Tech - www.TTUsports.com
Murray State - www.GoRacers.com