MURRAY, Ky.—It's time for the rematch.
After ending the nation's longest FCS losing streak last season in this matchup, Austin Peay State University football team heads into Saturday's contest at Murray State seeking to bring an end to another streak—the nation's longest road losing streak, which has reached 34 games. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Roy Stewart Stadium.
Austin Peay (0-5, 0-2 Ohio Valley Conference) seeks its first victory since last season's contest against the Racers. Despite 141 yards on the ground last week from redshirt freshman Kendall Morris, the Governors gave up three touchdowns to Eastern Illinois' Devin Church in the Panthers 40-16 win at Governors Stadium.
The Governors struggles on third-down—offensively and defensively—against Eastern Illinois were the continuation of a season-long issue. After converting on two of its first three third-down attempts, Austin Peay was 1-of-13 the rest of the way and is now converting at a 27.3 percent (21-of-77) rate on the season. Meanwhile, the Panthers were 8-for-16 on third down—the ninth straight game Austin Peay has allowed its opponent to convert at least half its third-down attempts—and Austin Peay now ranks last in FCS in third-down conversion defense (58.7 percent).
After a season-opening win against Kentucky Wesleyan, Murray State (1-4, 0-2 OVC) has lost its last four contests, including its first two OVC games against Tennessee Tech (31-29, Sept. 26) and Southeast Missouri (27-10, Oct. 3). The Racers can move the ball, ranking fourth nationally in first downs (12) and third in passing offense, with junior quarterback KD Humphries averaging 365.2 yards per game through the air. The Racers total offense mark ranks ninth nationally (480.8 yards per game), but they give as good as they get—opponents are putting up 500.4 yards per game against Murray State's defense, ranked 111th in the nation.
Murray State trailed Southeast Missouri by three points heading into halftime in last weekend's contest in Cape Girardeau, but gave up two third-quarter touchdowns and saw three second-half drives inside the Redhawk 30-yard line end with no points.
Scouting the Racers
Although Murray State's offense takes a back seat to no one, it's the Racer defense that's having a hard time keeping up. Murray State is giving up 195.2 rushing yards per game and a conference-worst 305.2 ypg through the air. Although the Racers can move the ball, they have been careless with it—Murray State is last in the OVC in fumbles lost (five) and second-to-last in interceptions thrown (five).
Humphries is the catalyst, leading the nation in total passing yards (1,824) and completions per game (32.2), with four 300-yard outings to his credit in 2015. A pair of Racers—Jeremy Harness (122.0 ypg) and Janawski Davis (102.0 ypg)—are averaging more than 100 all-purpose yards per contest, with Pokey Harris (97.8 ypg) not far behind.
Last Time Out Against Murray State
Jared Beard caught three touchdown passes and Austin Peay's defense forced five turnovers in a 20-13 win, Oct. 18, 2014. Roderick Owens stole the show defensively, picking off two passes and forcing a fumble as part of his seven-tackle day.
Keep An Eye On…
- Trey Taylor's 41 yards passing last week against Eastern Illinois was the eighth-lowest single-game FCS total in 2015; he should have a better day against one of the nation's least-stingy pass defenses.
- Austin Peay has averaged just 4.4 plays for 16.9 yards on its first-quarter drives in 2015.
- The Governors 7.59 yards per completion through five weeks ranks 122nd nationally.
- Opponents have started 14 drives in Austin Peay territory through five weeks.
- Austin Peay has not won at Murray State since 2007 and has just four wins in 24 tries on the road against the Racers in series history.
- Expect a bounce-back game from sophomore Wesley Thomas, who was held without a catch for just the second time in his career last week against Eastern Illinois.
- The Governors have had a punt blocked in four of five games in 2015.
They Said It
Govs Online
Check back at LetsGoPeay.com and on Austin Peay's Official Athletics Facebook page often for up-to-date news about all Governor athletics, as well as the Governors football Twitter page (@AustinPeayFB). Live stats will be available during the game at LetsGoPeay.com, and all home games and Ohio Valley Conference games can be viewed on www.ovcdigitalnetwork.com. Postgame video interviews and other videos from around APSU Athletics can be found on our YouTube page (www.youtube.com/CultureofExcellence).
