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MURRAY, Ky. – Eastern Illinois came within a half-yard of possibly forcing overtime on Saturday afternoon but Cortez Roberts stopped DeWayne Cooks just shy of the goal line as time expired and Murray State held on for a 24-17 win over EIU.
EIU dropped to 0-6 on the season, 0-2 in the OVC. Murray State improved to 3-3 overall, 1-1 in the OVC.
The Panthers defense forced four turnovers on the afternoon resulting in three points midway through the third quarter setting up a
Josh Delgado 30-yard field goal that put the Panthers up 10-9.
Murray State answered with two long drives to take a 24-10 lead with 9:59 remaining in the game. Preston Rice had three touchdown passes in the game hitting James Sappington and LaMartez Brooks on the two late scores.
EIU closed the lead to 24-17 with 8:04 to play as
Chris Walker found the end zone on a short run. The Panthers defense then held setting up the final drive for the Panthers.Â
Harry Woodbery hit
Robbie Lofton on a fourth down play giving EIU the ball inside the five yard line. Woodbery finished the day 30-49 for 231 yards.
Eastern Illinois offense found some life late in the second quarter as they drove 74 yards in just under four minutes to score on a five-yard strike from Woodbery to
Jaelin Benefield with 20-seconds remaining the half to cut the Racers lead to 9-7. Benefield was the Panthers top receiver with seven catches for 51 yards.
EIU had its first chance to go ahead just before half as
Courtney Rowell recovered a fumble on a kickoff that EIU recovered at the 32-yard line. After a couple shots at the end zone, EIU settled for a 50-yard field goal attempt that was short as time expired.
Murray State started the game driving the field to cover 75-yards on the opening drive. Rice hit Armani Hayes for a 21-yard touchdown at 12:06 of the first quarter. Rice was 19-of-29 for 274 yards.
EIU's defense would make a stop on a fourth-and one play inside the five yard line to start the second quarter as
Kylan Cole closed up the gap to prevent a short run. Three plays later T.J. Warren would tackle Walker in the end zone for a safety to put Murray State up 9-0. Walker had caught a batted ball at the line in the end zone and tried to make a play.
Bryce Dewberry led EIU's defense with seven tackles. Anthony Koclanakis had 14 tackles to lead the Racers.
