This is our segment to be featured every week about how to talk to a Murray State University fan about anything. The idea being, if you are unfortunate enough to know any Racer fans, then you know they are going to be ready to talk about every single misstep the Govs made this past week. Besides speaking slowly (just kidding Murray fans), our advice is to follow this list of topics to highlight and topics to avoid when speaking to a Racer fan. We hope this is also a good way to highlight both the positive and negative things to take away from the game. By the way, Murray fans are always welcome and we only kid because of the rivalry.

TOPICS TO AVOID
1. Penalties, Penalties, PENALTIES!
13 penalties for 138 yards!!! Penalties were the difference in the game. Whether it was setting up third and longs or offsetting penalties committed by Tennessee Tech, lack of discipline continually made the game more difficult. On one play, the center snapped the ball while QB Gary Orr’s arms were at his sides. There were multiple personal foul penalties, not to mention an obvious pass interference call that set up Tech’s first field goal. The most telling statistic: 25% of Tech’s first downs came from penalties.

2. Pass Defense
Not much to say except, there is too much cushion being given to wide receivers, allowing the other team to pick us apart. Maybe Coach Christophel does not think we have the talent at corner to play up, but something is going to have to be done or else this will be a common occurrence. Tech came into the game averaging just 145.7 passing yards per game and only had 2 passing touchdowns all season. Last night, the Golden Eagles passed for 244 yards and 3 touchdowns. WR Antonio Robinson finished the game with 130 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns.

3. Blocked Extra Point
This was probably the biggest play of the game. While Tech did score another touchdown after, it took all the pressure off of them. Instead of having a tie game and needing to score to win, Tech had the lead and could just run out the clock. They did eventually throw for an additional 46 yard touchdown.

4. Time of Possession
The Golden Eagles controlled the ball for over 10 minutes in the first quarter resulting in a touchdown and a field goal. The time of possession did even out over the course of the game to where APSU actually finished controlling the ball more overall. Part of the reason for the evening out, was the ease with which Tech was able to score. Tech had scoring drives lasting just 2:10 and 0:46. APSU allowed Tech to convert 50% of their third downs and let’s not forget the 13 penalties.

TOPICS TO HIGHLIGHT
1. Running Backs
Ryan White and Terrance Holt again showed why they are the focal point of the offense. White finished with 100 yards rushing, averaging 4.5 yards a carry. Holt finished with 73 yard rushing, 8 yards receiving, 132 return yards, and 2 touchdowns. The two routinely broke tackles and made plays to extend drives. The offensive line did a pretty good job of opening holes and only allowing one sack.

2. Gary Orr
QB Gary Orr was solid. Not spectacular, but was able to throw the ball down the field a little more this game. Most importantly, no interceptions. He tried a couple of times, but fortunately they were not picked. Orr finished with 198 yards rushing and a touchdown. Orr also lowered his head and ran for some hard fought yards at times.

3. Rush Defense
For the second straight week, APSU held a team below its season average of rushing yards and yards per carry. Tech managed just 70 rushing yards and 2.3 yards per carry. It is difficult to tell if Tech is a good rushing team, as they were only averaging 105.7 yards per game coming in. This number is skewed by the fact they managed -12 rushing yards against Kansas State and 256 yards against Pikeville College. In their only other game, Eastern Kentucky allowed them 80 yards rushing. Since the APSU defense held them to 2.3 yards per carry we will give them the benefit of the doubt and not attribute this to the weakness of the pass defense.

4. Receivers
The Govs have very large receivers, with Ashlon Adams, Scott Thomas, and Adrian Mines going 6’4”, 6’2”, and 6’3” respectively. When Orr gets the ball out to these guys, they catch the ball. Orr underthrew a sure touchdown to one of the guys sprinting down the middle of the field. These guys are underused, with APSU running 43 rushing plays and just 23 passing plays. All three have potential to be big contributors, and all three are underclassmen. Hopefully a season and a summer working together with Gary Orr will pay dividends for next season.

Discussion for this post can be found at:
http://www.apsugovs.com/messageboards/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=23