Colonels remain undefeated on the road in OVC play
Eastern's defense shines, grabs three interceptions in a 23-13 win Saturday over rival Murray State
Darren Zancan
Issue date: 10/1/09 Section: Sports
It's no secret that Eastern's defense has played lights-out football in 2009.
But in Saturday's match-up against Murray State, quarterback T.J. Pryor, along with a new cast of offensive playmakers, helped the Colonels walk away with a 23-13 win on the road against the Racers.
Hoping to set the game's tempo, Eastern Head Coach Dean Hood started the game with a no huddle offense.
"Our offense has the ability to change tempo, to go faster, hurry plays in and see what we can change," Hood said. "We just pull out of the toolbox what we need. If we need a wrench, we get a wrench. If it's a screwdriver, it's a screwdriver. However the game goes is what we use more of."
As the game went on, Hood used one of his best tools more and more in key situations. Pryor finished 11 for 14 for 174-yards, along with 35-yards rushing.
Consistent defensive play took some pressure off of Pryor and the offense, as it has all season.
Justin Bell came up with his second key play in as many games against Murray State, now 1-3 overall and 0-1 in the OVC.
Bell jumped in front of a Jeff Ehrhardt pass to set up the first of three interceptions for Eastern's defense. Last week against Tennessee Tech, Bell blocked a punt to set up a scoring drive.
"It comes down to preparation and focus," Bell said. "We haven't been as focused the last couple games. The more we focus, the better we will (be)."
The Colonels (2-1, 2-0) looked to capitalize, but kicker Logan O'Connor's 44-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left.
The first quarter ended with both teams knotted up at 0-0.
A positive for Eastern was how they kept Murray State's offense in check. After one quarter of action, the Racers had just nine yards of total offense and no first downs.
"As much as our defense is playing well, we still have a lot of room for improvement," coach Tony Hatmaker said. "The three interceptions were due to pressure from the defensive line and linebackers."
But in Saturday's match-up against Murray State, quarterback T.J. Pryor, along with a new cast of offensive playmakers, helped the Colonels walk away with a 23-13 win on the road against the Racers.
Hoping to set the game's tempo, Eastern Head Coach Dean Hood started the game with a no huddle offense.
"Our offense has the ability to change tempo, to go faster, hurry plays in and see what we can change," Hood said. "We just pull out of the toolbox what we need. If we need a wrench, we get a wrench. If it's a screwdriver, it's a screwdriver. However the game goes is what we use more of."
As the game went on, Hood used one of his best tools more and more in key situations. Pryor finished 11 for 14 for 174-yards, along with 35-yards rushing.
Consistent defensive play took some pressure off of Pryor and the offense, as it has all season.
Justin Bell came up with his second key play in as many games against Murray State, now 1-3 overall and 0-1 in the OVC.
Bell jumped in front of a Jeff Ehrhardt pass to set up the first of three interceptions for Eastern's defense. Last week against Tennessee Tech, Bell blocked a punt to set up a scoring drive.
"It comes down to preparation and focus," Bell said. "We haven't been as focused the last couple games. The more we focus, the better we will (be)."
The Colonels (2-1, 2-0) looked to capitalize, but kicker Logan O'Connor's 44-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left.
The first quarter ended with both teams knotted up at 0-0.
A positive for Eastern was how they kept Murray State's offense in check. After one quarter of action, the Racers had just nine yards of total offense and no first downs.
"As much as our defense is playing well, we still have a lot of room for improvement," coach Tony Hatmaker said. "The three interceptions were due to pressure from the defensive line and linebackers."
Be the first to comment on this story