Redbirds Look to bounce back on the road after loss to Missouri State

NORMAL, Ill.- Head Football Coach Brock Spack stepped up to the microphone following his team’s disappointing Week Seven loss to the Bears from Missouri State, wanting to focus on moving forward, just like the season.

“It is important that we get back on track,” Spack said about how his team needs to respond after last week’s loss. The Redbirds head into their Week Eight matchup still ranked in the top 25 in the FCS at spot 23.

Looking at their matchup this week against the Racers from Murray State, Spack made sure to give props to their Running Backs as he considers them both, “hard downhill runners.” Those two running backs were junior Q’Daryius Jennings and junior Jawaun Northington, both with 50 rushing attempts. Jennings led the way with 238 rushing yards.

Another part of this Murray State offense is their Dual-Threat Quarterback in senior Jayden Johannesen, who has thrown for 713 yards and ran for 153. Johannesen has a total of 6 touchdowns this season.

A big problem for the Redbirds this past weekend that has been a focal point throughout the season was turnovers. The Redbird’s four turnovers this past weekend bring their season turnover total to 13. Coach Spack mentioned that this is stuff they work on in practice, saying “ball-handling” is the first thing they do every practice. The Redbirds will look to stay turnover-free against a Murray State team that has only forced five turnovers so far this year.

The last time these two foes faced off, the Redbirds were in complete control in 44-7 rout of the Racers. That game, however, was in Normal. The Redbirds will hit the road for a Week seven matchup with the Racers from Murray State in Murray, KY with kickoff set for 2 pm.