CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Sophomore quarterback Tommy Hays rushed for two touchdowns and completed over 80 percent of his passes, but the Austin Peay State University football team came up short 45-17 against Murray State, Saturday, at Fortera Stadium.

Turning Point

Following a 15-yard touchdown pass from KD Humphries to Jordon Gandy at the 3:11 mark of the second quarter, Murray State booted a short kickoff that was recovered at the APSU 25. Minutes later, the Racers tacked on another seven points after Humphries completed a 10-yard strike to Jesse Blackburn, increasing their lead to 24-3.

Inside the Box Score

The Governors scored on their first drive for the first time since last season vs. Southeast Missouri (Nov. 7), a 39-yard field goal by senior Nick Gauna.

Tommy Hays gave APSU its first touchdown 26 seconds before halftime, a 22-yard scamper down the sideline. Late in the third quarter, the signal caller scored his second touchdown of the night after scrambling up the middle for an eight-yard score. In addition, Hays completed his first 14 passes, finishing with an 82.3 completion percentage. The two rushing touchdowns by Hays was the first time an APSU player rushed for multiple touchdowns in a single-game since Rashaan Coleman had three against SEMO (Nov. 16, 2013).

In addition, it’s the first Governors quarterback to rush for two or more touchdowns in a contest since Brian Baker totaled two on Oct. 27, 2001 against Morehead State.

The Govs, who entered the game as one of the top teams in the nation in passing yards per completion at 15.05, recorded 10.7 yards on 16 completions, Saturday.

Coming off his big game at Eastern Illinois, junior Jared Beard totaled seven catches for 60 yards, Saturday, including a 21-yard catch and run. Beard has now caught a pass in 13-straight games.

Running back Kendall Morris averaged 7.1 yards per rush, rushing for 57 yards on eight carries. Morris reeled off a 27-yard run, the longest rush for the Govs this season.

Zeandre Floyd registered his first catch of the season, a 16-yard reception in the second half.

Defensively, sophomore James Bond tied for the team lead in tackles with 12, a career-high. Bond also forced a fumble that was recovered by Hunter Lane.

Freshman Neonta Alexander made a career-best 12 tackles after recording 10 last weekend. Alexander also forced a fumble, with Lloyd Tubman recovering on the play.

Junior Malik Boynton had a season-high 10 tackles from his safety position.

For the first time this season, senior Roderick Owens picked off a pass, intercepting Humphries who was targeting a receiver in the corner of the endzone.