Murray State Might Have The Worst Defense to Ever Play at Kroger Field

Kentucky has not won a football game since they shocked the world and beat a Top 10 Ole Miss team on the road. Fortunately, the Wildcats are getting a little November reprieve, following up a bye week with a matchup against Murray State.

Excluding the nail-biting overtime win over EKU back in Mark Stoops’ third season, the annual FCS matchup serves as an opportunity for injured players to rest and underclassmen to get quality reps. They may get a little weird, but they’re rarely ever in doubt because of the overwhelming talent disparity. The talent disparity has never been greater.

Murray State is 1-9, winless in Missouri Valley Conference play, and their last three opponents have scored 50+ points. Six teams have eaten 50 Burgers against the Racers and it wasn’t Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz who tallied the season-high. That honor belongs to North Dakota, who scored 72 points back in September.

The Murray State defense coming to Lexington this Saturday might be the worst defense to ever play at Kroger Field/Commonwealth Stadium in the 51 years of the venue’s existence.

Murray State Defensive Stats

Before scanning the stats to see where Murray State ranks among its FCS counterparts, keep in mind that there are 123 FCS teams.

Scoring Defense	45.0 ppg.	123
Total Defense	500.1 ypg.	122
Rushing Defense	217 ypg.	113
Pass Defense	283.1 ypg.	120
Third Down Defense	49.6%	t-114
Red Zone Defense	94.3%	119
Turnovers Forced	7	t-113

There is one statistical category where you will find Murray State near the top of the FCS ranks. Opponents have converted on just 5-13 fourth down attempts. The Racers’ 38.5% fourth down defense ranks No. 29 in the FCS. You may be able to move the ball on first, second, and third downs, but you better not try Murray State on fourth.

Time for Kentucky to Put Up Some Numbers

As bad as the Murray State defense has been, the Kentucky offense has not been much better in the FBS ranks. The Wildcats rank in the 120s in passing, yards per game, and points per game. Just when Brock Vandagriff was starting to get going, he was injured at Tennessee. His status is uncertain entering Saturday’s game.

Kentucky desperately needs to show some life on offense to finish the season on a high-note. Fortunately, the porous Murray State defense is providing the perfect opportunity for Bush Hamdan‘s struggling unit.

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