Colonels remain undefeated on the road in OVC play

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."

Eastern's offense went to work quickly in the second quarter. Pryor completed an 11-yard pass to Shannon Davis, and two plays later running back C.J. Walker found the end zone to cap an 11 play, 55-yard drive and give the Colonels a 6-0 lead. O'Connor's extra point attempt was blocked.

Pryor said he was comfortable running the offense and credits that to the confidence his coaches and players have in him.

"I have a lot on my shoulders, but I feel like I can step up to the plate," Pryor said. "I'm a soft-spoken guy, but coaches looked to me to become a leader and I think slowly that's what I am becoming."

Pryor is not the only quarterback on the team making plays, however. Cody Watts lines up at receiver when he is not in at quarterback. Pryor has made Watts a primary target.

"(Watts) being a quarterback and a receiver, it helps a lot because he knows where the open holes are and how to get defenders off of him," Pryor said. "We are in sync together."

Both offenses were in sync for much of the second quarter.

Ehrhardt drove the Racers 31 yards to set up a 31-yard field goal by Kienan Cullen to cut Eastern's lead in half 6-3, but the Colonels quickly responded with an 11-play, 74-yard drive resulting in an O'Connor 23-yard field goal.

Murray State looked to capitalize and cut the lead down again, but Ehrhardt's second interception of the night, this time to Marcus Williams, stopped their momentum.

Pryor only needed two minutes to drive his team downfield and score. Walker, who finished with 17 carries for 66 yards, took a handoff from Pryor and scored on a short run to give Eastern a 16-3 lead.

Murray State would tack on another field goal by Cullen, this time from 46-yards out to finish out the second quarter.

The Racers came out of halftime looking to make something happen on offense, but another key defensive play by Bell stopped Murray State in its tracks.

Bell intercepted a Nick Yantko pass in the end zone to give the ball back to Eastern.

"We really pay attention to detail and it starts with what we do in practice," Bell said. "We study their lineman, we study their receivers. We go further than anyone else watching film, so we can really break apart what their offense is going to do."

After the interception, Coach Hood called on running back Bruce Frieson to put the game out of reach. Frieson capped Eastern's 10-play, 80-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown, his first collegiate touchdown, giving Eastern a 23-6 lead.

"It was a big play and it gives me a lot of confidence heading into next week's game," Frieson said. "Hopefully my number will be called on more each game, but knowing that I just have to handle my business and do what I can to help the team."

The next drive was too little, too late for Murray State.

With 6:25 left in the game the Racers were able to drive 63 yards to close the gap, 23-13, but that would be the final score.

Coach Hood has seen his team come together at the right time heading into this Saturday's match-up with Eastern Illinois.

Hood said winning is still about the X's and O's of the game.

"Everyone wants to make this game more complex than it is," Hood said. "But the game comes down to being efficient on offense and making plays on defense. The game hasn't changed in over 100 years. There's no genius in this game. I used the same defense at Wake Forest that I use here.

"It's about players," he added. "Bottom line: Players make plays.