Racers host No. 1 North Dakota State Saturday

The Murray State Racers face a daunting challenge Saturday, in the form of the FCS No. 1 team in the nation.

The North Dakota State Bison bring their undefeated Missouri Valley Conference record to Roy Stewart Stadium for their first ever visit to Murray from faraway Fargo, 1000 miles to the north.

The Racers (1-6) are coming off of a tough Homecoming loss where running back Juwaun Northington scored two touchdowns on a career-high 104 yards rushing. Quarterback Jayden Johannsen also threw for a pair of TDs.

This season's schedule may be the most difficult MSU has ever faced, as the season could produce eight opponents in 12 games that will be or were ranked nationally when they met the Racers. 

Ranked teams in 2024 include (11) Missouri,  (8) North Dakota, (4) South Dakota, (16) Illinois State, (1) North Dakota State, (3) South Dakota State.

Since national FCS rankings began in 1978, the Racers have faced a top-5 team 23 times and have won five. 

The last win against a top-5 opponent was in 2002 when they defeated Tony Romo and the No. 2 rated Eastern Illinois Panthers 37-35 at Roy Stewart Stadium. The game featured the game winner on the final play, a 52-yard field goal by Shane Andrus.

In 1980 and 1981, the Racers were the FCS preseason No. 1 team under Coach Mike Gottfried.

Kickoff Saturday is 1 p.m.