Racers prep for third season in nation's toughest FCS football conference

Murray State will have four games under its belt before it launches into another season of Missouri Valley Conference football in October.

The Racers will need all the snaps they can get to prepare for their third season in the nations's premier FCS league, the home of the preseason number 1, 3, 4 and 6-ranked teams in the country. Missouri Valley teams have won the past four national championships in the division.

On October 4, the Racers will travel to South Dakota (No. 4 preseason). The next Saturday, they'll host Illinois State (No. 6 preseason.) On October 18, Murray will entertain South Dakota State (No. 3).

This year's other MVFC matchups include Youngstown State Oct. 25; Southern Illinois Nov. 1; Northern Iowa Nov. 8; North Dakota Nov. 15; and Indiana State Nov. 22.

Murray State is picked tenth in the league's preseason voting:(Points / First-Place Votes)

1. North Dakota State …. 417 (39)
2. South Dakota State …. 355
3. South Dakota …. 349 (3)
4. Illinois State .... 292
5. Youngstown State …. 211
6. Southern Illinois …. 208
7. North Dakota .... 196
8. Northern Iowa …. 130
9. Indiana State …. 105
10. Murray State .... 47

The Racers open their non-conference season this Saturday at East Tennessee State.