MSU welcomes Lincoln (Pa.) in search of first win of season

MOREHEAD, Ky. — Seeking its initial win of the 2016 season, the Morehead State football team hosts Lincoln (Pa.) Saturday at 6 p.m. ET for the annual Family Weekend game.

Tickets are available, as well as spaces in the Eagle Rally Zone tailgating lot. The game, presented by Penn Station East Coast Subs, can be heard live on the Eagle Sports Radio Network (WIVY-96.3 FM flagship) with affiliates throughout eastern Kentucky. It’s also Youth Football Night, and all youth wearing their jersey will be admitted free. Parents of youth are just $10.

“I don’t think anyone in our program thought we would be 0-2 at this point,” said head coach Rob Tenyer. “Getting a win right now is going to be paramount moving forward.”

The Eagles made improvements from week one to last week before falling 17-13 to VMI.

“I thought our defense made tremendous improvements,” Tenyer said. “On offense, we are still lacking an identity, and it is our job to make sure our playmakers get touches. We have excellent playmakers, and we have to ensure they have better chances this week. We did some nice things, but we have to be more consistent. I would like to see our special teams improve too this week.”

The Eagle defense allowed just 334 yards, but Tenyer would like to see his team’s turnover margin narrow.

“We’ve fumbled too many times, and we haven’t made key plays. That has killed too many drives, and we need to start creating more turnovers,” he said. “We have been very good at creating turnovers the last two years, and I think that aspect will come back.”

The Eagles will face a Lincoln (Pa.) team that is 1-1. The Lions are a Division II scholarship program under the direction of Grambling alum Herb Pickens. Last season they were 3-7. They defeated Lincoln (Mo.) last weekend and fell 21-20 to Cheney (Pa.) on opening weekend.

“They have some good skill athletes and should be very athletic,” said Tenyer.

One bright spot last week for Morehead State was the play of sophomore running back Ryan Watkins. Making his first start, Watkins rushed for 79 yards on 20 carries.

“My offensive line does a great job of opening up holes, and I just have to make the right reads,” Watkins said.

The Eagles out-gained the Keydets last week 368-334. Senior quarterback Austin Gahafer got going with 251 yards on 28 completions.

MSU will open up Pioneer League play the following weekend when it travels to Des Moines, Iowa to face Drake at 2 p.m. ET.