TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — In a thrilling matchup, Indiana State emerged victorious against Murray State with a score of 31-27 on Saturday. Elijah Owens showcased his versatile skills by throwing for one touchdown and rushing for another, while Rocco Ciocca capped off the game with a crucial 1-yard touchdown run, finding the end zone with just 11 seconds remaining.

Initially, the Racers were trailing 24-10, but they mounted an impressive comeback that tied the score. Jayden Johannsen found success with back-to-back short touchdown passes on consecutive drives, ultimately giving Murray State a lead with a 25-yard field goal by James London with only 1:57 left in the game.

Undeterred, Owens directed a lengthy 75-yard offensive drive, achieving 2 of 3 completions and gaining 22 yards with two impressive runs. The drive culminated with Shen Butler-Lawson’s burst up the middle for 32 yards, bringing the ball to Murray State’s 1-yard line. With 43 seconds still on the clock, Indiana State attempted two quarterback sneaks without success before Owens handed off to Ciocca, a backup tight end, who successfully crossed the line for the game-winning score.

Owens completed 25 of his 34 passing attempts, accumulating 218 yards. His standout performance included an 18-yard touchdown pass to Kai Rios, along with a 3-yard rushing touchdown that helped Indiana State establish a 21-10 lead by halftime. Meanwhile, Johannsen threw for 256 yards, completing 20 of 38 passes, including a 2-yard pass to Kade Neely late in the third quarter and an 11-yard touchdown connection with Justice Hill shortly after. Hill was a key player for the Racers, making seven receptions for a total of 103 yards.

In summary, Indiana State’s blend of effective passing and timely rushing proved instrumental in overcoming a challenging deficit and securing a crucial victory in their conference play.