MURRAY, KY (WSIL) -- The College Football Season is fast approaching.
Today, the Ohio Valley Conference held their media day via Zoom.
Murray State has been picked the preseason football favorites in the Ohio Valley Conference for the 2021 season.
The Racers picked up seven of a possible 14 first-place votes in a poll of league head coaches and communications directors.
Murray State totaled 64 points to finish just ahead of Austin Peay and Southeast Missouri.
It marks only the third time the Racers have been tabbed the preseason favorites and first time since 1996.
When it comes to individual accolades, Murray State led the way with 10 preseason selections.
Head Coach Dean Hood is excited about his experienced roster.
"We have not only the starters back but we have a lot of the backup guys back that are pushing the starters and we have competition in our team everywhere," Hood said. "Very humbled by the fact that guys wanted to be here. We had a lot of success because our kids play hard for each other. If the offense has a bad series the defense goes in and says don’t worry about it we’re gonna get the ball back for you and vice versa. Our guys fight hard for each other and they care about each other. So we’re really blessed to have a group of guys that all wanted to come back and be around each other and have another year playing football together."
"I like being in the weight room and stuff you know I came here to play football that’s what I love to do," Murray State offensive lineman Levi Nesler said. "Getting to play football year round is awesome. I think with the guys coming back it’s a great thing Because with the new faces coming in and new freshman coming in, those 22 guys and other guys besides that, they know what the standard of this program is. With having that many people and that many people that know what’s supposed to happen it makes the transition for younger guys so easy."
Murray State opens the Season Thursday September 2nd at home against Mississippi Valley State University. 7 o'clock kickoff. Game available on ESPN Plus.
