Record vs. James Madison: 2-7
Record in Harrisonburg: 0-6
NOTABLE
• This year's senior/4th+ year class marks the largest of head coach
Rob Tenyer's eight seasons. Eighteen players are listed as true seniors with 11 more as redshirt juniors in their fourth year in college or in the Eagle program.
• Saturday's contest is the fourth game the Eagles have played at James Madison since 2010 and the highest ranking the Dukes have been when the Eagles played them. The teams are also scheduled to meet again in Harrisonburg this fall on Sept. 4 and again in 2023.
• Senior defensive end
Vaughn Taylor, Jr., returns as the Pioneer League leader in tackles for loss (18.0) and sacks (5.5). The Kansas transfer ranked 12th in the FCS in 2019 and is now third on MSU's single-season TFL list. He is a First-Team Preseason All-PFL pick after being first-team in 2019.
• Senior
Andrew Foster ranked first in the PFL in punting in 2019, averaging 41.8 yards on 53 punts.
•
Andrew Foster was first Eagle punter since Chris Burke in 1985 and 1986 to average at least 40 yards per punt for the entire season for two straight years.
•
Andrew Foster set the program record for consecutive PATs made last year when he nailed 38 straight.
• Starting quarterback
Mark Pappas threw for 2,337 yards and 19 TDs in 2019, completing 57 percent of his passes. That was the 14th highest single season yardage total in program history. Pappas averaged 311.1 yards in his final four games of the season before missing the season finale.
• Pappas ranked 21st in the FCS in yards per completion at 13.6.
• Starting running back
Issiah Aguero was named Honorable Mention All-PFL after a season in which he rushed for 958 yards and seven scores. Aguero's rushing total was the most Rees Macshara had 1,013 in 2012.
• MSU's defense ranked second in the PFL in turnovers gained with 22. The Eagles led the PFL and ranked 20th in FCS in fumble recoveries with 11.
• Junior slot receiver
Ian Holder ranked second among all PFL players in kick return average. Holder had 21 returns for a 27.1-yard average.
• Among a number of changes and additions to the coaching staff, third-year assistant
Andrew Strobel was elevated recently to defensive coordinator. Strobel coached the linebackers and special teams previously.
Kylan Butler was promoted to Associate Head Coach.
• Morehead State once again led the PFL in home attendance in 2019. In six games, the Eagles drew an average of 5,662 fans to Jayne Stadium. Morehead State has led the league in attendance six consecutive seasons.
OTHER INTERESTING ITEMS
PRESEASON HYPE
Vaughn Taylor, Jr., was selected to the College Sports Journal Preseason All-American list.
TENACIOUS D
Morehead State held Valparaiso to only 22 total rushing yards on 23 carries on Nov. 9, 2019. It marked the best rushing defensive effort against a Division I foe by the Eagles since limiting Valpo to negative-26 in 2010.
HONORED EAGLES
Morehead State has earned six PFL weekly awards in 2019.
Vaughn Taylor, Jr., (Defense) earned three, while
Andrew Foster earned two honors (Special Teams) and sophomore QB
Mark Pappas was named Offensive Player of the Week once.
HE'S GOT LEGSSenior kicker
Andrew Foster was named in the fall to the FCS Punter of the Year Watch List, presented by the Augusta (Ga.) Sports Council. Foster was one of 22 FCS punters to make the initial lists, which will be updated for the spring soon.
NEW STAFF ADDED