OVC Championship football: Southeast v. Murray State

Southeast Missouri State University seniors Josh Price (91) and Clarence Thornton (50) close in on Murray State quarterback Preston Rice (5) during the OVC championship game against Murray State Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau. Rice would be penalized for intentional grounding on this play. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast Missouri State University senior linebacker Zach Hall (5) kneels in prayer near teammates before the OVC championship game against Murray State Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast Missouri State University senior defensive lineman Josh Avery (90) hoists up Atlas Hornsby during a recognition ceremony for senior players before the OVC championship game against Murray State Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast Missouri State University senior defensive lineman Josh Avery (90) moves in for a tackle during the OVC championship game against Murray State Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast Missouri State University's Zion Custis (22) jukes while carrying the ball during the OVC championship game against Murray State Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast Missouri State University's Justin Swift (3) gestures excitedly after seeing an opposing player commit a false start during the OVC championship game against Murray State Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast Missouri State University's Zach Smith (9) tumbles into the end zone during the OVC championship game against Murray State Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Murray State's Nigel Walton (14) knocks the ball from the grip of Southeast Missouri State University's Aaron Alston (85) in the end zone during the OVC championship game against Murray State Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast Missouri State University senior linebacker Zach Hall turns toward the end zone after intercepting a pass during the OVC championship game against Murray State Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau. Hall would score on this play, providing the Redhawks a much-needed morale boost. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast Missouri State University's Clarence Thornton (50) tries unsuccessfully to block a punt during the OVC championship game against Murray State Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast Missouri State University's Mark Robinson (23) during the OVC championship game against Murray State Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast Missouri State University's Omardrick Douglas smiles while hugging head coach Tom Matukewicz after the Redhawks won the OVC championship game against Murray State Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast Missouri State University head coach Tom Matukewicz squeezes between players to hoist the OVC championship plaque after the Redhawks clinched the championship game against Murray State Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)

Southeast Missouri State University players and coaches hoist the championship plaque after winning the OVC championship game against Murray State Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau. (Tyler Graef ~ Southeast Missourian)