MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A strong start for Middle Tennessee football was spoiled on Wednesday night, as 31 unanswered points from Jacksonville State in the second half proved to be the difference in a 45-30 loss at Floyd Stadium.
The Blue Raiders (1-5, 0-2 CUSA) found success through the air early and often against the Gamecocks (5-1, 3-0 CUSA), passing for over 400 yards. But a poor run game on offense, plus four MTSU turnovers resulting in 28 points for JSU, soured the program’s annual Blackout game.
By the Numbers
408: Passing yards for Vattiato, the most passing yards from an MTSU quarterback since Chase Cunningham threw for 448 yards against FAU on November 19, 2022.
124, 115: Receiving yards for Justin Olson and Elijah Metcalf, respectively. The last time MTSU had two receivers over 100 yards receiving was at Miami on September 24, 2022.
28: Points off turnovers for Jacksonville State.
- Blue Raider Notes
Wide receiver Justin Olson logged his first start as Blue Raider against Jax State – eighth of his career. - Defensive back Tyrell Raby made his first career start against Jax State.
Posted a season high of 563 yards of total offensive. - First 400-yard passing performance by a Blue Raider since Brent Stockstill threw for 407 yards against UT Martin on Sep. 8, 2018.
- First game with two 100-yard receivers by the Blue Raider since Middle Tennessee upset No. 25 Miami on Sep. 24, 2022.
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