RENO, Nev. – Middle Tennessee mounted a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Nevada 14-13 on Saturday night, capturing the Blue Raiders’ first victory of the 2025 season.
Down 13-7 entering the fourth quarter, quarterback Nicholas Vattiato led a methodical 12-play scoring drive that culminated with his 1-yard rushing touchdown. Jacob Hathaway’s successful extra point gave MTSU a 14-13 lead with just over four minutes left on the clock.
Vattiato completed passes for 247 yards and one touchdown, connecting with Nahzae Cox on a 5-yard scoring strike in the opening half. Cox hauled in five receptions for 45 yards, while Myles Butler topped the receiving corps with 65 yards. Jekail Middlebrook anchored the rushing attack with 67 yards on 10 attempts.
The Blue Raiders’ defense applied consistent pressure with three sacks and held Nevada’s passing game to just 166 yards. Parker Hughes recorded a game-high seven tackles to lead the defensive effort.
Key Statistics 14: MTSU’s total points scored in the final seven minutes to complete the comeback victory 7-of-17: The Blue Raiders’ third-down conversion rate throughout the contest 1: Middle Tennessee’s first win of the season
Notable Achievements
- The Blue Raiders fielded an identical offensive line for consecutive games for the first time since their September 14, 2024 matchup against Western Kentucky
- Safety John Howse notched his second career sack in the second quarter, with his previous one coming against Ole Miss last season
- This victory represents the first time since 2014 that MTSU overcame a nine-point or greater deficit with 6:30 or less remaining in regulation. The previous instance occurred on November 22, 2014, when the Blue Raiders erased a 13-point deficit in the final 4:15 to beat FAU 35-34
- The comeback also marked the first time since 2016 that a Conference USA team accomplished such a late rally. On October 15, 2016, FIU eliminated a 13-point deficit with 4:21 remaining to edge Charlotte 27-26
- Since joining the FBS ranks in 1999, Middle Tennessee has excelled in one-point decisions with a 9-4 record in such games
Source: MTSU
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