Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
0-1 , 0-0
Austin Peay
1-0 , 0-0
Blue Raiders Fall in Season Opener Against Austin Peay
8/30/2025 10:10:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Nahzae Cox caught two touchdown passes from Nicholas Vattiato, but Middle Tennessee couldn't overcome an early deficit in a 34-14 loss to Austin Peay on Saturday night at Floyd Stadium.
After falling behind 21-0, the Blue Raiders answered late in the first half when Vattiato capped a six-play, 67-yard drive with a 5-yard strike to Cox in the final minute before halftime. MTSU kept momentum in the third quarter, with Cox pulling in a 14-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 24-14.
Cox finished with a team-high six catches for 50 yards and both scores. Vattiato threw for 104 yards, while Jekail Middlebrook led the Blue Raider rushing attack with 48 yards on 11 carries.
On defense, Parker Hughes paced MTSU with nine tackles, while Damonte Smith and Zeion Simpson-Smith each tallied sacks as part of a three-sack night for the Blue Raiders.
By the Numbers
9: Parker Hughes paced MTSU with nine tackles.
8: The Blue Raider defense recorded eight tackles for loss, including a trio of sacks.
2: Nahzae Cox caught two touchdown passes on the night.
Blue Raider Notes
Offensive Player Notes
#1 | Nahzae Cox | WR | Jr.
- Logged six catches for 50 yards and a pair of touchdowns
- His second quarter touchdown marked the first of his career
#9 | Jekail Middlebrook | RB| r-So.
- Tallied 48 yards on 11 carries
#11 | Nicholas Vattiato | QB | r-Jr.
- Made his team-leading 25th straight start today against Austin Peay.
- Finished 15-of-36 for 104 yards and a pair of touchdowns
Defensive Player Notes
#0 | Anthony Bynum | DE | r-So.
- Posted six tackles, including 0.5 tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry
#9 | Parker Hughes | LB | Gr.
- Posted a team high nine tackles, including five solo stops, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry
#22 | Juwon Gaston | S | r-Sr.
- Posted six tackles, including four solo stops and a quarterback hurry
#46 | Reggie Johnson | OLB | r-Jr.
- Posted four tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and a 0.5 sack
#92 | Damonte Smith | DT | r-Sr.
- Posted five tackles, including three solo stops, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack
Special Teams Player Notes
#12 | John Howse IV | KR | Gr.
- Recorded his first career kick return, a 35-yard dash
#32 | Ashton Logan | P | r-Jr.
- Logged eight punts for 367 yards for an average of 45.9 yards and a long of 54
Post Game Interviews
Up Next
The Blue Raiders (0-1) now turn their attention to their first road test of the season, visiting Wisconsin next Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. CT on Fox Sports Network and over the air on the Blue Raider Network.
Follow the Blue Raiders
Follow Middle Tennessee Football on social media on Facebook (/BlueRaiderFooball), X (Formerly known as Twitter) (@MT_FB) and Instagram (@mt_fb).
Team Stats
APS 7, MTS 0
APS - Robinson,Jaden 22 yd pass from Parson,Chris (Smith,Carson kick) 7 plays, 63 yards, TOP 03:51
APS 14, MTS 0
APS - Simmons,Courtland 1 yd run (Smith,Carson kick), 8 plays, 53 yards, TOP 03:06
APS 21, MTS 0
APS - Head,Jackson 4 yd pass from Parson,Chris (Smith,Carson kick) 17 plays, 89 yards, TOP 09:30
APS 21, MTS 7
MTS - Cox,Nahzae 5 yd pass from Vattiato,Nicholas (Hathaway,Jacob kick) 6 plays, 67 yards, TOP 01:34
APS 24, MTS 7
APS - Smith,Carson 40 yd field goal 9 plays, 52 yards, TOP 03:56
APS 24, MTS 14
MTS - Cox,Nahzae 14 yd pass from Vattiato,Nicholas (Hathaway,Jacob kick) 5 plays, 44 yards, TOP 02:06
APS 27, MTS 14
APS - Smith,Carson 36 yd field goal 5 plays, 25 yards, TOP 02:07
APS 34, MTS 14
APS - Smith,Austin 2 yd run (Smith,Carson kick), 7 plays, 28 yards, TOP 03:52
