Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
1-4 , 0-1
Kennesaw State University
3-2 , 1-0
Middle Tennessee Outgains Owls in Road Setback
9/27/2025 9:07:00 PM | Football
KENNESAW, Ga. — Despite a slow start, Middle Tennessee clawed back and had multiple chances to even the score before ultimately falling 24-16 to Kennesaw State in its Conference USA opener Saturday night at Fifth Third Stadium.
The Blue Raiders (1-4, 0-1 CUSA) trailed 21-3 after the first quarter but responded with a determined defensive effort, holding the Owls (3-2, 1-0) to just a single field goal over the final three quarters.
Running back Jekail Middlebrook powered the MTSU offense with 109 rushing yards on 20 carries and two touchdowns. His 10-yard scoring run midway through the second quarter cut the deficit to 21-10, and he added a 9-yard touchdown early in the fourth to bring the Blue Raiders within 21-16.
Middle Tennessee's defense kept momentum alive, forcing a key fumble in the second quarter and holding KSU to just one third-down conversion all game. Parker Hughes led the unit with seven tackles, while Devan Carlisle recovered the fumble that set up Middlebrook's first touchdown.
Quarterback Nicholas Vattiato threw for 285 yards, spreading completions among 10 different receivers. Nahzae Cox led the group with 77 yards, highlighted by a 35-yard grab.
MTSU outgained Kennesaw State 440-334 in total offense and dominated time of possession 38:59 to 21:32. The Blue Raiders had two late drives with chances to tie the game, reaching the KSU 11- and 38-yard lines in the final minutes before turning the ball over on downs.
By the Numbers
106: The Blue Raider outgained the Owls 440-334 on the night.
26: This marks Vattiato's 25th game with 200 or more passing yards – second most in program history.
10: Vattiato connected with 10 different receivers on the night.
Thoughts from Head Coach Derek Mason
Up Next
The Blue Raiders are off next week before returning to Murfreesboro to host Missouri State on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2 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
MT 0, KSU 7
KSU - Bullock Jr.,Gerard 13 yd pass from Moss,Christian (Williams,Britton kick) 3 plays, 30 yards, TOP 00:39
MT 0, KSU 14
KSU - Belcher,Chase 53 yd pass from Odom,Amari (Williams,Britton kick) 5 plays, 87 yards, TOP 01:25
MT 3, KSU 14
MT - Hathaway,Jacob 34 yd field goal 9 plays, 59 yards, TOP 04:31
MT 3, KSU 21
KSU - Benyard,Gabriel 29 yd pass from Odom,Amari (Williams,Britton kick) 3 plays, 62 yards, TOP 00:56
MT 10, KSU 21
MT - Middlebrook,Jekail 10 yd run (Hathaway,Jacob kick), 7 plays, 30 yards, TOP 03:31
MT 16, KSU 21
MT - Middlebrook,Jekail 9 yd run (), 12 plays, 89 yards, TOP 05:58
MT 16, KSU 24
KSU - Kinney,Daniel 39 yd field goal 10 plays, 54 yards, TOP 04:13
