Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
· NCAA - Football
Middle Tennessee with 5 takeaways, tops Southern Miss 35-10
In addition to DeLiello's touchdown runs of 6 and 14 yards, Middle Tennessee (4-4, 2-2 Conference USA) scored off a blocked punt, a fumble recovery and an interception. The Blue Raiders entered the game tied with Iowa for the national lead with 20 forced turnovers.
DeLiello, who came on in the first quarter for the injured Chase Cunningham (lower body), completed eight of 12 passes for 78 yards. DeLiello had attempted just three passes this season. Trailing 7-0, DeLiello converted a fourth-down pass to DJ England-Chisolm on the way to his 6-yard TD run to knot the score at 7-7.
Less than a minute later, Tra Fluellen scooted 18 yards to score after a blocked punt and Middle Tennessee led the rest of the way. Jordan Branch added a 29-yard return of a fumble recovery as the Blue Raiders led 21-7 at halftime.
DeLiello added a second touchdown and DQ Thomas a 43-yard interception return for a TD in the second half.
Jake Lange threw for 166 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted twice and sacked seven times for Southern Miss (1-7, 0-4). Frank Gore carried 20 times for 83 yards.
The disappearance of Conference USA continued as Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky were reported to be under consideration as the Mid-American Conference considers expansion.
How To Watch
How can I watch Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders?
- TV Channel: Golden Eagles at Blue Raiders 2021 College Football, week 9, is broadcasted on ESPN+.
- Online streaming: Sign up for Fubo.
Scoring Summary
 |
TD | 1st Period 7:47 | Jason Brownlee 13 Yd pass from Jake Lange (Briggs Bourgeois Kick) |
 |
TD | 1st Period 1:08 | Mike DiLiello 6 Yd Run (Zeke Rankin Kick) |
|
TD | 1st Period 0:14 | Tra Fluellen 18 Yd Return of Blocked Punt (Zeke Rankin Kick) |
|
TD | 2nd Period 11:42 | Jordan Branch 29 Yd Fumble Return (Zeke Rankin Kick) |
|
FG | 3rd Period 7:46 | Briggs Bourgeois 38 Yd Field Goal |
|
TD | 3rd Period 5:09 | Mike DiLiello 14 Yd Run (Zeke Rankin Kick) |
|
TD | 3rd Period 0:26 | DQ Thomas 43 Yd Interception Return (Zeke Rankin Kick) |
Statistics
 USM |
 MTSU |
|
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 1st Downs | 15 |
| 5-18 | 3rd down efficiency | 1-9 |
| 2-5 | 4th down efficiency | 1-3 |
| 234 | Total Yards | 287 |
| 184 | Passing | 142 |
| 18/41 | Comp/Att | 14/21 |
| 4.5 | Yards per pass | 6.8 |
| 50 | Rushing | 145 |
| 41 | Rushing Attempts | 35 |
| 1.2 | Yards per rush | 4.1 |
| 12-96 | Penalties | 8-83 |
| 5 | Turnovers | 4 |
| 2 | Fumbles lost | 3 |
| 3 | Interceptions thrown | 1 |
| 33:00 | Possession | 27:00 |
Game Information
Location: Murfreesboro, TN
Attendance: 10,721 · Capacity:
Sun Belt - East
| TEAM | OVR | CONF |
|---|---|---|
| James Madison | 12-2 | 8-0 |
| Old Dominion | 10-3 | 6-2 |
| Coastal Carolina | 6-7 | 5-3 |
| Georgia Southern | 7-6 | 4-4 |
| Marshall | 5-7 | 3-5 |
| App State | 5-8 | 2-6 |
| Georgia State | 1-11 | 0-8 |
Sun Belt - West
| TEAM | OVER | CONF |
|---|---|---|
| Troy | 8-6 | 6-2 |
| Southern Miss | 7-6 | 5-3 |
| Louisiana | 6-7 | 5-3 |
| Arkansas State | 7-6 | 5-3 |
| Texas State | 7-6 | 3-5 |
| South Alabama | 4-8 | 3-5 |
| UL Monroe | 3-9 | 1-7 |
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