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.
Matchup Prediction
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Marshall | 10-3 | 7-1 |
| Georgia Southern | 8-5 | 6-2 |
| James Madison | 9-4 | 4-4 |
| Old Dominion | 5-7 | 4-4 |
| Coastal Carolina | 6-7 | 3-5 |
| App State | 5-6 | 3-5 |
| Georgia State | 3-9 | 1-7 |
Sun Belt - West
| TEAM | OVER | CONF |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 10-4 | 7-1 |
| Texas State | 8-5 | 5-3 |
| Arkansas State | 8-5 | 5-3 |
| South Alabama | 7-6 | 5-3 |
| UL Monroe | 5-7 | 3-5 |
| Troy | 4-8 | 3-5 |
| Southern Miss | 1-11 | 0-8 |
College Football News
Nebraska nixes Tennessee series citing stadium renovations
Nebraska has opted out of its deal to play Tennessee in a home-and-home series scheduled for 2026 and 2027 because the Huskers' football stadium will be undergoing renovations.
Former NFL RB Portis joins Jackson's staff at Delaware State
Clinton Portis, who rushed for nearly 10,000 yards over nine NFL seasons with Denver and Washington, is joining DeSean Jackson's staff at Delaware State as running backs coach.
How proposed changes to CFP seeding would affect college football landscape
Heather Dinich joins "Get Up" to explain the changes to the College Football Playoff seeding that are being discussed.
Scouting ESPN 300 QBs and how they'll fit in 2025
The 10 top signal-callers in 2025 have their new homes. Here's how their games will work.
Sources: Gators to promote Callaway to OC; Napier to call plays
The Florida Gators are expected to promote Russ Callaway to offensive coordinator, sources told ESPN, but head coach Billy Napier will remain the play-caller.