NEWARK, Del. — Middle Tennessee came up just short in another midweek thriller Wednesday night, falling 31-28 to Delaware in its second Conference USA midweek contest at Delaware Stadium.

The Blue Raiders (1-6, 0-4 CUSA) rallied late behind quarterback Nicholas Vattiato's third touchdown pass of the game — a 6-yard strike to AJ Jones with just over a minute remaining — but could not recover the ensuing onside kick as Delaware (4-3, 2-2) held on for the narrow win.

Vattiato was efficient once again, completing 31 of 50 passes for 281 yards and three touchdowns while connecting with nine different receivers. Nahzae Cox, Hunter Tipton, and Jones each found the end zone for the Blue Raiders, with Cox's 5-yard score in the first quarter tying the game 7-7 and Tipton's 11-yard touchdown midway through the third bringing MTSU within three.

Jekail Middlebrook led the Blue Raider rushing attack with 68 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, averaging more than six yards per attempt. He also added 53 receiving yards to finish with a team-best 147 all-purpose yards.

Middle Tennessee outgained Delaware 384-360 in total offense, marking the third straight game the Blue Raiders have topped their opponent in yardage. The MTSU defense recorded a pair of takeaways, including a first-quarter fumble recovery by Abdul Muhammad that set up Middlebrook's 4-yard touchdown run.

Defensively, Anthony Bynum and Shakai Woods paced the unit with nine tackles each, while Muaaz Byard grabbed an interception in the fourth quarter to keep the Blue Raiders within striking distance.

Trailing 31-21 entering the final minutes, MTSU put together a clutch 11-play, 89-yard drive capped by Jones' touchdown catch with 1:03 to play. Despite the late surge, Delaware ran out the clock to seal the 31-28 decision.

The loss marked MTSU's third consecutive single-possession defeat in conference play.

By the Numbers  
9,000: with 281 passing yards on the night, Vattiato surpassed 9,000 career passing yards,
384: Despite the loss, the Blue Raiders outgained their opponent 384 yards to 360. This marks the third consecutive game MTSU has outgained its opponent. 
9: Nine different Blue Raiders caught a pass on the night.

Thoughts from Head Coach Derek Mason  


Up Next   
The Blue Raiders will return to Murfreesboro for their final midweek matchup against Jax State on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2 and over the air on the Blue Raider Network.