MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – A two-hour and 12-minute severe weather delay couldn't slow down Middle Tennessee's hot start, as the Blue Raiders struck for two touchdowns in just four plays following the stoppage. But despite the early fireworks, MTSU fell 42-28 to Marshall in its Homecoming game Saturday night at Floyd Stadium.

Nicholas Vattiato threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns, finding Nahzae Cox and Amorion Walker for first-quarter scores as the Blue Raiders quickly erased an early deficit. Jekail Middlebrook added a 72-yard run to set up the first touchdown and finished with 152 all-purpose yards.

Jacob Hathaway booted field goals of 50 and 38 yards to pull MTSU within one at halftime, and Vattiato's 3-yard touchdown run in the third quarter gave the Blue Raiders a 28-21 lead.

Defensively, Parker Hughes led the charge with 14 tackles, while Damonte Smith and Reggie Johnson each recorded sacks.

By the Numbers  
50: Hathaway hit a career-long 50-yard field goal in the second quarter – tied for eighth longest in program history. The last time a Blue Raider hit from 50 or more yards was Canon Rooker in 2017 against UTEP. 
25: This marks Vattiato's 25th game with 200 or more passing yards – second most in program history.
3: Cox has recorded a touchdown the last three consecutive games.

Blue Raider Notes  

• Tonight's game featured a two hour and 12-minute severe weather delay. 
• Last year's homecoming game also featured a severe weather delay, lasting an hour and 41-minutes. 
• In the previous eight home games, the Blue Raiders have seen three severe weather delays, amassing six hours and 33 minutes. 

Thoughts from Head Coach Derek Mason  

Up Next   
The Blue Raiders (1-3) travel to Kennesaw State next Saturday. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. CT on ESPN+ and over the air on the Blue Raider Network.