What we learned about MTSU football in its 35-14 win over Murray State in home opener

MURFREESBORO − Middle Tennessee State football rolled past Murray State 35-14 in the Blue Raiders' home opener Saturday at Floyd Stadium.

The Blue Raiders (1-2), who were missing seven starters with because of injuries, outgained the Racers 508-401 while forcing three turnovers.

MTSU will be back at home Saturday (6 p.m., ESPN+) against Colorado State.

Here's what we learned about the home-opening win:

Middle Tennessee State offense gets quick start

MTSU scored on three of its first five possessions and built a 21-0 lead on the Racers (1-2) in the first 17 minutes.

The Blue Raiders had outgained Murray State 213-20 before the Racers offense got going on its lone scoring drive of the half. MTSU finished the half with a 318-162 advantage in yardage.

MTSU punted twice and turned the ball over on an interception on its final three drives of the half then turned it over on downs inside the Murray State 10 on its first drive of the third quarter.

The Blue Raiders went ahead 28-7 late in the third on an 18-yard run by freshman Jekail Middlebrook, his second touchdown of the game and first two in college. Jeremy Tate's 40-yard TD reception closed out the Blue Raiders' scoring.

"Our offensive line, I thought, did a really nice job of staying on blocks," MTSU coach Rick Stockstill said. "I thought our receivers did a good job blocking in space. (Middlebrook) comes in, true freshman, he's playing really well. He has good speed. You saw him running over some people to get a touchdown."

MTSU redshirt sophomore Nick Vattiato was 28-of-34 for 291 yards with two touchdowns and rushed for 41 yards.

Jaiden Credle excels in first start for Middle Tennessee State

MTSU sophomore running back Jaiden Credle filled in nicely as the lead back for starter Frank Peasant, who missed the game because of an undisclosed injury.

Credle, a 6-foot-1, 193-pound transfer from Northern Illinois, finished with 11 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown and had a 14-yard touchdown reception. His 71-yard scoring run on the Blue Raiders’ third possession gave them a 14-0 lead.

"I knew at the beginning of the week, (offensive coordinator Mitch) Stewart telling me to get ready," Credle said. "He told me, 'Get ready, it's your time, the ball is in your hands.' It felt good. Frank is a big player for this team. Me just being able to just step up is an accomplishment for me."

Dobson makes second MTSU debut

Redshirt senior wide receiver Zack Dobson, who played with MTSU from 2018-19 before transferring to West Virginia and then Tennessee State, made his debut in his return to the Blue Raiders.

Dobson, who also played at Knoxville’s Fulton High, made an impact in his return, catching four passes for 24 yards and rushing once for a yard. Dobson had 740 total yards and seven touchdowns in his two seasons with MTSU.

He didn’t officially join the team until Sept. 11 after transfer paperwork was completed.

MORE: MTSU Student-Athlete Performance Center construction moving along, on target for 2025

MTSU defensive front flexes muscle

MTSU’s strength this season arguably has been its defensive front, and that trend continued Saturday.

The Blue Raiders had eight tackles for loss and two sacks as well as forcing three turnovers.

Redshirt junior linebacker Sam Brumfield, a Northwest Mississippi Community College transfer, led MTSU with 13 tackles, including a sack, and a forced fumble.

"It was about being there for my team and putting my defense in a position to go out there and make plays," Brumfield said.

Defensive linemen Zaylin Wood and Marley Cook and linebacker Parker Hughes had fumble recoveries.

MTSU redshirt sophomore safety Jakobe Thomas also had a big game with six tackles (one for loss) and a forced fumble.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: MTSU football: Things we learned during 35-14 win over Murray State