El Paso, TX
Nov 2, 2024
Upload a photo of you at this game and we'll create a commemorative ticket of it.
In a hard-fought Conference USA contest, Middle Tennessee edged out UTEP 20-13 with a decisive fourth-quarter drive that saw them capture their first road victory of the season. Both squads started with field goals in the opening quarter, establishing a defensive battle that saw limited scoring opportunities. UTEP surged ahead in the second quarter with a 17-yard scramble by their true freshman quarterback JP Pickles, marking his continuing development as a starter.
Middle Tennessee answered quickly when Nicholas Vattiato found Myles Butler for a spectacular 61-yard touchdown strike. The second half continued with UTEP regaining the lead through a Buzz Flabiano 29-yard field goal. Middle Tennessee, demonstrating resilience, equalized late in the third quarter and eventually secured their victory with Vattiato's 1-yard plunge in the waning minutes. Despite UTEP's late attempt, their final effort fell short in the red zone as Middle Tennessee's defense held strong, punctuated by a Jalen Davis pass break-up on the game's final play.
Zeke Rankin (Middle Tennessee)
Zeke Rankin capitalized on UTEP's failed fake punt attempt, kicking a 21-yard field goal to give Middle Tennessee the initial advantage in field position and points.
JP Pickles (UTEP)
Executed a 17-yard rushing touchdown to give UTEP a momentary lead, demonstrating his dual-threat capability even as a true freshman starter.
Nicholas Vattiato (Middle Tennessee)
Threw a 61-yard touchdown pass to Myles Butler, who made an explosive run after the catch, shifting the momentum back to Middle Tennessee.
Xavier Williams (Middle Tennessee)
Intercepted a toe-tapping sideline pass which stymied UTEP’s drive and helped maintain momentum for the Blue Raiders.
Nicholas Vattiato (Middle Tennessee)
Concluded a strategic nine-play, 47-yard drive with a 1-yard quarterback sneak, putting Middle Tennessee ahead for good.
Jalen Davis (Middle Tennessee)
MTSU's defensive stalwart Jalen Davis broke up UTEP's final pass attempt at the goal line, solidifying the victory for the Blue Raiders.
Nicholas Vattiato (Middle Tennessee, QB)
Navigated challenging defensive pressure to lead Middle Tennessee, tallying 239 passing yards, and securing the winning touchdown with his own 1-yard plunge.
JP Pickles (UTEP, QB)
Showed poise beyond his years as the first true freshman UTEP quarterback starter since 2013, with impactful rushing yards alongside his first-half touchdown.
Myles Butler (Middle Tennessee, WR)
Emerged as a key offensive weapon, concluding with a career-high 101 receiving yards, including a critical long touchdown that swung momentum.
Zeke Rankin (Middle Tennessee, K)
Steadfast as ever, Rankin recorded key field goals, including one during the tense second-half comeback.
Xavier Williams (Middle Tennessee, DB)
Pivotal in checking UTEP's offense, his interception and overall solid defensive performance helped pivot the momentum for Middle Tennessee.
Jalen Davis (Middle Tennessee, LB)
His tenacity was evident, tying up the game with a crucial pass breakup in the final moments while leading on defense with 11 tackles.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
3
7
3
7
20
UTEP Miners
3
7
3
0
13
