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BYU vs MTSU Game Recap: MTSU Offense Struggles, Blue Raiders lose to Cougars 27-7

In what was a well-attended game in Murfreesboro, the Blue Raiders put their quest for bowl eligibility on hold for a week, losing a sloppy game to BYU, 28-7.

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BYU can give thanks that October is over..

BYU, after going through the month without a win, used two Christian Stewart touchdown passes, and a stifling defense to stop a four-game losing streak which saw the Cougars go from national darlings and possible CFB playoff hopefuls to looking to salvage bowl eligibility. The Cougars rightened the ship on Saturday, knocking off the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, 27-7.

The game was 7-7 at the half, with BYU scoring on the opening drive on a 37-yard pass from Christian Stewart to Cody Pearson. Middle Tennessee responded in the second quarter on a 22-yard pass from Austin Grammar to Devin Clarke, though the first half was mostly a defensive struggle.

MTSU quarterback Austin Grammar was 16-32 with only 116 yards and two interceptions, and constant pressure from the BYU defense had Grammar running for his life most of the game. The MTSU defense held the BYU running game for most of the game, though Cougar starting running back Jamaal Williams went out in the 3rd quarter with what was possibly an ACL tear.

The game was not without a BYU record though. Cougar punter Scott Arellano booted an 82-yard punt in the third quarter, setting a BYU record for longest punt in a game.

Both teams have the week off next week, as BYU hostsUNLV on Saturday, November 8th, while Middle Tennessee travels to Miami to face Florida International in a Conference USA East tilt.