MTSU Football Secures Back-to-Back Win

Middle Tennessee State football concluded the season with two consecutive victories, defeating host New Mexico State 31-24 in overtime on November 29. Roman Gagliano connected with AJ Jones on an 11-yard touchdown pass in overtime, marking their second scoring play of the day. The Blue Raiders (3-9, 2-6 Conference USA) successfully stopped the Aggies (4-8, 2-6) on their overtime drive, securing the win.

The Blue Raiders managed to force three turnovers and built a 17-7 lead late in the third quarter before allowing back-to-back touchdowns. MTSU had a De’Arre McDonald interception return for a touchdown nullified by a pass interference penalty on 4th-and-2 from the Raider 26, which helped extend a late game-tying field goal drive for the Aggies. The Blue Raiders were penalized 13 times for 128 yards, while the hosts were only 3-for-20 in passing.

MTSU accumulated 459 yards in offense, with Gagliano completing 24-of-42 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns. Jekail Middlebrook rushed for 95 yards, and Riverdale product DJ Taylor added 77 yards rushing, including a 64-yard touchdown.

Key Moments of the Game

• MTSU 31, New Mexico State 24: Raiders strike first in OT
  Roman Gagliano hit AJ Jones on an 11-yard TD strike in the first overtime to put the Raiders in front. A pass interference call on the Aggies helped set up the score.

• MTSU 24, New Mexico State 24: Pick-6 wiped off by penalty
  The game headed to overtime after Ryan Hawk kicked a 35-yard field goal with 58 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 24. MTSU had an interception return for a TD by De'Arre McDonald wiped off by a pass interference penalty on 4th-and-2 to help extend the drive.

• MTSU 24, New Mexico State 21: Raiders answer to regain lead
  Roman Gagliano hit Landon Collins on a 19-yard touchdown strike with 5:05 left in the fourth to help the Blue Raiders regain the lead over the Aggies. Collins also caught a 48-yard pass on the 64-yard drive, which was set up by a Kalen Woods interception.

• New Mexico State 21, MTSU 17: Long pass sets up go-ahead TD
  Damante Adams connected with TK King for a 39-yard diving catch, which set up Adams' TD from the 1 on a tush push, giving the Aggies a 21-17 lead over the Blue Raiders. There's 11:49 left in the fourth.

• End 3: MTSU 17, New Mexico State 14
  The Blue Raiders were held to just 47 yards in the third quarter but still outgained the Aggies 371-275. Jekail Middlebrook has 95 of MTSU's 206 yards rushing.

• MTSU 17, New Mexico State 14: Aggies drive 75 yards
  Damante Adams hit TK King on a five-yard touchdown with 52 seconds left in the third quarter to help the Aggies cut the MTSU lead to three. New Mexico State drove 75 yards on 11 plays.

• MTSU 17, New Mexico State 7: Interception turns into points
  Jacob Hathaway kicked a 25-yard field goal with 6:04 left in the third quarter to increase the Blue Raiders lead to 10. A Juwon Gaston interception, his third of the season, returned from the Aggie 42 to the 12 set up the score.

Halftime and First Half Highlights

• Halftime: MTSU 14, New Mexico State 7
  The Blue Raiders have outgained the Aggies 316-186, including 159 yards on the ground. Roman Gagliano is 14-of-23 for 157 yards and a TD while rushing for 21 yards. DJ Taylor and Jekail Middlebrook have combined to rush 16 times for 138 yards and a TD.

• MTSU 14, New Mexico State 7: Blue Raiders take lead just before halftime
  Roman Gagliano hit AJ Jones on a 25-yard touchdown strike with just 15 seconds left before halftime to take a 14-7 lead. A fumble recovery deep in MTSU territory set up the scoring drive.

• End 1: MTSU 7, New Mexico State 7
  The Blue Raiders have outgained the Aggies 164-105, including 119-23 on the ground. The Aggies have 2nd-and-8 at the NMS 40 when the second quarter begins.

• MTSU 7, New Mexico State 7: Taylor breaks long one
  Riverdale product DJ Taylor broke through the line and tiptoed down the sideline for a 64-yard touchdown run with 1:45 left in the first quarter to help MTSU tie the game at 7. Taylor has 78 yards on three carries.

• New Mexico State 7, MTSU 0: Long pass breaks scoreless tie
  Adam Damante hit TK King on a 64-yard touchdown pass with 2:39 left in the first quarter to put New Mexico State on the board first against MTSU. The Blue Raiders had not allowed a first down before the play prior to the TD. The Blue Raiders have 91 yards of offense but lost a fumble deep in NMS territory earlier in the quarter.

Game Details and Broadcast Information

The MTSU vs. New Mexico State game started on Saturday, November 29, at 2 p.m. CT at Aggie Memorial Stadium in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The game was broadcast on ESPN+ with Adam Young and Danny Knew calling the action from the booth, while Kelly Horyczun covered the sidelines. Fans could stream the game via Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Season Recap and Future Outlook

MTSU finished the 2025 season with a 3-9 record, including a 2-6 mark in Conference USA games. The team’s final game saw them secure their second consecutive victory, bringing their season total to three wins, matching last year’s performance.

Looking ahead, Derek Mason will return as the head coach for the 2026 season, signaling a new chapter for the program. The team’s schedule for the upcoming season includes several key matchups, with the next game scheduled for August 30 against Austin Peay.