MURFREESBORO, TN – For the second time in program history and the first since defeating Kansas State in the 1987 season opener, Austin Peay State University’s football team took down an FBS opponent, defeating Middle Tennessee, 34-14, Saturday at Johnny Floyd Stadium.
After jumping out to a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, Austin Peay (1-0) maintained no less than a 10-point lead throughout its victory against Middle Tennessee (0-1), outgaining the Blue Raiders in yardage, 341-153, while also holding MTSU to 0-12 on third down.
“I could not be more proud of the men in our locker room, how they have come together and worked every day since we have come together,” APSU Head Coach Jeff Faris said. “We talk about discipline and finish, and I couldn’t think of a better showcase of that tonight. Last year, we built a culture, and we learned how to fight, but we struggled to finish games. We finished tonight out. I am so proud of that group.”
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Key plays in first half
The Governors’ first two scoring drives came off a three-and-out and turnover on downs for MTSU, respectively. Quarterback Chris Parson connected with Jaden Robinson on a 22-yard touchdown pass on APSU’s first drive. Then a 36-yard reception by Shemar Kirk set up APSU at the one-yard line, leading to a one-yard touchdown run by Courtland Simmons to extend the lead to two scores.
A methodical, 17-play, nine-and-a-half-minute drive was then capped off by a Jackson Head touchdown midway through the second quarter, and the Governos took a 21-7 lead into the break after a late Blue Raiders’ score.
Austin Peay’s defense held MTSU to just 100 yards of total offense in the opening half. Blue Raiders’ quarterback Nicholas Vattiato also began the game 1-for-11 through the air before its late-second-quarter scoring drive.
Key plays in second half
After surrendering 58 rushing yards in the first half, the Governors thwarted the Blue Raiders’ run game, which totaled -14 yards on the ground off 10 attempts in the second half, a number which was aided by a quartet of Govs’ sacks.
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Kicker Carson Smith connected on both of his field goals in the third quarter, with his first capping off a nine-play scoring drive on the first possession of the second half.
Quarterback Austin Smith entered the game late in the third quarter and then led the Govs on a seven-play drive early in the fourth quarter, with the graduate signal caller calling his own number on a designed quarterback rush for the game’s final score midway through the period.
What’s next: Georgia
Up next, Austin Peay squares off with No. 4 Georgia.
“My message to this team is that we have to be the most improved team in the country from week one to week two. That’s our challenge. Can we handle the success? I am excited to see the way we come back to work tomorrow.”
The game will be 2:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. The Week 2 contest between the Govs and Bulldogs will be streamed on SEC Network+ and ESPN+.
Compiled from information by Alex Allard.
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