Southern Miss Falls to Middle Tennessee, 37-31

Saturday, October 4

Murfreesboro, Tenn.

11:00 AM

Southern Miss

Middle Tennessee State

Southern Miss Falls to Middle Tennessee, 37-31

10/4/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football

Oct. 04, 2014

Final Stats | Notes | Photo Gallery

Box Score

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Southern Miss sophomore quarterback Nick Mullens threw for a career-best 426 yards but a fourth-quarter comeback came up short as the Golden Eagles fell to Middle Tennessee 37-31 here Saturday.

The Golden Eagles scored 19-fourth quarter points, including two 17-yard touchdown passes from Mullens to Michael Thomas, but an onside kick in the final minute was recovered by the Blue Raiders.

Mullens threw only the third 400-yard passing game in Southern Miss history, while his completion mark (35) set a school record. His passing attempts (54) and total offensive yards (439) both rank No. 2 on the school's single game charts.

Austin Grammer threw for two touchdowns and Shane Tucker ran for two more to help lead Middle Tennessee in the victory. Grammer threw for a career-high 332 yards and Tucker ran for 60 yards for the Blue Raiders. Reggie Whatley added 100-yards rushing as Middle Tennessee combined for 583 offensive yards.

The Blue Raiders led 24-12 at the half and the score remained unchanged until both teams combined for five touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Mullens threw all three of his touchdown passes in the final period cutting the difference to six with 27 seconds left after his third touchdown pass, an eight-yard strike to Marquise Ricard.