After falling to North Texas and Florida Atlantic in their last two games, the Blue Raiders ran roughshod over FIU to the tune of 50-17.
The game got off to a bit off a slow start until FIU's James Morgan delivered a 18-yard pass to James Gaitor IV for the first score of the game.
That would be one of two touchdowns on the day for Morgan who would struggle the rest of the way.
Asher O'Hara provided the first big play of the day for the Blue Raiders with an electric 53-yard run down to the FIU 5-yard line. Terelle West punched it in to tie the game 7-7.
On FIU's next drive, a fumbled forced and recovered by Tyshun Render led to an O'Hara touchdown pass to Jimmy Marshall making the score 14-7 at the end of one.
This FIU fumble would be a common theme throughout the rest of the game.
The Panthers would steal the momentum as they outscored MT 10-0 in the second quarter despite another lost fumble. The Blue Raiders would trail 17-14 going into halftime.
During halftime, a torrential down pour would start. The rain seemed to give MT a boost of energy as they turned it on and never looked back.
The Blue Raider defense is what sparked this comeback for MT. Led by Tyshun Render, they forced and recovered four fumbles on the game, and held FIU to only 30 yards of total offense in the second half.
"When you see the outcome of a game like this when we get a win, a team win, there's nobody pointing the finger. Nobody praising one side over the other side, it's always a good thing because everybody feels appreciated by doing their job every play. That's all it takes, everybody doing their job on the play. " Render said.
MT would outscore FIU 36-0 in the second half behind the offensive line and the legs of O'Hara, West, and Jayy McDonald.
Explosive runs of 65, 37, and 92 yards would bring the Blue Raider rushing totals to 471 yards for the game. The trio of West, O'Hara, and McDonald combined for 427 yards and 6 rushing touchdowns.
"...I credit it to the o-line really, because they practiced hard all week; really throughout the season. We just got the matchups we wanted, and it just paid off." Terelle West said.
When asked about Terelle West's game O'Hara responded, "...He just got in space, and looked like his usual self. He's been a great leader for this offense. He's a captain for this team so it was great to see him in the end zone..."
West, a redshirt senior, posted a career high in rushing yards (130) and rushing touchdowns (3) in the game.
Up Next:
MTSU will travel to face the C-USA East Division rival Charlotte 49ers. Both teams are coming off of important conference wins.
This game will take place November 2nd at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN3.
Reporter, Jimmie Covington