MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee made a late comeback attempt on Saturday evening at Floyd Stadium, but fell just short, losing 24-17 against Old Dominion.
Middle Tennessee (5-6, 3-4 C-USA) earned 25 first downs compared to ODU's 11 but averaged just 4.9 yards a play compared to 6.9 yards per play for the Monarchs. Nicholas Vattiato completed 31-of-45 passes for 281 yards, with Jaylin Lane as his top target, who caught 10 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown.
After Old Dominion scored a touchdown on their opening drive, Middle Tennessee drove the ball 75 yards with 5:34 left in the first quarter, highlighted by a Jaylin Lane reception off the jet sweep as he cut back from the right sideline all the way to the left end zone pylon, stepping out just short after a 33-yard reception.