CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Middle Tennessee couldn't overcome an early deficit on the road Saturday at Charlotte.
After they scored on the game's opening possession to take a 7-0 lead, the Blue Raiders gave up 34 straight points, including 14 in the first quarter, and fell 34-20.
The Raiders (3-6, 2-3) went into the game 4-0 all-time against the 49ers (4-5, 2-3), but couldn't find enough offense or make key defensive plays early on to keep up with the home team, which was playing without Conference USA-leading rusher Benny LeMay. They gave up 440 total yards, including 248 on the ground, and only managed to gain 333 yards themselves, 215 rushing.