Middle Tennessee State holds off UTEP in Saturday's CUSA clash

Before Saturday's game, Middle Tennessee State was an underdog against a UTEP team that finally seemed to find an identity late in the year. Led by Nick Vattiato and Myles Butler, the Blue Raiders won Saturday in El Paso with a final score of 20-13.

JP Pickles is making his first collegiate start

With both Skyler Locklear and Cade McConnell injured, head coach Scotty Walden had to rely on freshman JP Pickles to make his first collegiate start on Saturday.

Pickles finished the game with 18 passes for 145 yards and one interception. He led the Miners into the red zone on the final possession, but it wouldn't be enough as a pass intended for Trey Goodman fell incomplete as time expired on the final play.

With Sklyer Locklear out for the season and Cade McConnell's status unknown, Pickles could be the Miners' quarterback for the remainder of the season.

Career game for Myles Butler

Middle Tennessee State wide receiver Myles Butler had his first 100-yard game of the season and his first at the FBS level. The transfer from Central Arkansas had five catches for 101 yards and a touchdown on Saturday.

Nick Vattiato makes a strong case for Conference USA's top QB

It's hard to make that statement when you're now 3-6 on the season, but what the MTSU quarterback has accomplished is impressive. He finished the game with 21 passes for 239 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also ran for the game-winning touchdown from the one-yard line.

Miners limit the run

This was certainly an unpleasant encounter. Entering the game, Middle Tennessee had the worst rush offense in Conference USA, but UTEP struggled to stop the run and ranked sixth in rush defense. On Saturday, the Miners prevailed in that battle, limiting MTSU to just 94 rushing yards.

Leading the way for the Miners were linebackers Nate Dyman and Dorian Hopkins. Dyman had 13 total tackles (four solo/11 assists) and Hopkins had 13 total tackles (11 solo/2 assists) as well as a sack and two tackles for loss.

What's next?

With the win, Middle Tennessee State improves to 3-6 on the season and 2-3 in conference play. They will host the Liberty Flames on Saturday, November 9th. As for UTEP, they are 1-8 on the season and 1-5 in conference play. They welcome the Kennesaw State Owls on Saturday, November 9th.

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