FCS Austin Peay defeats Middle Tennessee for its first win over FBS team since 1987

Aug 31, 2025, 04:15 am

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- — Chris Parson threw two touchdown passes and Austin Peay rolled from the start in a 34-14 victory over Middle Tennessee on Saturday night.

The Governors of the FCS defeated an FBS team for the first time since 1987 when they beat Kansas State in a season opener. Austin Peay snapped a 12-game losing streak in the rivalry and hadn’t defeated the Blue Raiders since before MTSU made the move to the FBS in 1999.

Austin Peay scored first-quarter touchdowns on a 22-yard pass from Parson to Jaden Robinson and a short run by Courtland Simmons. The Govs made it 21-0 in the second quarter on a 4-yard pass from Parson to Jackson Head and they led 21-7 at halftime.

Austin Peay added two Carson Smith field goals and a touchdown run by backup quarterback Austin Smith in the second half.

Nicholas Vattiato threw two touchdown passes for Middle Tennessee. Vattiato, who has more than 7,500 passing yards in his career at MTSU, was held to 104 yards on 15-of-36 passing.

Parson completed 11-of-20 passes for 142 yards.

Austin Peay had 341 yards to 153 for Middle Tennessee. ------

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