You’re probably looking for the latest middle tennessee state university football score because you either missed the game or you're trying to figure out how Derek Mason’s squad ended up where they did. Honestly, if you just glance at the win-loss column, you’re missing the actual story of what went down in Murfreesboro this year.
It was a rollercoaster. A weird, frustrating, and somehow hopeful ride.
The Blue Raiders finished the 2025 campaign with a 3-9 record. That doesn't look great on paper, but the way they closed it out actually has people talking about a "Roman Empire" in the mid-state. No, not the history book kind—the Roman Gagliano kind.
The Finale: Breaking Down the Last Middle Tennessee State University Football Score
If you want the most recent math, the Blue Raiders wrapped up their season on November 29, 2025, with a gritty 31-24 overtime win against New Mexico State. It was a massive road victory in Las Cruces that served as the second half of a two-game winning streak to end the year.
Earlier that month, things looked bleak. They’d just been hammered by FIU 56-30 in a game where the defense basically stayed on the bus. But then something shifted.
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- They beat Sam Houston 31-17 on Senior Day.
- They traveled to New Mexico and pulled out the OT thriller.
- They found their quarterback of the future.
That 31-24 score against the Aggies wasn't just a win; it was a relief. Nicholas Vattiato, who had been the ironman under center for years, went down with an injury right before the Western Kentucky game. That forced redshirt freshman Roman Gagliano into the fire. He didn't just survive; he kind of thrived.
Why the Middle Tennessee State University Football Score Often Fooled Fans
For most of October and early November, the scores were deceptively close—and heartbreaking. Look at the mid-week "CUSA-tion" games that Conference USA loves so much.
On October 22, MTSU lost a 31-28 nail-biter to Delaware. A week later? They lost 24-21 to Jacksonville State. Before that, it was a 22-20 loss to Missouri State.
Basically, this team was about six plays away from being 6-6 and heading to a bowl game. They lost four games by three points or fewer. If you’re a bettor, that’s a nightmare. If you’re a fan, it’s just exhausting.
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The offense, led by Bodie Reeder at the time, struggled with consistency. They’d put up 331 passing yards against FIU but couldn't stop a nosebleed on the other side of the ball, giving up 56 points. You can't win like that.
The "Roman Empire" and the QB Shift
When Vattiato was ruled out for the "100 Miles of Hate" rivalry game against Western Kentucky, everyone expected a blowout. And yeah, they lost 42-26, but Roman Gagliano stepped in and started throwing darts.
He took over the reins for the final three games. In the last two weeks, he led the Blue Raiders to 31 points in back-to-back games. That’s why that final middle tennessee state university football score of 31-24 matters so much—it validated the coaching staff's belief that they have a guy who can win games in 2026.
Key Stats from the 2025 Campaign
- Total Points For: 269
- Total Points Against: 371
- Passing Leader: Nicholas Vattiato (2,150 yards, 16 TDs)
- The Rising Star: Roman Gagliano (1,005 yards in limited action, 7 TDs, 0 INTs)
- Rushing Anchor: Jekail Middlebrook (The primary workhorse when the ground game actually moved)
Coaching Shakeups and What’s Next
Derek Mason didn't wait long after the season ended to start swinging the axe. On December 9, he dismissed offensive coordinator Bodie Reeder. By mid-December, he’d already brought in Anthony Scelfo from Southeastern Louisiana to run the show.
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This is a big deal. Scelfo is known for high-flying FCS offenses, and with Gagliano’s arm, the 2026 scores might look a lot different than the 2025 ones. They also snagged Christopher Browne from Arkansas to fix an offensive line that, frankly, gave up too many sacks this year.
Actionable Insights for the Offseason
If you’re following this team, don’t just look at the 3-9 record and check out. Here’s what you should actually be watching:
- Watch the Transfer Portal: With a new OC, expect some wide receiver talent to follow Scelfo to Murfreesboro.
- Gagliano vs. Vattiato: It’s going to be the biggest story of spring camp. Does the veteran get his job back, or is it Gagliano’s team now?
- Defense Reboot: Brian Stewart’s 3-4 defense gave up over 30 points a game. Keep an eye on secondary recruits, as that’s where they got burned most against teams like FIU and WKU.
The final middle tennessee state university football score of the 2025 season was a win, but the real victory was finding a spark in a season that felt lost. Whether that spark turns into a bonfire in 2026 depends entirely on how Scelfo builds around his new young quarterback.
To stay updated on spring practice and the 2026 schedule, keep an eye on the official GoBlueRaiders site or the Sidelines student paper, which usually gets the scoops before the big outlets.