Springfield Standard

Missouri State University secured its first Conference USA win of the season with a 22-20 victory over Middle Tennessee in Murfreesboro on Wednesday. The decisive moment came when Yousef Obeid kicked a 25-yard field goal with just over four minutes left in the game.

The Bears' defense held off a final drive by Middle Tennessee, forcing a missed 50-yard field goal attempt by Jacob Hathaway in the closing minute. Missouri State then ran out the clock to secure the win, improving their record to 3-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play.

Quarterback Deuce Bailey, making his first collegiate start for Missouri State, completed 16 of 31 passes for 278 yards and a touchdown. He also added a rushing touchdown and helped keep the team turnover-free for a second consecutive conference game.

Obeid made three of his four field goal attempts, including a 25-yarder earlier in the third quarter that extended Missouri State’s halftime lead. Running back Shomari Lawrence averaged 5.7 yards per carry on 11 attempts, finishing with 63 rushing yards. Johnson led the team in receiving with five catches for 69 yards.

Middle Tennessee briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter after a drive aided by three Missouri State penalties ended with a touchdown pass from Nicholas Vattiato to Cam Lacy. However, Bailey led a 10-play, 56-yard drive that resulted in Obeid's game-winning field goal.

Missouri State's defense played a key role on Middle Tennessee's final possession, recording a tackle for loss and two stops at the line of scrimmage before Hathaway’s missed field goal attempt. Jalen Brooks and Bird Lloyd led the Bears’ defense with eight tackles each. Maguire Neal added seven tackles, while Thomas Anderson contributed six solo tackles and a sack.

For Middle Tennessee, Vattiato completed 30 of 42 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns. Jakail Middlebrook rushed for 93 yards on 17 carries, while Cam’ron Lacy caught six passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns.

The Bears trailed early after Hathaway’s 45-yard field goal but responded with a strong second quarter, scoring 16 points to take a halftime lead. Bailey’s first career rushing touchdown gave Missouri State its first lead, and he later connected with Johnson on a touchdown pass to reclaim the advantage after Middle Tennessee scored on a long pass play.

Missouri State will have a bye next week before facing New Mexico State on Wednesday, October 22. The Bears return home on October 29 to play FIU, with tickets available through their official website or at the Missouri State Box Office at Great Southern Bank Arena during regular hours (10 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday).

The October 29 home game is designated as Ag Day at Plaster Stadium and will feature $2 hot dogs and a halftime drone show. Mini-plans for season tickets covering the final three games are also available online at MissouriStateBears.com or by contacting the box office at (417) 836-7678 during business hours.