MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) - Joe Craddock passed for 256 yards and two touchdowns to lead Middle Tennessee State to a 24-14 win over Maryland on Saturday.
It was the Blue Raiders first victory over an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent and second victory for the Sun Belt Conference over a team from the Bowl Championship Series this season. Arkansas State defeated Texas A&M last week.
Craddock led MTSU on a 10-play, 80-yard drive to open the game, throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to Sancho McDonald with 9:04 left in the quarter.
The Blue Raiders (1-1) converted a fake punt when punter David DeFatta rolled to the right and threw back to Alvin Ingle for a 28-yard completion.
Maryland answered when DaRel Scott dashed 63 yards on the Terrapins second play to tie the game. Scott rushed for a game-high 123 yards.
Middle Tennessee defense held Maryland (1-1) to 118 yards and three first downs in the first half.
The Blue Raiders capitalized on an interception to extend the lead to 17-7 midway through the fourth quarter.
Danny Carmichael recorded his first career interception and returned it 25 yards to the Maryland 5. Phillip Tanner scored on a 1-yard run three plays later.
Maryland used a big play to pull within 17-14 with 2:15 left in the third quarter.
Chris Turner threw a short pass to Darrius Heyward-Bey, who turned it into a 80-yard touchdown.
Craddocks second touchdown pass, a 53-yard strike to Malcolm Beyah with 22 seconds remaining in the third quarter, provided the final margin.
Maryland had three possessions inside the Middle Tennessee 35 in the final quarter but couldn't score.
A drive midway in the fourth quarter ended when backup quarterback Josh Portis was stopped for a loss on fourth down.
The Blue Raiders picked off two passes in the fourth quarter. Ted Riley had one at the MTSU 2 midway through the fourth quarter. Alex Subers interception in the end zone with 2:18 remaining secured the win.
It was MTSU's fourth win over a BCS opponent. The Blue Raiders have defeated Vanderbilt on three occasions. |