Photo by Matt Posey/MT Athletic Communications
Middle Tennessee struck first and battled through a competitive first half, but Wisconsin pulled away after halftime as the Blue Raiders fell 42-10 Saturday afternoon at Camp Randall Stadium.
Graduate kicker Jacob Hathaway put MTSU (0-2) on the board first with his first career field goal, a 27-yarder midway through the opening quarter. After Wisconsin responded with two scores, Damonte Smith’s first career interception gave the Blue Raiders a spark. Two plays later, quarterback Nicholas Vattiato connected with tight end Hunter Tipton for a four-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-10 just before halftime.
The Badgers (2-0) controlled the second half, outscoring MTSU 28-0 to secure the win.
Vattiato, making his 26th straight start, finished 20-of-31 for 197 yards and the touchdown. Nahzae Cox was his top target, hauling in three passes for a Division I career-high 75 yards, including a 37-yard grab in the first quarter.
On defense, linebacker Muaaz Byard posted a career-best nine tackles with 1.5 for loss. Redshirt freshman cornerback Jackson Lowe earned his first start and added five tackles with a TFL, while safety Kalen Woods notched a career-high four tackles.
By the Numbers
- 9 – Career-best tackles for Byard, leading the Blue Raiders.
- 7 – Tackles-for-loss recorded by the MTSU defense.
- 1 – Damonte Smith’s first career interception, which set up Tipton’s touchdown.
Blue Raider Highlights
- Nahzae Cox (WR, Jr.) – Three receptions, 75 yards; longest catch since 2023.
- Nicholas Vattiato (QB, r-Jr.) – 197 yards passing, one touchdown.
- Hunter Tipton (TE, Sr.) – First TD since 2023, second of his career.
- Ikani Tuiono (OL, r-Sr.) – Made his first Blue Raider start at right guard.
- Damonte Smith (DT, r-Sr.) – First career interception; added 1.5 TFLs.
Up Next
Middle Tennessee continues its road swing with a trip west to face Nevada next Saturday. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. CT on MW.com and the Blue Raider Network.
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
