Middle Tennessee rallied from a 10-0 first-quarter deficit to defeat Sam Houston 31-17 behind quarterback Roman Gagliano's spectacular performance. Gagliano accounted for three touchdowns, throwing a 19-yard strike to Jekail Middlebrook in the third quarter before adding two rushing scores in the fourth quarter, including an impressive 33-yard scamper. The Blue Raiders' defense clamped down after Sam Houston's early success, holding the Bearkats scoreless for nearly three quarters until a late consolation touchdown.