Roman Gagliano produced six of Middle Tennessee's eleven explosive plays
The scoreboard says rout. The interesting part is HOW — and whether it means anything.
There was no drama to speak of. Middle Tennessee dismantles Murray State, 38-14 at Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium. Middle Tennessee led from start to finish and never let Murray State within striking distance. Roman Gagliano threw for 200 yards on 26 attempts with two touchdowns and ran two times for 25 yards and one score.
The big plays only went one way
Middle Tennessee produced 11 plays of 15+ yards to Murray State's 5, led by Roman Gagliano (involved in 6), Cam'Ron Lacy (involved in 4) and Terrence Brown (involved in 3). Middle Tennessee scored on 62% of its drives to Murray State's 33%: Roman Gagliano (18 pts), Cam'Ron Lacy (6 pts) and Neo Clifton (6 pts). Stacked together, it was never close.
How the two sides actually played on the night.
The difference-makers
Roman Gagliano threw for 200 yards on 26 attempts with two touchdowns and ran two times for 25 yards and one score, with that score from inside the 20, three third-down conversions and a hand in six plays of 15 yards or more. Cam'Ron Lacy caught eight passes for 118 yards, one of them for a touchdown, with two third-down conversions and a hand in four plays of 15 yards or more. Neo Clifton caught two passes for 37 yards, one of them for a touchdown — that score from inside the 20. For Murray State, Jim Ogle threw for 118 yards on 16 attempts and ran one times for 9 yards, including a hand in three plays of 15 yards or more. Tyrell Campbell ran eight times for 75 yards and one score. Jawaun Northington ran three times for 8 yards and one score, with that score from inside the 20. DJ Taylor was the disruptive one for Middle Tennessee: 1 forced fumble, 1 PBU, 2 tackles.
What Murray State has to fix
The problems had names: Tyrell Campbell (1 lost fumble).
How we got here
Middle Tennessee struck first through Roman Gagliano, led 21-7 at the half and Middle Tennessee got the final points on a late touchdown by Tyrell Campbell.
The number
The closing line had Middle Tennessee -22.5. Middle Tennessee covered. The total was 55.5; the teams combined for 52, an under. Roman Gagliano accounted for 18 of Middle Tennessee's points.
What it means
Historically similar games since 2019 — close margin, both offenses held far below norm — and how often that offense outperformed this level the following week.
Business handled for Middle Tennessee. The question now is whether the opponent told us anything. Jawaun Northington was responsible for 6 of Murray State's points; there was not enough behind him.
Discussion
Weigh in on the analysis — the best takes rise to the top.
0 Replies
Sign in to join the discussion.