Blue Raiders Head West Seeking First Win; Wolf Pack Aim to Build Momentum
By Jonathan House
RENO, Nev. — The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (0-2) are on the road again this weekend, traveling 2,000 miles west to face the Nevada Wolf Pack (1-1) at Mackay Stadium. Kickoff is set for Saturday afternoon in Reno, where both programs will look to define their early-season trajectory.
Setting the Stage
Matchup: Middle Tennessee (0-2) at Nevada (1-1)
Location: Mackay Stadium, Reno, Nevada
Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, 4PM
Series History: First-ever meeting
The Wolf Pack return home after splitting their first two contests, including a nail-biting 20-17 win over Sacramento State. MTSU is still searching for answers on both sides of the ball after two tough losses to open the season.
Blue Raiders: Searching for Spark
Middle Tennessee’s offense has sputtered through two weeks, averaging just 12 points per game while generating fewer than 200 total yards of offense in both contests.
Senior quarterback Nicholas Vattiato has accounted for 301 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception, but he’s faced heavy pressure behind a struggling offensive line. His top target, Nahzae Cox, leads the team with 125 receiving yards and two scores.
On the ground, Jekail Middlebrook has yet to find his rhythm, tallying just 75 rushing yards across two games. For the Raiders to stay competitive in Reno, they’ll need production from their backfield to keep Nevada’s defense honest.
Defensively, MTSU has allowed nearly 38 points per game, giving up chunk plays both on the ground and through the air. Improvement in tackling and third-down defense will be crucial.
Photo courtesy of the Daily News Journal
Wolf Pack: Purdy’s Dual Threat
Nevada is still a work in progress under new head coach Jeff Choate, but they’ve shown flashes of potential. Quarterback Chubba Purdy has been both the engine and the risk factor — leading the team in rushing (170 yards) and passing (241 yards), while also throwing three interceptions.
The Wolf Pack’s offense has leaned heavily on Purdy’s legs, but receivers like Marcus Bellon give Nevada some vertical options.
Defensively, linemen Jonathan Maldonado and Dylan LaBarbera headline a front seven that has been disruptive at times. A late pick-six sealed Nevada’s opening-week win, underscoring the defense’s ability to swing momentum even when the offense stalls.
Photo courtesy of the Mountain West Network
Keys to the Game
For Middle Tennessee:
Protect Vattiato and give him time to find Cox downfield.
Establish some form of a rushing attack to avoid one-dimensional play.
Force Nevada turnovers and capitalize on QB runs.
For Nevada:
Limit mistakes from Purdy in the passing game.
Finish drives in the red zone — field goals won’t cut it.
Control the line of scrimmage against a struggling Blue Raider offensive front.
What to Watch
This is a battle between a program trying to stop the bleeding and one eager to build a foundation. The Wolf Pack will test MTSU’s leaky defense with Purdy’s dual-threat ability, while the Blue Raiders must find a way to generate consistent offense for the first time this season.
If Nevada controls tempo and limits turnovers, the Wolf Pack should hold serve at home. If MTSU can flip field position with takeaways and get a breakout game from Middlebrook, the Blue Raiders could hang around late.
Predictions
Jonathan: Middle Tennessee heads to Reno still searching for its second road win since 2023, but inconsistency continues to hold the Blue Raiders back. Vattiato has playmakers in Cox & Tipton, yet protection and a sputtering ground game remain concerns. Nevada leans on QB Chubba Purdy, a dual-threat who can change a game with his legs but also puts the ball at risk. MTSU may hang tough early, but unless they generate turnovers and sustain drives, Nevada should take control down the stretch. Nevada 30, Middle Tennessee 17
Drake: Last week I said Middle Tennessee needed to play a clean game for me to feel confident that they can compete down the stretch. The game might have got out of hand late, but overall the Blue Raiders were much improved. Nevada is coming off a close win over Sacramento State, 20-17, and will be looking to build momentum early in the season. I expect a scrappy game that will be close to the end. Middle Tennessee 24, Nevada 21
RJ: Saturday’s matchup against the Wolfpack and the Blue Raiders offer two sliding teams the ability to back on their feet. Nevada has thrown for just one touchdown to three interceptions, and is coming off of a nail-biting win against FCS Sacramento State. Both of these teams have struggled, but Middle Tennessee has shown that if they play their best football, they can compete with anybody. Just look at the first half against Wisconsin. This game should be fun, but it’s a must-win for Middle Tennessee. Middle Tennessee 30, Nevada 27 (OT)
