Bourgeois' game-winner lifts Middle Tennessee over Western Kentucky 51-42
Dominic Bourgeois kicked a 48-yard field goal with 1 second remaining, and Middle Tennessee added a touchdown on Western Kentucky’s last-ditch lateral attempt to beat the Hilltoppers 51-42 on Saturday in the “100 Miles of Hate” rivalry
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Dominic Bourgeois kicked a 48-yard field goal with 1 second remaining, and Middle Tennessee added a touchdown on Western Kentucky’s last-ditch lateral attempt to beat the Hilltoppers 51-42 on Saturday in the “100 Miles of Hate” rivalry.
The win snapped Middle Tennessee’s seven-game losing streak in the series.
Western Kentucky (3-6, 2-3 Conference USA) tied the game at 42 on Rodney Tisdale Jr.’s 5-yard run with 31 seconds left.
Middle Tennessee (5-4, 3-2) answered quickly. Roman Gagliano completed a 23-yard pass to Cam’ron Lacy to move into Western Kentucky territory, and a holding penalty helped set up Bourgeois’ 48-yarder. Officials initially appeared to let time expire before putting 1 second back on the clock.
On the ensuing kickoff, Western Kentucky attempted a series of laterals, and Middle Tennessee returned the loose ball for a touchdown to produce the final margin.
Gagliano completed 30 of 41 passes for 312 yards and four touchdowns. Ziyon Butler had six catches for 129 yards and a touchdown, while Neo Clifton caught two scoring passes.
Antonio Martin rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns, including a 75-yard run on the first play of the second half for the Blue Raiders.
Tisdale completed 11 of 13 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown after replacing Brock Glenn and also rushed for the tying score. Ajay Allen led Western Kentucky with 116 yards rushing and a touchdown.
Up next
Western Kentucky: Hosts Jacksonville State next Saturday.
Middle Tennessee: At Liberty next Saturday.
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