Middle Tennessee scores 9 TDs to rout Savannah St.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Jeremiah Bryson and Shane Tucker each scored two touchdowns and Middle Tennessee routed Savannah State of the FCS 61-7 on Saturday night in the season opener for both teams.

Bryson had just four carries, but scored from the 3 and 7 in the second quarter and the Blue Raiders led 34-0 at half. Tucker ran for a 13-yard score and caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Austin Grammer. Grammer finished 15 of 17 for 250 yards. Four other Blue Raiders ran for touchdowns, the longest a 19-yard score from Tony Rowland.

Middle Tennessee's Kevin Byard had his 10th career interception, but did not add to his school-record total of 326 career interception return yards.

Savannah State's John Barron had his 35-yard field goal attempt blocked in the third quarter, but Anthony Criswell ran for a 4-yard touchdown in the fourth to avoid the shutout.