Gagliano-to-Clifton connection powers MTSU football in win over Delaware
- A career-high four-score day from Roman Gagliano led the way to a 33-30 win on Tuesday night, securing Middle Tennessee's (3-3, 1-1 CUSA) first Conference USA win of the year over the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens (2-4, 0-2 CUSA). Gagliano's tremendous offensive effort was spearheaded by three passing touchdowns, with redshirt freshman Neo Clifton on the receiving end of two of them.
Overall, Clifton had a career day with four catches for 64 yards in addition to his two scores. Both scores came in the second half, including the go-ahead game winning score with 3:06 to play.
In addition to Clifton putting up big numbers, graduate tight end Koraun Perdue also added in a career-day to the Blue Raiders' winning effort. The 6-foot-6, 237 pound target got to show off his wheels on an 80-yard pitch and catch with Gagliano on the first play from scrimmage to open the second half.
Gagliano also found a score with his legs, flashing his dual threat ability on a rushing touchdown in the second quarter. On the day, the redshirt sophomore accumulated 291 yards and 22 rushing yards.
While the Blue Raider offense made headlines with the 33-point effort to take down the Blue Hens, MTSU's defense came up big when they needed it. With two minutes to play freshman safety Bryce Williams picked off UD's Tyler Bell, putting the Blue Raider win on ice after three renditions of the victory formation.
In addition to the timely turnover, the Blue Raiders battened down the hatches after the Blue Hens forced and recovered a fumble on a kick return with 9:50 to play in the ballgame. With the ball in short field and the drive starting on the MTSU 26-yard line, Korey Smith's sack of Bell ignited a big stop, setting up the game winning connection between Gagliano and Clifton.
By the Numbers: 3-0:With the win, the Blue Raiders are now 3-0 at home to begin the 2026 campaign. This is the first time since 2021 MTSU has showcased a perfect start in Floyd Stadium through three games.
5:Middle Tennessee's pass rush hit hard in the Blue Hen backfield, sacking the quarterback five times in the win. 6: Roman Gagliano spread the love in the aerial attack, connecting with six different Blue Raider receivers in the win.
2:Neo Cliftonis the first Blue Raider freshman to haul in two scores in a game in over a decade, when Ty Lee accomplished the feat in the 2016 Hawai'i Bowl. MTSU Game Notes • The Blue Raiders recorded their first safety since Nov.