You Go Daddy: Miami takes care of MTSU

Associated Press

MOBILE, Ala.

Austin Boucher threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns in his fourth career start and Miami of Ohio capped a historic turnaround season with a 35-21 win Thursday night over Middle Tennessee in the GoDaddy.com Bowl.

The RedHawks (10-4) are the first team in Football Bowl Subdivision history to win 10 games one season after losing 10. Miami finished a dismal 1-11 in 2009, but recovered to win the Mid-American Conference title and finish this season on a six-game winning streak.

MTSU (6-7) won three games in a row to become bowl eligible, but was hurt by five turnovers.

Miami’s Dayonne Nunley was responsible for two of them, recovering a fumble and returning an interception 52 yards for a touchdown. Thomas Merriweather rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns.

MTSU’s Dwight Dasher threw four interceptions — all in the second half.

Thomas Merriweather rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Nick Harwell caught seven passes for 86 yards and a touchdown. Miami outgained MTSU, 416-370.

MTSU’s Dasher was stellar in the first half, accounting for 158 total yards, including a 49-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter that gave the Blue Raiders a short-lived 14-7 lead.

But the senior struggled in the second half, throwing four interceptions. Dasher threw for 162 yards.