Middle Tennessee edges Western Kentucky 27-26

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — Rod Issac returned a fumble 99 yards to key Middle Tennessee’s second-half comeback and the Blue Raiders defeated Western Kentucky 27-26 on Saturday.

Middle Tennessee (4-6, 3-3 Sun Belt Conference) scored the final 17 points of the game, taking the lead on Benjamin Cunningham’s 6-yard run and Alan Gendreau’s extra point with 4:38 left.

Western Kentucky’s Bobby Rainey had career highs with 45 carries and 248 yards. He scored two touchdowns.

Issac, a defensive back, cut Western Kentucky’s lead to 26-20 when he scooped up a fumbled snap and returned it 99 yards for the score with 10:27 remaining.

Casey Tinius’ 34-yard field goal attempt on the ensuing possession was blocked to preserve the victory.

The Hilltoppers (2-9, 2-5) were winless at home for the second straight year and have not won a home game since Sept. 20, 2008.