The Blue Raiders (2-3, 1-2) are proof that it's always a good idea to practice the Hail Mary pass play. Middle Tennessee's opposing defenses are probably going to be stressing it, too.

For the second time in the three games, the outcome of Middle Tennessee's game was decided by the hail-mary pass.

The Blue Raiders came a yard short on the final play of the game in a 20-14 loss at Kentucky Sept. 20, but they executed it to perfection last week when they stunned Florida Atlantic 14-13 at home.

Senior quarterback Joe Craddock spiked the ball on third down with eight seconds left on the clock at FAU's 32-yard line, setting up arguably the most dramatic finish in Floyd Stadium history.

On fourth down, Craddock eluded pressured, rolled out and threw the ball into the right side of the end zone where true freshman wide receiver Malcom Beyah hauled it in amongst FAU defenders to tie the game with no time on the clock. Freshman kicker Alan Gendreau's extra point gave the Blue Raiders the one-point win.

Middle Tennessee trailed 10-0 the entire second half before Craddock threw a touchdown pass to junior Patrick Honeycutt with less than six minutes remaining.

FAU drove to the Blue Raider 6-yard line but had to settle for a field goal, which allowed Middle Tennessee the opportunity to pull off the comeback.

"I just saw it in the air and went up and grabbed it," Beyah said. "It feels great to make a play like that."

Added Craddock: "It's hard to believe he's a true freshman. He doesn't play like it. He's a big-time playmaker."

FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger offered his take on the final play.

"It was pre-ordained in heaven," he said.

SEASON RECAP

Troy 31, Middle Tennessee 17: The Blue Raiders trailed 24-3 in the third quarter before scoring two unanswered touchdowns to pull within a touchdown. However, Troy scored on its next possession to end the comeback bid.

Middle Tennessee 24, Maryland 14 -- The Blue Raiders never trailed and held off a late Terrapin rally when junior defensive back Alex Suber intercepted a pass in the endzone with three minutes remaining.

Kentucky 20, Middle Tennessee 14: The Blue Raiders' Hail Mary pass on the final play of the game was caught, but junior wide receiver was pulled down at the one-yard line as time expired.

Arkansas State 31, Middle Tennessee 14: The Blue Raiders fell behind 17-0 at halftime and never recovered. It was the Blue Raiders' first loss to ASU in the last six meetings.

Middle Tennessee 14, Florida Atlantic 13: Joe Craddock threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to freshman Malcolm Beyah as time expired as Middle Tennessee State beat Florida Atlantic 14-13. Craddock finished 24-of-35 for 268 yards and two touchdowns.

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