Box Score MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Middle Tennessee linebacker Tavares Thomas had three rushing touchdowns out of the Wildcat to spur the Blue Raiders to a 37-17 win over FIU Saturday afternoon at Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro.

The Blue Raiders (3-3, 1-1 Conference USA) scored three touchdowns between the second quarter and early in the third period to build a 24-3 lead on the Panthers (3-2, 2-1 C-USA).

Thomas, a 6-0, 238-pound junior linebacker, scored two of the three touchdowns in the second and third quarters running out of the Wildcat formation. In the fourth quarter after FIU cut the MT lead to 27-17, Thomas added his third rushing score out of the Wildcat.

Down 24-3 in the third quarter the Panthers answered with a touchdown drive. Quarterback Alex McGough scrambled 13 yards for the score. It was McGough's fourth rushing touchdown of the season. The score was set up by a terrific diving grab by Thomas Owens on a 46-yard pass from McGough.

McGough and Owens produced the second FIU touchdown of the day in the final period. The seniors connected on a 4-yard score.

McGough was 20 of 31 for 209 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Owens had 11 catches for 162 yards. Owens tied his career-high in receptions, which he set last season at Charlotte. Owens fell four yards shy of his career-best in receiving yards set against Indiana in 2015.

FIU returns home for its next game. The Panthers host Tulane next Saturday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m. from Riccardo Silva Stadium. It will be the first meeting between the Panthers and the Green Wave.