HONOLULU - Middle Tennessee (8-5) won the EasyPost Hawai'i Bowl 25-23 over San Diego State (7-6) on Saturday night, marking the Blue Raiders' third bowl win in its last four bowl appearances, and second in as many years. The Blue Raiders' defense forced five turnovers, giving them 30 on the season, which is tied for second-most in FBS, behind only WKU (32). Three of those turnovers were interceptions, giving Middle Tennessee 20 on the year, which is also second in the country, behind Illinois' 22.

The win was Middle Tennessee's fourth in a row, and fifth in its last six games.

K Zeke Rankin finished 4-5 on field goals, including what turned out to be the game-winning 37-yard field goal with 2:05 to play. Rankin had entered play having not made a field goal this season longer than 35 yards, and converted on kicks on Christmas Eve from 37, 44 and 49, as well as a 26-yarder in the third quarter.

DE Jordan Ferguson had a monster game for the Blue Raiders, recording an unconventional hat trick - a sack, an interception and a touchdown catch. He finished with five tackles, the aforementioned sack and interception, as well as a quarterback hurry and a pass break-up.

Middle Tennessee prevailed despite totaling just 170 yards of total offense, thanks largely in part to surrendering seven sacks to the stout San Diego State defense - which put the final rushing total for the Blue Raiders at -66. QB Chase Cunningham completed 26-43 passes for 236 yards and two scores, while WR Jaylin Lane caught 10 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown.

The win for Middle Tennessee sees Conference USA teams finish 3-3 during the bowl season, and 2-0 for teams who will be returning to C-USA in 2023. WKU knocked off the Sun Belt's South Alabama on Wednesday night, 44-23 in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.