Clarksville, TN – Renewing an in-state rivalry for only the second time since 1997, Austin Peay State University (APSU) and Middle Tennessee have agreed to play a September 13th, 2025 football contest at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro Tennessee.
The Governors and Blue Raiders last met in 2010 with Middle Tennessee winning a wild 55-36 affair in Murfreesboro.
Prior to that meeting, the Governors last faced Middle Tennessee in 1997 a contest that brought an end to a series that had been played continuously since 1954.
“I know the Austin Peay-Middle Tennessee football series holds fond memories for our alumni and I am pleased to announce we will face the Blue Raiders in 2025,” said Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison. “This trip will provide our student athletes another great opportunity to display their talents and for our alumni and fans to display their Austin Peay spirit against an old rival.”
The series between the two in-state rivals has produced several memorable moments. A 1965 meeting between the APSU Govs and MTSU Blue Raiders was later called by experts “the greatest in OVC history” as APSU scored 20 points in the third quarter to take a lead before MTSU scored twice in the fourth quarter to win in Clarksville.
In 1984, Austin Peay saw 11 starters out due to injuries but still rallied to win a 16-7 contest in Murfreesboro. Two years later, the teams played to a scoreless tie through 60 minutes, Austin Peay winning 7-0 in overtime thanks to a Mike Lewis 25-yard run on the first series of the extra period.
The 2025 meeting promises yet more thrills in the 54th meeting between Austin Peay State University and Middle Tennessee. It is the latest in a series of announcements regarding future football contests by the Governors as they fill in nonconference schedules from 2020-25.
