Mason Mims throws 2 TD passes for ETSU in 38-0 win over VMI, which has lost 18 straight

LEXINGTON, Va. (AP) — Mason Mims threw two touchdown passes, TJ Payton had 121 yards rushing and a TD on 15 carries, and East Tennessee State beat VMI 38-0 on Saturday, the Keydets' 18th consecutive loss.

VMI (0-8. 0-4) is winless since a 42-7 win over Division-III Ferrum on Sept. 6, 2025. The Keydets haven’t beaten a D-I opponent since a 21-17 home victory over Furman on Nov. 2, 2024, a string of 22 straight games.

Mims was 22-of-25 passing for 173 yards with no interceptions for ETSU (6-2, 4-0 Southern Conference). Tyler Griffin had seven receptions for 56 yards and two TDs and Jason Albritton added a 7-yard rushing touchdown.

Mims hit Khristian Means for a 19-yard touchdown that opened the scoring with 1:19 left in the first quarter and the Buccaneers led the rest of the way.

The Keydets had just six first downs and finished with 143 total yards.

ETSU: Hosts Tennessee Tech next Saturday.

VMI: Visits Chattanooga on Halloween.

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