LAFAYETTE, Louisiana (Ticker) -- John Bernard rushed for three touchdowns, including the go-ahead score with 54 seconds remaining, as Louisiana-Lafayette posted a 45-31 victory over Middle Tennessee.

Bernard's third touchdown from one yard, gave the Ragin Cajuns' (1-3) a 38-31 lead. Linebacker Travis Schrwartz sealed the victory when he returned an interception 55 yards for a score with 13 seconds left.

Kelverrick Green ran 40 yards for touchdown and Wes Counts hit Tyrone Calico with a three-yard TD pass with 7:40 to play to lift Middle Tennessee (1-3) into a 31-31 tie. But the Blue Raiders, who entered Division I-A this season, could not pull off their first win.

Darren Brister carried 26 times for 84 yards and Bernard added 60 yards on 22 attempts for the Ragin Cajuns. Derek Dyer completed 12-of-23 passes for 187 yards, including 51-yard TD in the second quarter.

Counts had an impressive game, going 19-of-38 for 347 yards and was intercepted twice.