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Friday, June 22, 2012

115. Middle Tennessee


(2-10, 1-7) Sun Belt


(December 19, 2009 - Source: Chris Graythen/Getty Images North America)

Rankings -
Offense
Avg
Defense
Avg
Rushing
146.75
Rushing
229.50
Passing
254.33
Passing
211.58
Total
401.08
Total
441.08
Points
22.25
Points
36.75


Overview

The Blue Raiders were something of a disappointment last season; while they were talented enough to possibly compete for the conference crown, instead indiscipline and shoddy defending had them propping up the rest of the Sun Belt (except FAU of course). Logan Kilgore/Jeff Murphy stepped in at QB and made everyone forget the adventure that was Dwight Dasher, but the offense often went in the tank with the game on the line and defense wasn’t going to stop anyone. Rick Stockstill is a good coach, although he needs to focus on discipline a bit more, and a good recruiting class should see MTSU back to their usual competitive selves. However, any more aberrations like last year’s 2-win season could lead to a new man patrolling the sideline at Murfreesboro.

Offense

The offense was a bit too loose with the football last season, but they moved the ball well enough on most teams. Kilgore (2231 yds, 18 TDs, 12 Ints) started 10 and played in 11, but missed some time due to injury. Jeff Murphy (794 yds, 3 TDs, 3 Ints) was okay in his absence, but Murphy tore an ACL in camp and will miss the season. Redshirt freshman Shaun White will take his place as backup if Murphy sits out the season. The Blue Raiders have an embarrassment of riches at RB with at least 4 players good enough to start. William Pratcher and Benny Cunningham are back after combining for 1086 yards and 6 scores in 2011, and will be joined by LSU transfer Drayton Calhoun. Watch out for JUCO Jeremiah Bryson, a fomer Pitt recruit who fits the mold of Panther RBs like LeSean McCoy. Keeping them all busy may be a happy problem for Stockstill to deal with. Receiver could be a thornier issue, as last year’s crew lacked explosion. Reception leader Tavarres Jefferson (51-398-1) returns, but Stockstill brought in a couple of JUCOs to help out. Watch for redshirt freshman Christian Collis, a HS track star, to make an impact this season. TE could be an issue if JUCO Jacob Corbaley doesn’t pan out. Only two full-time starters, Josh Walker and Alex Stuart, return on the offensive line, but there isn’t any real cause for concern as MTSU generally recruit well here and should field another solid unit (8 sacks allowed in 2011). If the receivers pick up the pace and ball security improves, this could be a dangerous offense.

Defense

The defense, especially the line, was routinely gashed last season but returns four starters. While this doesn’t exactly raise spirits, the cavalry arrives in a couple of decent freshmen tackles, Darious Bennett and Shaquille Huff. If they can stop the run, that’ll be a nice start, but a pass rush is another need. LB Leighton Gasque led the team with 7 sacks, despite not even starting, but he should take over this season with only 1 starter, Roderic Blunt, returning. A bunch of other guys with starting experience return, so the unit could be stronger (we hope) in 2012. The secondary is a potential breaking point with only player who started last season back. Kenneth Gilstrap had his moments last year, but looked much better in camp and should nail down one corner spot. The Raiders have kept the position well stocked, but they lack a field-narrowing corner to take away an opponent’s top receiver. Of course, it may not matter how good the secondary is if they can’t get some help from the pass rush. While the defense should be better in 2012, it will struggle when it matters most, costing the Raiders more close games.



Special Teams

The Blue Raiders are almost starting from scratch on special teams, which may not be a bad thing, as they were mediocre at their best. The kicker, punter and primary returner have all graduated, leaving a gaping hole. Punter Josh Davis gained some experience last season and did okay, and should be considered the front-runner for 2012. None of the kickers have had an attempt at this level, but Carson-Newman transfer has already graduated and is eligible to play this year. He has had a decent DII career to date. He should be kicking on day 1. Eric Russell was so-so returning punts and kicks last season, but the influx of speed on offense should see some explosion here. Calhoun and/or Bryson could be a factor here.

5 Players to watch out for


  1. WR Christian Collis - MTSU needs some explosion on offense, particularly in the passing game, and Collis could be the man to provide it. The former 3-star recruit has decent size and showed in HS he has the wheels to stretch the field.
  2. WR Anthony Amos - he was the closest thing the Blue Raiders had to an explosive receiver last season, catching 27 passes for 379 yards and 3 scores, but with more field-stretching players on campus, he could really strut his stuff.
  3. QB Logan Kilgore - he’s the unquestioned starter, but he’s got to cut down on the interceptions. He’s a great guy and has the potential to be a great player. Stockstill has provided him with the weapons to excel, it’s up to him to get it done.
  4. CB Khairi Burke - Gilstrap already got a mention, but Burke is on the rise. He played mostly special teams last season (leading the team in ST tackles) with occasional action on defense. After a fine spring game, expect to see him top of the depth chart in fall camp.
  5. LB Christian Henry - there’s competition for spots with only (currently injured) Blunt back from last season. Henry started 4 games in the middle and has impressed coaches with his offseason work in the weight room. He played well when given the chance last year, and is one of the bigger LBs on the roster.

Prediction

The Blue Raiders are a tough call this season, as they could be a really good squad if their new faces click, or they could be a 4-or-5 win also-ran. The only really tough games on the schedule are Georgia Tech and Mississippi State, and they could beat anyone in the notoriously inconsistent Sun Belt on offense alone. Still, I like to at least give some kind of prediction, and I can see a very likely 6 wins, which could increase if the defense takes a giant leap forward (which it could).

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