Murfreesboro- We venture to Murfreesboro to see our first of five Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders games this season. Like his mentor Bobby Bowden at Florida State, Head Coach Rick Stockstill looks for superior non-conference competition. Following a blow-out loss at Bama in the opener, the Raiders gave Missouri all they could handle in Columbia, Missouri in a 23-19 loss. The Blue Raiders (1-2) went home last week and defeated FCS Murray State. The Colorado State Rams (0-2) come off a disappointing loss to No. 19 Colorado last week week, 45-42, in the final minute of play.
Blue Raider more balanced
QB Nick Vittiato has thrown for 632 yards and five TDs. Jaiden Credle leads in rushing with 142 yards, but the Raiders wait for Frank Peasant to start contributing as well. Colorado State relies on the passing of QG Braden Fowler-Nicolosi who averages 288 passing yards per game thus far, but has thrown for five TDs and four picks. The rushing attack has only 144 yards in two games against Colorado and and No. 21 Washington State. On defense, starting DT Mohammed Kamara sits out the first half after an ejection last week. HC Mike Norvell’s team looks to get fast start on the road, but will have to find a balance in the offensive game plan.
MTSU has shown it can compete against a mid-level SEC program and built a little momentum last week in their win at home. CSU comes off an emotional loss after big build-up. The Blue Raiders look to start challenging after this game for the Conference USA championship which starts for them the following Thursday night at Western Kentucky. Hopefully, the Raiders can focus on the task at hand. As 3.5-point favorites, I think they can as both squads need a win here against comparable competition. MTSU has more balance offensively and a home game gives them the advantage over a team a little beat up from a week ago. Again, should be fun as I see neither team winning in a run-away here.
Game 661
In collegefootballfan.com history, the Blue Raiders are 1-4 not having won in our presence since November 2000 at UCONN. Colorado State won their only game we ever attended when they defeated Colorado at Invesco Stadium in 2006, 14-10.
