Game 665: Balanced offense puts MTSU past LA Tech, 31-23

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Murfreesboro, TN – The MTSU Blue Raiders protected QB Nick Vattiato better than in previous games attended and balanced an improved running game with a passing attack to upend the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, 31-23. Vattiato under less pressure completed 23 of 29 for 248 yards and two TDs. He scored on the ground once. His 15 rushing yards were compensated this week by Jaiden Credle’s 65 yards and some effective short runs by Terry Wilkens. Tech played QB Jack Turner in the first half and Hank Bachmeier in the second. They combined for 340 yards, two TDs and one interception. The MTSU defense held LT to 79 rushing yards. S Tra Fluellen’s INT in the end zone thwarted a key Bulldog drive.

Scoring through the air

Following Zeke Rankin’s 26-Yrd FG for MTSU, Kyle Maxwell hauled in a 20-yard TD pass from Turner. Blue Raider S Jakobe Thomas burst through to block the point after. MTSU responded with a 75-yard scoring drive capped by Elijah Metcalf’s over the shoulder catch along the end zone sideline to lead 10-6 at the end of one.

In the second, Jacob Barnes 23-yard FG closed the score, 10-9. Later in the period, Zach Dobson returned a punt for Middle Tennessee 53 yards to the Louisiana Tech 31. On third and ten, Vattiato connected with Holden Willis for a gain of 20 after the tackled forced a fumble out of bounds. At the two, Vattiato swept let and dove over for a touchdown. MTSU led at the half, 17-9.

Tech's Kyle Maxwell makes TD catch to take lead from MTSU early, 6-3.
Louisiana Tech’s Kyle Maxwell makes TD catch to take lead from MTSU early, 6-3.

Tech repeat of last week?

The previous week, LT scored 21 points in the second half down to Western Kentucky who led , 35-7, at the intermission. Though they fell short, 35-28, would they display the same firepower this evening against MTSU? Turner looked prepared to mount a comeback. He connected with Cyrus Allen for 38 yards to the Blue Raider seven. The LT threat was quelled by Fluellen’s INT falling backward in the end zone. The MTSU offense put together an 80-yard drive culminating with Credle running it in from nine yards out. With the help of an invisible roughing the passer penalty, Tech sustained a scoring drive. On a fourth, Dakota Williams took it over from six. The score narrowed the Blue Raider lead, 24-16.

MTSU and LT fight in fourth

MTSU WR Holden Wills grasps ball on a 60-yard catch and run to take a 31-16 lead over LA Tech.
MTSU WR Holden Wills grasps ball on a 60-yard catch and run to take a 31-16 lead over LA Tech.

In the fourth, MTSU broke off a big play with a 60-yard catch and run by Holden (4 catches for 103 yards) on a crossing pattern down the right sideline. A sack on a third and ten forced a Tech punt on its next possession. Middle Tennessee seemed to catch a break on an incomplete pass. Vattiato was grabbed by the face mask and thrown to the ground. The official watched and threw no flag – a blatant missed call. The Bulldogs took over from their 24 and drove to the MTSU ten-yard line. On fourth and goal at the ten, Bachmeier connected with Charvis Thornton for a touchdown. Louisiana Tech trailed now 31-24 with 2:30 left to play.

Using their three remaining time-outs after a squib kick starting the Raiders on their 18, Tech forced MTSU to punt after a three and out. They took over from their 32. On fourth down at the 46, MTSU’s heavy rush force Bachmeier’s pass to go incomplete. Middle Tennessee ran out the clock to take their first ConferenceUSA win this season to go 2-5, 1-2. Louisiana Tech fell to 3-5, 2-2.

Finally, something to smile about this season at MTSU's Red Floyd Stadium.
Finally, something to smile about this season at MTSU’s Red Floyd Stadium.

Next!

In two weeks, Tech returns home to take on Jerry Kill’s New Mexico State Aggies (currently 3-3, 1-1). MTSU travels to Liberty (6-0, 4-0) for their fourth straight weekday night game before returning to Saturday games to complete their regular season. Collegefootballfan.com will see them for our fifth and final Blue Raider game this season when they host UTEP on November 18.

Three games in five days

CFF.com heads to Greenville, NC Thursday night for an American Athletic contest when SMU (3-2) visits East Carolina (1-4) for our first game ever at ECU’s Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. SMU looms as 12.5 favorites here. ECU allows 32 ppg against FBS foes, and SMU has put up similar scores against comparable FBS competition. We’ll see what ECU Head Coach Mike Houston can muster for this game. Last time we saw him, he was leading a formidable FCS James Madison program set to move up to the FBS.

On Saturday, we head to Charlotte for our first time at Jerry Richardson Stadium. We’ll watch Navy (2-3, 1-2) play a new foe in the same AAC. The Mids are favored by 3, but the 49ers (1-4, 0-1) under Biff Poggi are said to be hungry. Will the 15,314 seats in their stadium distract the Mids used to playing in bigger venues? Charlotte has lost to four FBS programs with winning records. The Mids have played three of their last four in Annapolis. They lost to Memphis by four on the road and defeated North Texas by three at home last week. This will be a fight for a close one. All I can say is, “Go Navy!”

Available now on Kindle – Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the fun and the Ugly – click here! In Paperback soon.

Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, he Fun and the Ugly

Game 664: Lafayette kicks down Princeton, 12-9

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Princeton, NJ – The Lafayette Leopards (5-1) defense held Princeton’s offense to three rushing yards on the day. The final outcome came due to a late safety and a missed extra point to settle the score, 12-9. In the fourth, Princeton blew their big opportunity to tie. The Lafayette win ended their 12-game losing streak to Princeton (2-2). The Leopard defense stood out limiting the Tiger offense to three first down conversions of 13 for first down attempts. They halted the Tigers twice on fourth down to take over on downs. LB Billy Schaeffer corralled ten tackles , three for losses, and two for sacks while forcing a fumble.

Cats go toe-to-toe

Lafayette opened the game starting from its 25 to take the lead on Jack Simonetti’s 40-yard FG. Princeton countered on its ensuing drive with Jeffrey Sexton’s kick made good from 29. Late in the first, PU QB Blake Senstrom (26 of 35, 310 yards, one TD) connected with WR AJ Barber (son of former NY Giant Tiki) for a 57-yard pass to the LC 10. Sexton next connected with WR Luke Colella on an outstanding, twisting catch with one foot down inside the end zone to grab the Tiger lead, 9-3. The extra point failed.

In the second, the two teams clawed to a standstill as both forced turnovers on downs on consecutive possessions. Late in the period, a Lafayette sack of Senstrom forced a Princeton punt from the 15. Elijah Steward’s six-yard return put the Leopards at the Tiger 46. With :26 left until halftime, a swing pass left to 6’8″ TE Mason Gilbert at the PU 15, put Lafayette up, 10-9.

Princeton had 15 musicians against Lafayette. Last time at PU, they combined with Brown band. Had more imagination at the Ivy League school back then.
Princeton had 15 musicians against Lafayette last Saturday. Last time at PU, they combined with the Brown University band. Had much more imagination at the Ivy League school back then.

A quick quarter

In the third period, a long Princeton drive fell short on a fourth and four at the Lafayette 16 with a sack and a fumble. The next Lafayette drive resulted in a punt, and Princeton’s next drive ran over into the final period for a very quick third quarter. Into the fourth, play continued with both teams punting.

Lafayette defense adds to lead

Princeton finally got to the Lafayette 20 for a supposed chip shot. However, Sexton’s 37-yard attempt went wide right. Lafayette got back on offense to consume over six minutes. A sack placed them back on the Princeton 33 with a fourth and 20. QB Dean Denobile (20 of 28, 177 yards, one TD) quick-kicked to back Princeton up at their four. After an incomplete pass, LB Blamassi Meite tackled Senstrom for a safety to extend Lafayette’s lead, 12-9.

With 1:57 remaining and rain beginning to fall, the Tiger onsides kick put Lafayette at their 33. A PU time-out and eventually a Leopard first down allowed Lafayette to run down the clock for a low-scoring , hard-fought victory. The game exemplified the significance of PATs and missed chip shots. Had PU converted one of each, the results could have made for a Tiger victory. Never take the kicking game for granted.

Next!

Princeton 1-0 in the Ivy, plays at Brown next weekend. Lafayette, now 1-0 in the Patriot, has a bye week before facing their most challenging conference foe, FCS No. 11 Holy Cross (4-2, 2-0). This game will probably decide the Patriot League’s champion to play for the FCS title.

Not the best of teams, but…

As for Collegefootballfan.com, we continue into our heavy October schedule consisting of eight games in the month of October. We attend three games alone this week – Louisiana Tech (3-4) at Middle Tennessee (1-5) on Tuesday, SMU (3-2) at East Carolina (1-4) on Thursday, and Navy (2-3) at Charlotte (1-4) on Saturday. No world-beaters here, but teams playing comparable competition and three fighting for a second win. Desperate teams playing for desperate measures half way through the season. Coaches trying to avoid proverbial hot seats! The latter two are American Athletic Conference clashes. We get to add two new FBS venues to our growing list to see as many as we can.

Game 663: JSU Gamecocks blast MTSU with 38 unanswered points

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Murfreesboro, Tennessee – JSU trailed MTSU 23-7 at the half, but sacks, pressures, turnovers and Zion Webb garnered 38 straight points before Jacksonville State (5-1,3-0) triumphed, 45-30. With QB Logan Smothers under center, JSU went nowhere on offense into the second period. Enter Zion Webb. Three plays including his 61-yard run to the one before Malik Jackson’s TD put JSU in front, 7-3. Things got scary on MTSU’s next series. WR Kellen Stewart left strapped to a stretcher before a silent crowd. First responders worked on him for 15 minutes. A post-game report says he is in the hospital moving his arms and legs.

Raiders ramp up

After this disconcerting delay, the Blue Raiders caught some offensive fire. On a fourth and two, QB Nick Vattiato connected with DJ Riles for 42 yards to the one. There, Frank Peasant took it in to lead, 10-7. The Raiders didn’t’ stop scoring for the rest of the half. Vattiato connected for touchdown passes to Elijah Metcalf on MTSU’s ensuing series for 71 yards and for 19. The Blue Raider defense stepped up behind DEs Richard Kinley and Quindarius Dunnigan to keep JSU under wraps. The last extra point, however, was missed. It was probably a sign of things to come in the second half though MTSU led, 23-7.

JSU TE Sean Brown on a catch over the middle.
JSU TE Sean Brown on a catch over the middle.

JSU scores on offense and defense

To start the second half, the Raiders seemed in control knocking down two of three pass attempts before JSU punted. JSU increased the pressure on Vattiato (26 for 41, 408 yards, two TDs, two INTs) who kept passing from outside the pocket. An interception by Safety Kekoura Tarnue started to turn the momentum around for the Gamecocks. His pick resulted in a ten yard TD pass from Webb to TE Sean Brown. JSU punted on its next possession, but the MTSU return man misplayed the ball. The Gamecocks continued at the MTSU 27. Webb (11 for 21, 186 yards passing, two TDs, and 101 rushing yards) took it in from the one to narrow the Raider lead, 23-21. Alin Karajic’s 43-yard FG gave JSU a 24-23 lead going into the final fifteen.

Frustration

A sack forced MTSU to punt from the 50. JSU started to take control for good starting from their eight. A swing pass left went to Perry Carter who raced 63 yards for a score. On the ensuing Blue Raider possession, under pressure, Vattatio’s pass attempt was tipped and intercepted by DE Chris Hardie to put JSU at the MTSU 17. J’Wan Evans swept left for a one-yard score and a 38-27 JSU lead. On a fourth and four at the 14, a bad snap and sack resulted with the Gamecocks taking over from their 27.

I made a pit stop under the upper deck seats as most of the MTSU fans on Black-out Night (which looked more like silver-out night with all the empty aluminum seats) couldn’t watch any more. Only 13,066 attended. I returned to a portal over the north end zone to watch for any sign of a Raider comeback before following.

JSU sacked Vattiato eight times and pressured him often out of the pocket.
JSU sacked Vattiato eight times and pressured him often out of the pocket.

Right away, under pressure, Vattiato lost control of the ball on a spring left. Curley Young of JSU returned it 26 yards for a TD. A female Raider fan in from of me slammed her fists on a hand rail, cursed, and stormed out on to the mezzanine to hang her head in frustration. You couldn’t blame her. Her team played poorly and dropped this game, 45-30, in the end. They’re 1-6. One more loss assures no bowl for this season, and we’ll know that quickly.

Coming back?

With my season ticket package to take advantage of weekday games like this one, we’ll probably both be back next Tuesday night the the Louisiana Tech game (3-3, 2-0). That’s only five days from now. Head Coach Rick Stockstill was concerned about the timing of the games his team plays this year at the pre-season Blue Raider Blitz I attended. It seems like he’s had a long season already. And some fans in the seatback section near me vocalized their opinions about their coach of 17 years very negatively.

Next!

Jacksonville stands now at 5-1, 3-0 in Conference USA. Their next game comes as a challenge with undefeated Liberty (4-0, 2-0) who plays Sam Houston State this evening. Because JSU joined the FBS this year, for some dumb reason, it won’t be eligible to play in any bowl game this year. Collegefootballfan.com ventures east for a wedding weekend with Saturday available to allow us to attend Lafayette (4-1) at Princeton (2-1). This should be a good, fun game. Look forward to seeing a game again at PU.

Game 663: Jacksonville State at Middle Tennessee

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Murfreesboro, TN- Since our season opener when Jacksonville State defeated UTEP, 17-14, their offense has picked up and the Gamecocks lead Conference USA with a 4-1,2-0 record. The offensive output under Junior QB Logan Smothers has picked up some steam averaging over 30 points per game since. Smothers has completed 60.8% of his passes for 474 yards, Five TDs and no INTs. He’s run for 255 yards and five scores. Malik Jackson leads in rushing with 505 yards for three six-pointers. Jacksonville State Head Coach Rich Rodriguez’s defense has recorded 14 sacks and eight interceptions.

MTSU needs to step-up against Jacksonville

On a Black-out Night at Red Floyd Stadium, the Blue Raiders are looking for their first C-USA win at 1-4, 0-1. QB Nick Vattiato has passed for 1,168 yards and Jaiden Credle and Frank Peasant have combined for 492 yards. The team has to improve regarding the -3 in the turnover department. Sacks and INTs stand at nine and two respectively. Not a good sign on defense when Safety Tra Fluellen leads in tackles with 38 and his counterpart Safety Jakobe Thomas is third with 26. Head Coach Rick Stockstill’s defenders up front need to turn on some heat to win this one.

Blue Raiders favored by 2.5, but not sure why. Jacksonville State joined the FBS as a very successful FCS program, and it looks like it’s holding its own so far after five games. MTSU is 1-1 at home with win against very wee FCS Murray State. Jacksonville seems to have good balance on offense to keep the Blue Raiders on their heels to win this one.

Busy in October!

Following this week’s Wednesday night Conference USA game, college ffotballfan.com ventures back east. At Princeton Stadium, thee Lafayette Leopards of the Patriot League bring their 4-1 record against the Princeton Tigers (2-1) of the Ivy League. The following Tuesday, we’re back at Floyd when MTSU hosts Louisiana Tech. Another first for us is a second weekday night game during the same week. We trek to Greenville, NC to see SMU visit East Carolina for our first game there. On Saturday, we go to Charlotte for the first time. The 49ers host Navy in and American Athletic showdown. That’s five games in eleven days, some kind of an FBS record here!

We enjoyed the Blue Raider pregame Homecoming festivities performed by the MTSU Dance Team now ranked as on of our favorites!
The MTSU Dance Team now ranks as one of our favorites!

Game 662: Missouri Tigers “Cook” Vandy Boys, 38-21

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Nashville, Tennessee – Missouri Tiger QB Brady Cook put up 395 passing yards and four touchdown passes to keep late Vanderbilt threats at bay for a 38-21 win. In the process of his fourth straight game of over 300 passing yards, Cook set an SEC record of 325 passing attempts without an interception. At 5-0, the Tigers stand one game short of last year’s win total. Vanderbilt started Ken Seals at QB in place of injured AJ Swann. The Commodore offense picked up new life late in the game with a long passing game to challenge, but Cook and his Tigers retaliated down the stretch.

Cook Connections

Seals six-yard run in the first gave Vanderbilt a 7-3 lead at the end of one. However, Mizzou dominated the scoring into the next two quarters. An 85-yard drive resulted in a one-yard TD on a sweep by Cody Shrader. Before the first half ended, Cook connected with Theo Wease as he kicked over the goal line pylon on a 12-yard pass play. Up 17-7 with their first possession in the third, Cook hooked up with his favorite target, Lee Burden III, along the back of the end zone for an 18-yard touchdown. On the following drive Vandy threatened. However, Seals’ pass got picked in the end zone by Kris Abrams-Draine.

Missouri Tiger QB Brady Cook lets one fly on his record-setting day.
Missouri Tiger QB Brady Cook lets one fly on his record-setting day.

In the fourth, Vandy stopped Mizzou on fourth down on an unexpected snap from center that hit Cook in the shoulder. The Dores took over from their 40 with new life. With play action, Seals connected on two consecutive passes to Will Sheppard of 29 and 31 yards to break their scoring drought to get within ten. With the ensuing kickoff out of bounds starting the Tigers at their 35, Mizzou scored five plays later. Cook connected with Marquis Johnson for a 44-yard catch and run to lead, 31-14.

Commodores almost come back

The Commodore offense continued to challenge despite the Tiger lead. From 50 yards out, Seals connected with Junior Sherrill on a 45-yard scoring pass to close back to within ten with 9:36 left to play. The Dores needed a stop to get back into what was becoming a fight. The defense stepped up. On a third and three from his 44, Cook got stopped for a one-yard gain by DB Marlen Sewell, and Mizzou had to punt. Starting from their 15, Vanderbilt got only to the 32 for a fourth down. Seals got sacked for 15-yard loss at his 19. Cook connected with Burden ( 11 catches for 140 yards, two TDs) once again with an 18-yard scoring strike to finalize the score, 38-21. Mizzou forced a Vandy put and ran out the clock. The Tigers moved up to No. 21 in the AP poll.

Next!

Vanderbilt heads to Gainesville next Saturday to play the Florida Gators (3-2) coming off a 33-14 loss to Kentucky. The Dore defeated both those SEC foes last year, but fell to the Kentucky wildcats already this season. Mizzou hosts LSU (3-2) after their 55-49 loss at Ole Miss.

Collegefootballfan.com continues its week night C-USA feast nights on Wednesday when Jacksonville State (4-1, 2-0) visits Middle Tennessee (1-4, 0-1). On Saturday afternoon, we’ll be back in New Jersey sandwiching a game between two wedding dates each hosted by longtime fans Les Di Vite and Fred Bacchetta. Princeton (2-1) of the Ivy will be hosting Lafayette (4-1) of the Patriot. Both the Tigers and Leopards defeated the Columbia Lions. Princeton won 10-7 and Lafayette, 24-3. Lafayette’s lone loss came at the hands of FBS No. 19 Duke, 42-7.

Wishful thinking

In year 150, Vanderbilt starts renovations to 101-year-old stadium. Guest Game Analyst Paul Kleim and I want to see his Alma mater, West Virginia. come visit Nashville in the future.
In year 150, Vanderbilt starts renovations to its 101-year-old stadium. Guest Game Analyst Paul Kleim wants to see his Alma mater, West Virginia, come visit Nashville in the future.

Game 661: Western Kentucky mauls Middle Tennessee, 31-10

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Bowling Green, Kentucky – The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3-2, 1-0) defeated the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (1-4, 0-1)) outgaining them through the air and on the ground for a 31-10 victory. Hilltopper QB Austin Reed threw two touchdown passes and plunged for a one-yard score late in the first half following a fumble. WKU recovered at the 30 to give Western Kentucky a 23-3 advantage at the half. MTSU showed some glimmer to come back in the second half, but could only sustain one scoring drive in the third. The Hilltoppers ended the scoring in the final period with Elijah Young’s 14-yard TD run highlighted by hurdling a would-be tackler into the end zone. First-time Guest Game Analyst Al Tatum noted that both teams primarily favored tendencies going to the right. Something to watch for again in future games played by both on our 2023 schedule.

Western Kentucky Houchens-Smith Industries Stadium.
Western Kentucky Houchens-Smith Industries Stadium.

Western Kentucky gets leg up in Conference USA

Reed passed for 297 yards, and LT Sanders of Western Kentucky led all rushers with 83 yards. MTSU’s Nick Vittiato passed for 252 yards, but WKU picked him off twice deep in their territory. The fumble recovery by LB Bryson Washington and one of two turnovers on downs in the second half led to Western Kentucky touchdowns. The first stop came at the WKU three. The second for the score began at the MTSU 44. Blue Raider Frank Peasant rushed for 76 yards including a 16-yard touchdown. Collegefootballfan.com plans to see both teams in the near future on weekday night games. MTSU hosts Jacksonville State next Wednesday, and Western Kentucky will host C-USA leader Liberty (4-0) October 10.

Next!

On Saturday, we stay local to see No. 19 Missouri Tigers (4-0) play at Vanderbilt in an SEC East clash. Mizzou quarterback has completed 72% of his passes for 1,073 yards, seven scores and no INTs. RB Cody Schrader leads the team with 403 rushing yards averaging 6.2 yards per carry. WR Luther Burden III performs as Cook’s favorite target. He’s fourth in the nation with 504 yards among 32 snags with three TDs.

Vandy struggles offensively. QB AJ Swann looks shaky at best completing 53.8% of his passes for 1,280 yards for 11 TDs, but seven INTs. Defenses have sacked him nine times. The Tigers will let the Commodores hang early before they expose traditionally weak Vanderbilt. The Dores rely on SEC coattails to earn the reference of being a “Power Five team.” Seeing Vanderbilt play exists as part of our econo-plan for 2023 staying close to home to save for our daughter’s wedding next year.

Game 661: Middle Tennessee at Western Kentucky in C-USA clash Thursday night

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Bowling Green, Kentucky – Middle Tennessee at Western Kentucky on Thursday night opens as one of two Conference-USA meetings to be played through October on televised week night games. The MTSU Blue Raiders (1-3) look to end a four-game losing streak against the WKU Hilltoppers (2-2). The two rivals suffered huge losses to top ranked teams already this season. The Blue Raiders fell to Alabama in their opener, 56-7, while the Toppers got clobbered by Ohio State, 63-10. Both have wins against FCS competition and other games were battles. This one will be close.

MTSU Safety Blankenship chases WKU's Jerreth Sterns in 2021 game won by teh Toopers, . Blankenship now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.
MTSU Safety Reed Blankenship chases WKU’s Jerreth Sterns in 2021 game won by the Toppers, 48-21. Blankenship now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky stats

Offensively, the Blue Raiders are led by QB Nick Vattiato who’s thrown for 916 yards, seven TDs and two INTs. Jaiden Credle leads all Raider rushers with 188 yards for a 6.2 yard gain per carry. The defense has given up 1,536 yards and allows 31.0 ppg. The Hilltopper offense is led by QB Austin Reed who led the NCAA in total passing yards in 2022. He has a lot of catching up to do ranked at No. 27 in that category currently. He’s completed 63% of his passes for 1,021 yards, nine TDs and one INT. The rushing game has totaled only 331 yards compared to the Raiders’ 512 yards. Defensively, WKU has yielded 1,991 yards per game and allows 34.0 ppg.

C-USA implications

Liberty looks to be the best team in this conference at 4-0 thus far under former Coastal Carolina mentor Jamey Chadwell. The winner of Thursday night’s game could challenge them for the C-USA title. The top two teams meet in the conference championship on December 2. This one will end close, and look for the Hilltoppers’ passing game to score the decisive final points to win at the end.

Week Five - WKU QB Austin Reed (8) leads his team on Saturday night against Middle Tennessee.
Week Five – WKU QB Austin Reed (16) leads his team on Saturday night against Middle Tennessee.

Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly

My new book is now available for sale as an e-book on Amazon.com. Click on the cover above on the right to learn more and buy a copy today.

Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, he Fun and the Ugly

Game 660: Colorado State Rams overtake MTSU Blue Raiders in fourth for first win

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Murfreesboro, Tennessee- A hard-fought, well-played battle between two evenly matched teams took place Saturday evening.  The Colorado State Rams broke away in the final period with two scores to triumph, 31-23.  Both quarterbacks atoned for most of the yardage.  Both defenses shut down the running games.  On a fake field goal and a defensive score, Colorado State capitalized.  In front of over 19,000 fans at Red Floyd Stadium, Guest Game Analyst Ed Mainardi (Brown U.)  and I concurred- it was a fun game to watch!

Note: if you were looking for a review of Kentucky vs Vanderbilt here, we aborted that visit.  Unlike previous seasons where parking was ample and easy for Vandy games, the arrangements were fubar. Due to construction eliminating parking spaces and a very long traffic line to get into only one nearby parking garage, it wasn’t worth the price and aggravation. Now that we know, we will be at Vandy vs Missouri next week as part of our econo-schedule this season.

Teams go toe-to-toe

Colorado State QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi looks downfield to no avail. Settled for field goal on next play.
Colorado State QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi looks downfield to no avail. Settled for field goal on next play.

     The two teams battled through three quarters to a 17-17 tie.  CSU (1-2) scored its first possession with a 32-yard field goal by Jordan Noyes.  The Blue Raiders struck right back with a 49-yard TD pass from Nick Vittiato to Holden Willis.  An unsportsmanlike penalty by the Raiders gave the Rams good field position after a kickoff from the 20.  CSU set up for a field goal at the MTSU 24. Noyes followed through with a fake boot. Holder Giles Pooler rolled left and connected with TE Dallin Holker whose catch and run turned into a 24-yard TD.  Before the first period ended, Zeke Rankin converted on a 32-yard field goal to even the score for Middle Tennessee, 10-10.

     In the second period, following an MTSU interception, the teams continued to exchange punts.  For the day, the Rams garnered only 33 yards on 19 carries.  QB Braden Fowler-Nicolosi completed 30 of 43 for 321 yards, two TDs and one INT. The Raiders totaled 151 rushing yards with Vittiato leading with 47.  He threw for 30 of 41 for 279 yards and two touchdowns.  He completed a 35-yard pass to Willis who made a beautiful diving catch at the four with seconds left in the half.  From there, Vittiato ran it in for a 17-10 lead to close the first-half scoring.

Colorado State finds its man

Colorado State WR Tory Horton hauls in one of ten passes tor 99 yards and two TDS on the day.
Colorado State WR Tory Horton (14) hauls in one of ten passes tor 99 yards and two TDS on the day.

    Halfway through the third, Fowler-Cangelosi tossed a seven-yard TD pass to Tory Horton to cap an 80-yard drive to tie it up.  On the ensuing MTSU possession, the Ram defense halted the Raiders’ Frank Peasant on a fourth and two to take over on downs on their 24.  The Rams drove the length of the field into the fourth culminating again on a seven-yard pass again to Horton for a 24-17 lead.   On second down from their own 25, Middle Tennessee attempted some trickery of its own.  On a double reverse, CSU pressured to force a fumble. It got picked up at the five and run for a touchdown return by DE Mohamed Kamara. He sat the bench in the first half due to a targeting call the previous Saturday in their OT loss to Colorado.

Never say die

    MTSU (1-3) responded with a 75-yard scoring drive.  Vittiato connected with Elijah Metcalf from the yards out with 6:34 left to play. However, the low PAT attempt got blocked to make the comeback somewhat tenuous as the Blue Raiders trailed, 31-23.  They forced Colorado State to punt from their 44 eventually, but burned their final two time-outs. To start with 2:39 remaining, the Raiders picked up three first downs to the Colorado State 32.  Two passes fell incomplete in the end zone.  On the final play of the game, CSU sacked Vittiato for an 11-yard loss. They preserved their first victory of the season, 31-23.  Despite a relatively small homecoming crowd, the game was exciting and the crowd was into it.  Fun time as Ed and I agreed. Looking forward to some more games there as more Conference USA action looms ahead.

Next Thursday!

Colorado State heads home to host FCS Utah Tech (1-3). They lost badly to Missouri State, 59-14, who we saw fall to UT-Martin two weeks ago.  We will see Middle Tennessee play again earlier than expected. We will join them for their annual rivalry with C-USA foe Western Kentucky (2-2) Thursday night in Bowling Green. Conference USA teams will be playing on weekday nights throughout October. We plan to see several such contests. On Saturday, our plan will be to attend the game between now No. 23 Missouri (4-0) and typical, struggling Vanderbilt (2-3) who shows very little on offense. Hopefully the Dores make it some kind of a fight.

Games 660 : Colorado State at MTSU

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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.

Frank Peasant has been a key back who needs to step up for the Blue Raiders.

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.

The Blue Raiders of MTSU will be sending Season's Greetings from the Hawaii when the play San Diego State on Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas!
We look forward to seeing the Blue Raiders of MTSU at home four times this season.

Game 569: Fighting Illini serve up turnovers to Nittany Lions at Champaign breakfast for 30-13 loss

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Champaign, Illinois – After missing a 47-yard field goal to end its first possession, the Fighting Illini of Illinois served up a fumble and two INTs on its next three to spot the Nittany Lions (3-0,1-0) a 13-0 lead in the second period. The 11 am kickoff launched a low scoring first half. More Illini turnovers in the second led to a 30-13 Lion victory. The staunch Illini defensive front allowed only 92 yards among the first four PSU possessions. Otherwise, the game would have been out of hand even earlier.   The Lions took over with good field position each time to start at the Illini 43, 22, and on their own 43 respectively.  The first two drives resulted in 20-yard and 45-yard field goals by Alex Felkins. These gave the Nittany Lions a 6-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Penn State RB Kaytron Allen follows blocking into end zone for first touchdown of the day against the Illini.
Penn State RB Kaytron Allen follows blocking into end zone for first touchdown of the day against the Illini.

     LB Abdul Carter’s INT late in the first resulted in a 57-yard drive with Kaytron Allen taking it in from the four to give the Lions a 13-0 lead early in the second.  Later in the period, Illini DT Jer’Zhan Newton blocked Felkin’s 52-yard attempt to take over on the 32.  Illinois sustained a drive with Reggie Love III taking it over from the five to close the score to within seven.  Before halftime, PSU’s Kaden Saunders returned a punt 19 yards out to the State 41 with 42 seconds remaining.  Drew Allar completed a 33-yard pass to Liam Clifford to set up a 27-yard FG by Felkins as time expired for a 16-7 Penn State advantage at the intermission.

Collegefootballfan.com Scouting report

   The first half exposed strengths and weaknesses of both teams. The Illini defensive front led by Newton and Keith Randolph Jr. demonstrated a formidable force. The potent Lion running game had a tough time against them in the red zone.  The Penn State interceptions came on generally underthrown balls by Illini QB Luke Altmyer.  He doesn’t possess a strong arm. The Lions also had both a field goal and a punt blocked. Special teams will need to be assessed moving forward into Big Ten East play. 

   Regarding PSU QB Drew Allar, his arm is strong, but he telegraphs all of his passes. He focuses on his primary target on every play.  He’s got to learn to look off his receivers, widen his vision and perplex the secondary.  Sometimes, he connected based purely on his arm strength, but other times defenders knocked away six of his passes. He won’t get away with that against Iowa’s secondary next week.

Do coaches coach? Do players listen?

   This point leads me next to the PSU coaching strategy.  On the series when they finally scored the first TD, they went with play action to freeze defenders, and it helped Allar.  Though successful, they stopped doing that further in the second half.  They didn’t use the strong running game they have to enable the play action to work. Hopefully in the future, adjustments will be made regarding Allar’s ability to look off receivers, and the strategy will utilize their running strength with a mix of play action for success.  If PSU doesn’t, some better defenses in the future will be eating up more of their turnovers.

Penn State applied pressure to Illini QB Luke Altymer to hold U of I to one score with first team on field through the fourth quarter.
Penn State applied pressure to Illini QB Luke Altymer to hold U of I to one score with first team on field through the fourth quarter.

Some chicanery and more INTs

     In the third, the teams exchanged the ball six times on one INT by Penn State and five punts. The Illini outgained the Lions 33 yards to 25 over these six series.  Finally, PSU moved the ball on its next series as Allar spread three passes to different receivers, and Allen ran the ball 18 yards to the Illini 11. A bit of trickery was called on from there.  Trey Watts lofted a halfback option pass to wide open Tyler Warren in the end zone to put the Lions up, 23-7, going into the fourth.

    Cam Miller picked off another underthrown Altymer pass at the U of ILL 30 following a sack. Nick Singleton put the Lions on the scoreboard once again with a 16-yard run.  Both teams replaced their starting quarterbacks on their next series and eventually more second team players came in to get in on some game action.  Illini substitute QB John Paddock completed at touchdown pass to Malik Elzy for 19 yards, and their two-point conversion failed to make the final score a 30-13 victory for Penn State. The Lions remain No. 7 heading into next Saturday’s tussle against Iowa.

Illini tribute to their legendary All-American running back, Red Grange, "the Galloping Ghost."
Illini tribute to their legendary All-American running back, Red Grange, “the Galloping Ghost.”

Next – tough game for PSU and a Double-header for us!

  As mentioned, Penn State hosts Iowa (3-0) next Saturday.  Despite no impressive wins by the Hawkeyes so far in 2023, they should be much more formidable. Last season, we saw Iowa defeat Kentucky in last year’s Music City Bowl, 21-0.  They return key players from their always strong defense and specially in the secondary.  All-American CB Cooper De Jean, S Quinn Schulte and S Xavier Nwankpa return from last year’s squad. They returned two pick sixes against the Wildcats for the shut out. PSU better consider adjustments in my scouting report for this encounter.   On offense, the Hawkeyes can only be better. Former Michigan QB Cade McNamara, formerly with Michigan now plays under center for them.

  The Illini finish their non-conference slate against the Florida Atlantic Owls (1-2).  We at collegefootballfan.com stepped into a local Saturday double-header in the Nashville area.  This one snuck up on us as another 11 am kickoff was announced last week.  Vanderbilt (2-2) hosts Kentucky (3-0) at that time.  Not our typical Vandy game here in Nashville that we typically avoid. Last season, the Commodore’s nipped the Wildcats, 24-21, in Lexington for their first of two SEC wins.  This season, both teams have pretty decent and experienced QBs in Soph AJ Swann for Vandy and Devin Leary who transferred to Kentucky from NC State.  We saw him in a 45-42 shoot-out loss against Wake Forest in 2021.  This game looks more interesting now that it’s conveniently available to us.

Night cap

   For this Saturday, we had already penned in Colorado State (0-2) at Middle Tennessee (1-2) for a 6 pm kickoff. Red Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro is about an hour away from downtown Nashville – perfect! Colorado State comes off with a late, heart-breaking, OT loss to Colorado in the Rocky Mountain Showdown on Saturday, 43-35.  Rick Stockstill’s Blue Raiders of MTSU come off their first win, 35-14, over FCS Murray State.  This follows a loss to Alabama, and then a 23-19 loss at Missouri who just upset No. 15 Kansas State on Saturday.  Hopefully, we’ll attend two exciting games in one day.

Under pressure, NC State QB Devin Leary fires a 28-yard TD pass in the Wolfpack’s 45-42 loss to Wake Forest in 2021. He’ll be wearing a Kentucky Wildcat uniform when we see him play Vanderbilt in Nashville this Saturday.