A very nice home schedule with three 1st time visitors and a non-conference slate with ACC power North Carolina and tradition rich BYU highlight the 2013 Middle Tennessee football schedule. Their full schedule is listed below, but first let's preview the 2013 Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders.
Middle Tennessee had a very nice year, with the country's biggest win-loss turnaround from 2011. Middle Tennessee won a school FBS record five road games finished tied for second in conference play and had a big upset of Georgia Tech early in the season. Despite an eight-win season, the Blue Raiders were passed over for a bowl game.
Buster Faulkner was promoted to OC last year and the team averaged around 4 more ppg despite gaining less yards. The OL loses an All-Sun Belt performer in Micah James but they return 6 players who have started at least one game. QB Logan Kilgore returns as well (16 TD's and 6 Int's), as does leading rusher Jordan Parker (5.1 ypc). The receiving corps losses their top receiver but, has solid returnees Kyle Griswould (45 rec) and Tavarres Jefferson (51 rec in 2011). Last year, the Blue Raiders slowed their game down a bit by being more dedicated to the running game. There is plenty of talent on this offense and they should exceed last years numbers.
in 2012 the Blue Raiders cut their ppg allowed by 8.6 ppg so that's definitely a good sign. The Blue Raiders bring back some solid linebackers, including two of the team's top returning tacklers. Middle Tennessee need to get better play from their secondary secondary. Although the Blue Raiders bring three starters back from last season, there they will need to turn in a stronger performance than a unit that ranked 103rd in pass efficiency defense in 2012. The loss of WR Anthony Amos leaves a void for a featured wideout who can break open the big play, though it's a deep position with plenty of options. The loss of two all-conference defensive linemen leaves some concern up front, and injuries in spring caused some depth issues.
Some of the more potent offenses may have left for greener pastures, but Coach Stockstill will still have his team lighting up the scoreboard and helping to keep Conference USA as a high scoring bunch. The defense is a big concern, but the top two teams in the division don't really have a defense either. I see this as a 7-5 team but wouldn't be shocked to see them win eight or nine if they show good improvement on defense. Key Trends: 6-0 ATS as favs off a SU dog win... 4-0 ATS last 4 games vs Florida Atlantic... 2-10 ATS off SU loss, but an ATS win.
MTSU 2013 Football Schedule
Aug. 29 WESTERN CAROLINA
Sept. 7 at North Carolina
Sept. 14 MEMPHIS
Sept. 21 at FAU
Sept. 27 at BYU
Oct. 5 EAST CAROLINA
Oct. 12 at North Texas
Oct. 19 MARSHALL
Oct. 26 bye
Nov. 2 at UAB
Nov. 9 FIU
Nov. 16 bye
Nov. 23 at Southern Miss
Nov. 30 UTEP
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