Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Roster 2019 Blue Raiders Roster

Head Coach: Rick Stockstill        2017 Salary: $801,504        Offensive Coordinator: Tony Franklin       Defensive Coordinator: Scott Shafer         

Stadium: Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium       Surface: Turf        City: Murfreesboro        State: Tennessee

Middle Tennessee State figures to struggle early this season. Coach Rick Stockstill has assembled a murderous early season schedule for the Blue Raiders. It is reasonably certain that the Blue Raiders will enter their conference schedule with a losing record, yet will be tested and ready for its Conference USA slate. Last season, MTSU was beset by injuries, ruining what was expected to be a special season. The team’s quarterback and top wide receiver missed roughly half the season with injuries. Seven wins with a depleted roster was still a notable success. Quarterback Brent Stockstill returns healthy and has thrown for nearly 9000 career yards. If Stockstill can remain healthy all season, the Blue Raiders will be in the thick of their conference race. MTSU was 5-2 with Stockstill at the helm of the offense last season.

The defense progressed last season, however more work is needed this season to take the next step forward. Where the defense struggled was in forcing turnovers, recording only 11 takeaways for the entire season. Still, the defense is experienced and returns seven starters this season including linebackers Khalil Brooks and Darius Harris. Brooks is an undersized defender with explosive potential. The Blue Raiders won their bowl game last season and figure to return to another bowl this season. However, before the Blue Raiders progress to winnable games, they will have to be a sacrificial lamb for Georgia and will have to contend with rival Vanderbilt. However, the games against SEC schools will prove valuable come conference season.