2010 NCAA football preview: Middle Tennessee
For young programs there is nothing better than success to keep the fans and alumni involved and the players looking forward to the next season.
The Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State University got just that during the 2009 season. Their 9-3 record earned the team a bid to the New Orleans Bowl where they played Southern Mississippi. The 42-32 victory gave the team their first 10-win season since they joined the FBS (division I) in 1999. Middle Tennessee has had a program dating back to 1960, but has only been playing with the big boys (division I) for just over a decade now.
Middle Tennessee has fielded a competitive team in the Sun Belt Conference in each of head coach Rick Stockstill’s four seasons. In those four seasons he has led the team to a share of the conference title, two bowl berths, and two winning records (the other two seasons were each 5-7).
Rather than ditch the Blue Raiders for what most would have considered greener pastures, Stockstill decided to return to Murfreesboro to see if he can lead the team to a second consecutive 10-win season. With the talent that he has coming back, that goal could very well be within reach.
Offence
The Blue Raiders offence will have to work in their third offensive coordinator in three years with Mike Schultz taking over the job for the 2010 season. Schultz did not do so great with Illinois last year, but did some great work during his time with TCU.
Part of the trick for the 2010 season could be in how well Schultz and quarterback Dwight Dasher mesh. Dasher lost his job in 2008 only to take it back with a vengeance in 2009. Dasher is an athletic player who is just as dangerous running the ball as passing; in 2009 he threw for close to 3000 yards with 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions to go, with another 1154 yards on the ground and 13 more touchdowns. If Schultz can help Dasher improve on his 55 percent completion rate, than the Blue Raider offence could be in even better shape.
Dasher was the lead rusher for the team last season, but the team has two good backs coming back. Phillip Tanner was the starter at the beginning of the season after rushing for just over 700 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2008, but was injured early in the 2009 season. D.D. Kyles was the surprise of the season when he ended up taking over the running back job averaging over six yards a carry on 13 carries.
Defence
The defence was as good in the conference as the offence was last season; both units finished third in the conference. With many of the players that are returning looking to be even better with a year of experience under their belts, the Blue Raiders defence could have a number of players earn all-conference honours at the end of the season.
There could be some question marks with the interior of the defensive line thanks to some injuries that occurred during spring practices. So far the team has pencilled in Kendall Dangerfield and Gary Tucker to start inside. End Jamari Lattimore returns to help the team try to become one of the best sack units in the nation again; he contributed 5.5 himself in 2009. Emmanuel Perez added another pair from the other end position.
In the secondary, a talented group of players will try to make sure they remain one of the top pass defence units in the conference (second in 2009). Senior free safety Jeremy Kellem could very well be one of the best defensive backs in the conference and should easily earn all-conference honours. Cornerback Rod Isaac could also join Kellem in earning all-conference honours.
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