We have begun our series of an early look ahead to the teams on Liberty’s 2024 schedule. We will give a quick preview of all 12 teams that stand in the Flames’ way of a second straight unbeaten season as second-year head coach Jamey Chadwell prepares his team to defend its 2023 CUSA title.

CUSA teams will adjust back to Saturday schedules for the final month of the regular season and Liberty hits the road to play at Middle Tennessee.

Middle Tennessee

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 9 at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro, Tennessee (1 p.m. CBSSN)
  • Last year’s record: 4-8, 3-5 CUSA (5th)
  • Coach: Derek Mason, first year at MTSU
  • 2024 SP+ ranking: 109th
  • Series History: Liberty leads, 2-1

Last Meeting: Oct. 17, 2023: After trading offensive blows for the first three quarters, Liberty’s defense kept MTSU in check during the fourth to secure a 42-35 win. The two teams combined for 949 total offensive yards, including 401 on the ground for the Flames as both Kaidon Salter and Quinton Cooley both eclipsed the century mark in rushing.

Program History:

National Championships: 0

Conference Championships: 13

Bowl Record: 4-6

Last Bowl Appearance: 2022 – Hawai’i Bowl vs. San Diego State 25-23 win

The Blue Raiders parted with long time head coach Rick Stockstill who led MTSU for 18 years, taking them to 12 bowl games during his tenure.

Former Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason takes over and they return just 7 starters, a league low. One starter that does return is Nick Vattiato at quarterback. He should be one of the top in the league and the Blue Raiders’ hopes in 2024 largely rest on his shoulders.

Vattiatio threw for 3,092 yards, completing 67% of his passes, with 23 touchdowns and 13 interceptions a season ago.

MTSU will have to replace four departing offensive line starters and do not return a single starter on the defensive line.

What’s at Stake?

Liberty gets most of the CUSA teams expected to finish in the bottom half of the league standings on the road, including MTSU. There are plenty of unknowns with the Blue Raiders under a first year head coach, but by November they should be figuring some things out. Liberty will need a win here to keep with its preseason expectations.

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