The Liberty Flames (5-2, 3-2 CUSA) are back in action against Middle Tennessee (3-6, 2-3 CUSA). The Flames and Blue Raiders are scheduled to meet in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Saturday, October 30 at 1 PM. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
After 18 years under the direction of Rick Stockstill, Middle Tennessee is being led by first year head coach Derek Mason. Mason comes to Murfreesboro after spending the 2022 season as Oklahoma State’s defensive coordinator and the 2021 campaign as Auburn’s defensive coordinator. He was Vanderbilt’s head coach from 2014-2020, posting a 27-55 record.
MTSU opened the season with a win over FCS Tennessee Tech, 35-32. The Blue Raiders then dropped five straight. During this stretch, Middle lost to Ole Miss (52-3), Western Kentucky (49-21), Duke (45-17), Memphis (24-7), and Louisiana Tech (48-21).
The Blue Raiders stopped the bleeding with a 14-5 win over Kennesaw State on Oct. 15 before losing at Jacksonville State, 42-20. This past Saturday, MTSU picked up their first win away from home this season by defeating UTEP, 20-13.
Nicholas Vattiato is one of the more veteran quarterbacks in the conference. The redshirt-junior has started 26 games for Middle Tennessee during his career. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns last season.
It has been a challenge for MTSU on the ground though. They are only averaging 78.6 yards rushing per game and 2.8 yards per carry. They currently rank 130th in the FBS in rushing.
On defense, the Blue Raiders are allowing 449.4 yards per game, which ranks 123rd in the country.
MTSU has its slim hopes for bowl eligibility still alive, though they would have to win out to get back to a bowl game for the first time since 2022. After the Flames, the Blue Raiders conclude the season by hosting New Mexico State and then playing at FIU.
Three Players to Watch For
QB #1 – Nicholas Vattiato has completed 196 of 307 passes for 2,296 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.
WR #1 – Omari Kelly leads the team with 48 receptions for 811 yards and 3 touchdowns.
S #31 – John Howse has 44 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 interceptions and one pass breakup.
Upcoming Games/Recent Results
Oct. 15 – Middle Tennessee 14, Kennesaw State 5
Oct. 23 – Jacksonville State 42, Middle Tennessee 20
Nov. 02 – Middle Tennessee 20, UTEP 13
Nov. 23 – Middle Tennessee vs New Mexico State
