2009 College Football Predictions: Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders
This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions. Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).
Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders
2008 Record: (5-7, 3-4)
Coach: Rick Stockstill, 4th year (17-20 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Tony Franklin (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Manny Diaz (4th year)
Returning Starters: 19 (10 offense, 7 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No
Offense: The Blue Raiders return 10 starters on offense, but they have one big question. Who will play quarterback? They have to replace Joe Craddock, who threw for 2,677 yards and 15 TDs last year. New offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, who lasted just seven games at Auburn, takes over and tries to implement the spread. Junior Dwight Dasher (5-10, 204) will likely get the job, because he’s the most experienced and is an outstanding runner. However, he has completed just 38.6 percent of his passes in limited action. At running back, they return junior Phillip Turner (6-0, 211), who ran for 714 yards and 15 TDs last season. They are loaded at wide receiver led by senior Eldred King, who grabbed 51 catches for 598 yards last season. They also have five players who have combined for 188 catches and 16 touchdowns from last season. The line struggled last season due to inexperience, but it should be a strength this season with five returning starters. Add sophomore Jake Pardick (6-1, 281), who can push for time at center, and the Blue Raiders have excellent depth up front.
Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed 24.9ppg and 366.3 yards per game. They operate out of a 4-3 scheme, but will blitz from all over the field. They return both ends in Emmanuel Perez (6-1, 228) and senior Chris McCoy (6-4, 252). Junior DT Dwight Smith (6-2, 263) didn’t start, but he did have 7.5 tackles for loss off the bench. The defense is led by senior LB Danny Carmichael (6-0, 246), who made 75.5 tackles, including 11.5 for loss. However, they lost two other starting linebackers and will need somebody to step up. The secondary should be considered a plus, as they return all four starters. Senior corner Alex Suber grabbed two picks last year.
Outlook: Middle Tennessee State takes on Clemson on the road and hosts Memphis to start the season. They upset Maryland last season and now they have to go to College Park in the third game to take on the Terps. They also face Mississippi State right after facing Troy on the road in October. They face Arkansas State at home in their second-to-last game of the season. This is a decent football team that could surprise some people –if they can find a solution at quarterback.
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