3-2-1 for MT hoops

As is tradition, I look at three things we learned, two looming questions, and one prediction about the Middle Tennessee basketball team.

MTSU is hot and racing fast out of the gate.

Here we are, ten games into the hoops season and Middle Tennessee is firing on all cylinders. The Blue Raiders faced some stiff competition early, but it was time to the put the big boy pants on against truly talented opponents. After burying Ole Miss and South Alabama, the question in most folks’ mind was whether they could back that up and defeat Vanderbilt at the Murphy Center last week. Although the Dores from West End came in with a 5-4 record, there is no refuting they are talented team that could make some noise in the SEC later this year. MT pieced together a masterful performance, winning 71-48. Simply put, Thursday was a signature victory for the Blue Raiders and put them on the map in terms of regional, and even some national, recognition and publicity.

Giddy Still Gets Buckets.

Perhaps not off to as hot a start as people expected, shooting wise, Giddy Potts is still averaging over 15 points a game this season for MT. Thursday night, Potts put on a shooting clinic, dropping a season-high 27 points while hitting 10-of-17 shots which totaled 58 percent from the field. Potts was a dead eye from three-land as well, hitting four shots from downtown. To top it off, Potts was perfect from the charity stripe. The icing on the cake was his rebounding. He collected nine boards, impressive for a guard. Potts appears to be hitting his stride as of late, which is a scary thought to anyone yet to face the Blue Raiders. He's still go "it."

Reggie Upshaw is Mr. Dependable.

Forward Reggie Upshaw is simply a guy that you can depend and count on to produce game in and game out. So far this season, Upshaw is averaging 14 points, seven rebounds and a handful of dimes a game. Against the Commodores, Upshaw’s statistics pretty much mirrored his season average. He had 14 points, six rebounds and five assists. Upshaw really did not exit the court for too long, either. He logged 35 minutes in the game, anchoring the ship for the Blue Raiders. With Upshaw, you are going to get maximum effort with production each game. He truly is "Mr. Dependable" for Kermit Davis and the Blue Raiders.

Can the Blue Raiders avoid getting complacent?

MT has arrived this season. 10 games in the Blue Raiders are 9-1. There is no doubt and denying that they are a capable team of accomplishing a lot this year. MT has talent in spades and incredibly well-rounded to boot. They come at you in a myriad of ways and can get the job done inside or outside. The issue could be complacency. Will MT get complacent and rest on their laurels? It is always a detriment when you underestimate your opponent. Will MT start to think they are too cool for school because of their record? Will they get big headed as they inch closer to a top 25 ranking? That is yet to be seen. It’s unlikely a coach like Kermit Davis would allow that to happen, but sometimes it takes a loss to reel a team back to earth. How MT responds over the next two-to-three games will say a lot.

Can MT get consistent bench production going forward?

MT’s bench only contributed 12 points versus the Commodores. Typically, the bench has been effective, chipping in and providing scoring relief. After Thursday, there is room for improvement. I equate it to a bullpen in baseball. A well-oiled basketball team really needs the bench players to step up the same way baseball teams need bullpen and relief pitchers to step up and contribute. You could say the sweet spot point number for a bench collectively would be around 20 points. 20 points is indicative of good bench production. Will Davis be able to rely on his depth down the stretch when they’re number is called?

MT will soon be ranked in the top 25.

I forecast that MT will take care of business at Belmont and at VCU. Winning those two games will put them at 11-1. My prediction is that the Blue Raiders will sneak into the top 25 at that point, which would be a program first. Special days ahead, Raider fans.