3 cheers for MT: Week 6

In perhaps their cleanest performance of the year, Middle Tennessee got themselves back in the mix for a Conference USA championship with a dominating 37-17 Homecoming win over Florida International this past week.

While the bodies in the stands were a bit scarce, there was still plenty to cheer about.

Here's three cheers for MT:

Head coach Rick Stockstill hasn't gotten a lot of love this year, but I did want to call out the ole ball coach for a job well done in the gameplan department.

With Brent Stockstill and Richie James still out, coach Stockstill knew he needed to add another wrinkle to his offensive unit that could catch the Panthers off guard.

He got all that and then some out of linebacker Tavares Thomas, who was utilized in the wildcat scheme to score not one, not two, but three touchdowns in the game.

But why Thomas?

Stockstill addressed that during Monday's press conference, noting that during the recruiting process for Thomas, he saw some high school film of his that showcased his running ability. The rest, as they say, is history.

Stockstill hasn't received a lot of praise this year, but this was a fantastic move by the head coach, and it paid off generously.

What can you say about LB Khalil Brooks this year. The guy has been Mr. Steady for defensive coordinator Scott Shafer and the Blue Raider defense all season, and last Saturday was no exception.

Brooks earned Player of the Week honors after notching eight total tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks and one forced fumble - all game highs for MT, of course.

Just another day in the office, aye?

The evolution of Khalil Brooks has been an amazing one to witness. He's gone from a 180-pound cornerback and transformed himself into a game-changing linebacker who really has no weaknesses that are evident.

I was going to give the third cheer to QB John Urzua. After all, he's taken a lot of flak here of late as well, and he responded by going out there on Saturday and turning in the best performance of his career.

We'll give him honorable mention, though, because the third cheer goes to true freshman RB Brad Anderson, who tallied another 100-yard game on the ground.

In fact, Anderson netted 112 yards on the day on just 11 carries. He literally averaged a first down run every time he touched the ball.

You have to commend the way Anderson has battled this year. His season definitely didn't start off the way he, or the staff, imagined, but he's kept his nose to the grind and has shown he's got what it takes. And for that, we cheer him.