It's time for more

Being bowl eligible is an accomplishment.

For Middle Tennessee and head coach Rick Stockstill, it’s actually become the norm. But, after tasting bowl eligibility for so many years now, MT fans want more – and rightfully so.

The die-hards have poured their heart, soul, and money in support of their local Football Bowl Subdivision team since a renovated Floyd Stadium opened against Tennessee State in 1998.

They stood by during the early struggles of the transition to college football’s highest level. They watched in horror during the 2-10 season in 2011. They faithfully stood by time and time again as Middle Tennessee failed to take advantage of opportunities that would aid in them taking the next step toward becoming one of the nation’s top mid-major programs.

And now, they’ll look back at the 2016 season and say “what if.” What if quarterback Brent Stockstill wasn’t hurt? What if three of the top receivers didn’t miss the season? What if the defense could actually - horror of horrors - tackle someone? Another opportunity missed, or so it seems.

In the 17th year of FBS football and the 11th under Rick Stockstill, it’s time for Middle Tennessee to overcome the bumps in the road and the injuries that threaten to unravel a season. It’s time for them time for them bring home a conference championship. No more co-championships - they are the athletic equivalent of kissing your cousin. Perhaps most important – in this moment in time - it’s time to win a bowl game.

Three straight losses in bowl games had the fan base deflated heading into each offseason. Any momentum gained from the boasts of bowl eligibility was immediately lost in these scenarios.

In the 17th year of FBS football, it’s time. It’s time to swank about something other than secondary accomplishments. It’s time to capitalize on something – that something now being a bowl victory.

With the bulk of their roster returning, the Blue Raiders will be back in contention in 2017, there’s no doubt about that. But if Stockstill, athletic director Chris Massaro and the powers that be at Middle Tennessee want increased support from the fan base and community, the Blue Raiders need to give them more of a reason than being bowl eligible. A step in the right direction will be another win this holiday season.

The fans want more. They want greatness. They want bowl wins. They want a championship.

Is that too much to ask?