Middle Tennessee State was pulverized and embarrassed on national television against the Army Black Knights. It was certainly a black eye for the entire football program and it was also an indictment on the program.
This upcoming Saturday there is a looming chance for redemption. The Blue Raiders welcome the Troy Trojans to Floyd Stadium, playing a ballgame that will be nationally televised on ESPN 2. Yes, you heard that correct, MT, who got obliterated by Army, gets a second opportunity to garner positive attention to the program.
The Troy game is perceived to be an uphill battle for MTSU. The Troy Trojans tout a strong, talented club. In fact, ESPN gives MT only a 18.8 percent chance of coming out with a victory.
Let's look at some of the key notes and talking points of the game:
Asher must be better. A lot better
Let's not sugarcoat it, signal caller Asher O'Hara turned in an abysmal performance against Army in week one of the 2020 season. He completed nine balls on 14 attempts for only 46 passing yards. That is only a 3.3. yard average. To compound that and make matters, worse, he threw two head scratching interceptions. O'Hara's quarterback rating was a dismal 21.2.
Let's not rule out backup quarterback Chase Cunningham getting the opportunity to prove that he a viable backup option. Cunningham didn't exactly light the world on fire against Army, either.
Cunningham did complete seven passes on 10 attempts, but it was only for 63 yards, an average of 6.3 yards. Cunningham did in fact avoid throwing a pick, and his QB rating was 68.9
Assuming Coach Rick Stockstill rides with Asher O'Hara and that O'Hara is healthy and ready to rumble, the pressure pressure will certainly be cast on O'Hara. Look for Stockstill to establish a rhythm with O'Hara early, maybe some dink and dunk passes, or maybe a bubble screen or two.
A chance for redemption
We touched it from the outset of the article, but Saturday is a primetime chance to make a statement to the country and those who will be tuning in.
To be quite frank, right after the Army game, I was under the impression that the loss to Army was an indelible stain when it comes to the team's public perception.
That all was altered when I found out that the Troy contest will be nationally televised on ESPN 2.
Yes, the Army games was an uppercut to the chin, but that blow can be altered if MT gets off the mat and throws a haymaker, making a statement and defeating the Troy Trojans.
A victory against Troy would also pay dividends, righting the ship and gaining back the trust of some of the MT faithful out there. A win won't certainly win back the trust of every MT supporter, but it would prove that things are moving in the right direction and that maybe the Army game was an aberration.
All things considered, Saturday is a chance to earn back respect.
Honest forecast
As many who follow GoMiddle know, each week each staff member gives their rundown of the game, and overall, a score prediction.
For the sake of conversation, though, I'll give my take on the MTSU/Troy game.
For starters, I think that MT will demonstrate that Army is just a different animal, considering that they run the triple option, very effectively, mind you.
That absolutely does not excuse MT's performance. Yes, the triple option is hard to counter attack, but it is on the coaches to prepare the team for the game, and they failed in that aspect.
In other words, I don't think MT is going to get skunked by Troy 42 to nothing. MT faithful may not like the word "compete" but I do expect Middle to do that against Troy.
I do think Troy has the upper hand when it comes to the Jimmys and the Joes. There is a reason that ESPN's FPI predictor gives MT roughly a 19 percent chance of winning the game.
Look for Middle to battle and not mail it in, but ultimately, I think Troy wins by a couple scores.
