3 cheers for MT: Week 4

We get another opportunity to spread three cheers to three individuals on MT's squad that deserve attention and a game ball. After getting throttled by Minnesota, Middle Tennessee made amends with their fans last Saturday as they covered the 7-point spread and beat Bowling Green, 24-13.

The Blue Raiders weren't up against another P5 school, that's for sure, but they handled their business and got the W. It was not the cleanest, most pristine game of football, but a win is a win.

Let's hand out some game balls!

I found myself saying "Where has this guy been this season?" The former Tennessee Volunteer certainly had a breakout performance that put people on notice. Bruce capitalized and punched in a four-yard touchdown run with 7:05 left in the first quarter to put the Blue Raiders up 7-0. Bruce was electric toting the ball Saturday night. In all, he had 16 carries and 115 yards, including that early touchdown. Bruce showed that he is capable of busting longer runs, including one for 28 yards. MTSU's roster has him slated as a wideout but Bruce shined as a tailback for the Raiders. He did snag one reception for 17 yards, though. Regardless, the Blue Raiders needed a spark from somebody, and Bruce stepped up and was the man for the job.

Signal caller John Urzua may have not been vintage Tom Brady out there, but he played a solid game against Bowling Green. Urzua made apparent strides from Week 3, where he tossed two interceptions and no touchdowns against Minnesota, to Week 4. Urzua's QB rating soared against Bowling Green as he was able to spread the wealth, completing balls to eight different wide receivers. Although he forced a ball which got picked off, Urzua was 24-for-32 for 290 yards and had two touchdowns.

Kudos to Urzua for quieting the critics to some extent and letting folks know he can hold down the fort at the QB position. He definitely had help from his wideouts and tailbacks, but still deserves a game ball and a tip of the cap. All you want in a quarterback is to improve week-to-week, and Urzua did so.

Jovante Moffatt was the backbone and the safety net for the MTSU defense. Moffatt is a safety and a defensive back that was flying around making plays all night long against Bowling Green.

He led the team in tackles with eight total including six solo and two assisted tackles. Moffatt made plays covering the pass but also sniffing out Bowling Green's running plays. Bowling Green's longest running play was only 11 yards and Moffatt's run stuffing ability was one of the reasons why. Moffatt was just all over the place and seem to be right in the thick of things time in and time out. Moffatt has great instincts and he put them all full display Saturday against the Falcons.