MT/UTSA game rundown and analysis
Middle Tennessee State went to the Lone Star State Saturday, specifically San Antonio, Texas, where they faced off with the UTSA Road Runners.
MT displayed some grit and some resiliency, but they ultimately were bested by two points, 37-35 in favor of the Road Runners.
GoMiddle's Matt Dossett brings the goods with a breakdown from Friday's contest.
O-line has glaring deficiencies
If you watched Middle Tennessee play in their first two outings for 2020, it should not be some revelation and surprise you that the offensive line was porous against the Road Runners.
For starters, the boys up front for Middle gave up nine, yes, nine total sacks. To be perfectly frank, it was jailbreak city all night long.
There were also times where signal caller Asher O'Hara was running for his life, just trying to conjure up some magic and make a play. O'Hara accumulated 61 yards on 21 carries. It is worth noting that a lot of his rushes were non-scripted plays were he was just running for his life.
Hits can add up and take a toll on a quarterback and that seemed to be a factor Friday night. O'Hara was getting tossed around like a rag doll and was on the receiving end of some massive hits.
There is no one party to designate blame to. Both the coaches and the players are to blame for the lackluster play against UTSA.
MTSU battled
Say what you will about the overall talent on the roster or about the X's and O's from a coaching standpoint, MTSU brought the energy Friday night. Even though Middle fans don't want to acknowledge that Friday's game may have provided a moral victory, the Blue Raiders fought and battled until the very end of the ballgame.
Middle kept giving UTSA scoring opportunities on a satin pillow. O'Hara threw a pair of simply atrocious interceptions. Despite all the errors, mishaps and deficiencies, MT scrapped and managed to be in the game late.
Kudos to Asher O'Hara for making some quality throws and plays, keeping MT alive in the game.
It is quite apparent though that fans demand results and will not celebrate a "moral victory." MT is 0-3, the losses are starting to pile up and the fans will only tolerate W's not L's where the team "competed."
Onward to the Western Kentucky game
Despite Middle being in the cellar with an 0-3 record, there is a prime opportunity for MT to win at home against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
The Tops roll into this game also being winless. WKU has been more impressive so far than MT, though. They fell to Louisville on the road by 14 and lost to Liberty by six.
Oftentimes with rivalries you can throw records and stats out of the window.
This "100 miles of hate" rivalry has provided some classic moments and memories. More of the same could be on tap for Saturday's matchup.
At this juncture, while this is article is being pieced together, MT is a slight favorite when it comes to the betting line. Despite Vegas calling for a close game, ESPN"s FPI Index gives Middle an 11.8 percent chance of victory.