The long wait has come to an end. The MTSU 2024 season is finally here and the Blue Raiders kick off the campaign against Tennessee Tech inside Floyd Stadium next Saturday.
The staff put in the season predictions for this season, and now it is time to pick the outcome for next Saturday's game against the Golden Eagles of Tennessee Tech.
Jake Bolden: Head of Blue Raider Podcast. 0-0 on the season
The Battle for the Harvey Trophy returns after an 18-year hiatus! So many fun facts, and parallels can be drawn from that 2006 matchup.
For starters, that was Rick Stockstill’s first season as head coach of the Blue Raiders and would lead to his only Sun Belt (*co-)conference championship that season. Another fun fact, wide receiver Luke Paschall, now Special Teams Coordinator, caught his first career touchdown against the Golden Eagles! Senior QB-RB duo Clint Marks and Eugene Gross led the Blue Raiders in a 44-0 blood bath.
I’d like to think the same happens on Saturday on the shoulders of Nick Vattiato and the stable of RB’s Offensive Coordinator Bodie Reeder has at his disposal.
Prediction:
MTSU 44
Tennessee Tech 0
Everhette Glenn: Recruiting Analyst. 0-0 on the season
Coach Derek Mason and crew start the 2024 season with an old rival in Tennessee Tech. These matchups are what make college football great. MTSU holds the all time series lead with a 36-31-7 advantage. Opening at home with an old instate rival should have Floyd Stadium rocking for Coach Mason’s first game. FBS vs FCS matchups can often lead to some memorable games and incredible upsets. I do not see this as one of those games. MTSU is a much bigger team and should look to impose their will at the point of attack.
Coach Mason made a comment in fall camp that football is about big guys beating up little guys so I look for the Blue Raiders to do just that. The TN Tech defense is a stout group but they are small upfront. I expect TN Tech to keep it close for a while but the Blue Raiders pull away in the second half.
Prediction:
MT 38
Tennessee Tech 17
Matthew Dossett: GoMiddle Publisher. 0-0 on the season
The Derek Mason era gets kick started this Saturday under the lights inside Floyd Stadium. The Blue Raiders welcome a FCS foe in Tennessee Tech into the confines of Floyd Stadium, and MT looks to get the season started on the right foot.
I think, for multiple reasons, it is imperative that MTSU starts fast out of the blocks in 2024. There is no spread currently out for the ballgame due to the fact that Tech is not a FBS opponent. If I had to handicap, I would place the line in favor of MTSU at -25.
Last season the Golden Eagles were a below average football squad at the FCS level. They were a 4-7 ball club and failed to win two games in a row at any juncture. One of the primary reason it's important that the Blue Raiders start hot is because there is an opportunity to capitalize on the positive surrounding MTSU. Recruiting is hotter than a firecracker and with a solid showing Saturday, the Blue Raiders can make a statement.
I personally believe that they will make their mark and make a statement against the Golden Eagles. Look for Nicholas Vattiato to shred Tech with his arm and his legs. One of Coach Derek Mason's calling cards as a coach has been defense. Look for MT to put the clamps on Tennessee Tech early.
Again, I would place the line at -25, and I think MT will eclipse that hypothetical line. I expect Tech to have a lackluster offense, that will sputter under duress.
Look for Tech to attempt and try to even the playing field with some trickery and razzle dazzle plays.
I like Middle Tennessee State. Big. Look for Tech to get manhandled and add a touchdown in garbage time.
Prediction:
MTSU 49
Tennessee Tech 17
Rickey Fuquay: Analyst. 0-0 on the season
It will be a new era at Middle Tennessee State as Head Coach Derek Mason and the Blue Raiders look to kickoff the 2024 season off on a high note.
Up first, they host Tennessee Tech. MT enters this matchup having won nine straight and 11 out of the 12 games against Football Championship Subdivision opponents Redshirt Junior Quarterback Nicholas Vattiato is expected to get the start.
I expect the Blue Raiders to start the Derek Mason era off right with no problem. I think that the Blue Raiders will step on Tech's throat early and put the gas pedal to the metal.
Tech does not have the horses to roll with the Blue Raiders for 60 minutes. I think that as time ticks down, MT will widen their lead. I think that Tech lays a goose egg on the scoreboard.
Prediction:
MTSU 42
Tennessee Tech 0
Shayne Pickering: Recruiting Analyst. 0-0 on the season
Tennessee Tech has hired Bobby Wilder as its new head coach after struggling over the last couple of years. He is a good coach but has a rebuild set out for him working with the Golden Eagles.The offense was rough in every facet last season.
Although the team has a pair of quarterbacks who have flashed in the past, the main goal of the offseason was to surround them with talent. They have more big-play ability this season, but it's hard to see this unit not stagnant yet again.Tech had a top-25 defense at the FCS level last season, boasting a strong and complete unit.
They return four stars with all-conference potential, with each level of the defense represented (two defensive ends, a linebacker, and a safety). However, past those four, there will be a lot of inexperience, which could bode well. The biggest thing to watch here is their absolute lack of size on the defensive line.
The interior of their defensive line will get pushed around throughout the game, and the Blue Raiders' ground game should have a massive game.At the end of the day, this is one game that Middle Tennessee fans won't have to worry about the line of scrimmage. The Blue Raiders should dominate up front, especially on the interior. I expect Derek Mason's team to run the ball at a high level and stop the run at a high level in his debut game. This should be a win in blowout fashion to start the season.
Prediction:
MTSU 41
Tennessee Tech 6
Conner Smith: Analyst. 0-0 on the season
This is your typical Week 1 matchup for the Blue Raiders. It’s a nice warmup at home for Mason’s team.
MTSU should dominate everywhere but especially at the line of scrimmage where they have just too much talent Tennessee Tech on both ends of the ball.
Expect Nic Vattiato to have a big day with new receiver Omari Kelly and newly converted tight end, Holden Willis. The Blue Raiders should roll through this one but I do think the Golden Eagles score a garbage time touchdown to make the game look closer than it actually was.
Prediction:
MTSU 38
Tennessee Tech 13
Connor Nute: Analyst. 0-0 on the season
As the season opener approaches, the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State look to open the new era with a win over the in-state rival Golden Eagles of Tennessee Tech.
The Blue Raiders are heavily favored in this matchup, projecting a 94.4% chance to win on ESPN. I believe a strong offense will be the key in defeating the Golden Eagles. I expect to see a full air attack to cap off the Derrick Mason era, beginning and ending with junior quarterback Nick Vattiato. Quality throws and use of his wide receivers (in particular, junior wide receiver transfer from Auburn Omari Kelly) will showcase the true potential of Vattiato and how high this offense can soar with his skills. I predict Vattiato to throw for 250+ yards and 3 touchdowns.
Its no secret to say that this matchup will not need an all hands-on deck approach to take home the victory, however, I think it is pivotal for Coach Mason to do so in order to set the tone for the season. Look for MTSU to attack on all ends of the field, whether it be stifling the Eagle secondary with a strong passing clinic or grounding and pounding with junior running back Frank Peasant.
Prediction:
MTSU 42
Tennessee Tech 14.
