Advertisement
Published Sep 30, 2022
Staff Predictions: Middle Tennessee
BirdsUp.com
Staff

The Roadrunners travel to Tennessee looking to open conference play on a positive note. What does the staff have to say? 

Advertisement
Click here to get your 30-day FREE trial

Jared Kalmus - Alamodome Audible - (4-0)

Jeff Traylor doesn't lose on Fridays. Enough said.

Jokes aside, I think UTSA will bounce back from a lackluster performance against Texas Southern with an energized performance thanks to the return of a few injured standouts. MTSU will need to flush a marquee win quickly to prepare for the Roadrunners. I don't have a ton of faith in Rick Stockstill to string together two massive wins, but MTSU's aggressive defense could feast against a UTSA offensive line that has struggled out of the gate. I see UTSA jumping out to an early lead thanks to some quick strikes from Frank Harris, but the Blue Raiders' defense will keep them within striking distance throughout the night.

UTSA 33, MTSU 24


Chase Otero - Photog - (3-1)

Can't remember the last time I was this excited about a college football game on a Friday night. Not to mention this being the first conference game of the season for both squads, each team will be looking to make their presence known early.

MTSU is feeling fine after their win last week, and will look to keep their eyes forward by trying to duplicate their magic again. On the flip, UTSA is still looking for their statement win of the season while also trying to keep everyone healthy for the long haul. UTSA's offensive line will continue to be a weak spot, but with Frank Harris at quarterback, they'll have a shot in any game.

I predict that UTSA will be the aggressor in this game. Coming off an average performance last week, UTSA will look to dominate and keep its foot down.

UTSA 35, MTSU 17


Stephen Whitaker - Staff Writer - (4-0)

UTSA hits the road this Friday to take on Middle Tennessee in the conference opener for both teams. Middle Tennessee is on cloud nine after beating a ranked Miami team last week. UTSA is on about cloud seven after surviving the non-conference schedule. The Roadrunners will have a good chance to knock the Blue Raiders off their cloud and stay on top of the conference standings but it will take the whole triangle traveling to the Volunteer State. The beauty of college football is a team can beat a ranked opponent one week and fall flat the next. I think UTSA pops the middle Tennessee bubble on Friday night.

UTSA 35, MTSU 31


Burk Frey - Photog - (2-2)

Did you know that much like San Antonio, Murfreesboro (home of MTSU) once served as state capital? Now you know.

That was shortly before US Congressman Davy Crockett told his fellow Tennesseans to go to hell — as one does — and packed his bags for San Antonio, a mere stone's throw from the site of the Alamodome.

With a record of 4-1 against Tennessee teams thus far, UTSA has affirmed and validated Crockett's preference for the great state of Texas. Expect that trend to continue Friday night as UTSA pulls away in the 4th quarter and returns home with a win.

UTSA 44, MTSU 31


Brandon Holland - Staff Writer - (3-1)

In true UTSA fashion, I believe this will be a close and entertaining game. I believe the Roadrunners will limit the huge plays that MTSU had success with last week. Just like last year, this will be an up-and-down affair. I expect this to be an air attack game by both sides and UTSA will have the clear advantage there.

UTSA 41, MTSU 34


Javi Cardenas - Publisher - (3-1)

There are plenty of reasons to be concerned here. The Blue Raiders are coming off a convincing win over Miami and should be confident heading into this game. The Roadrunners travel to Tennessee still banged up and with their best football still ahead of them. Can Jeff Traylor rally his team one more time and put the Blue Raiders away on the road?

UTSA 34, MTSU 24