Middle Tennessee’s Road to Bowl Eligibility in the Derek Mason Era

It’s been two decades since the Blue Raiders’ hired their last signal caller – a long awaited two decades for some. The Derek Mason era begins this fall with expectations, some higher than others, to reach a bowl-qualifying threshold. Middle Tennessee has some early hurdles on the schedule, but the possibility for a strong finish if they can remain healthy.

The non-conference slate begins with in-state opponent Tennessee Tech. This could pay dividends to work out some kinks moving into a tough four-game stretch. The Blue Raiders meet CFP material Ole Miss on the road – returning home healthy is a moral victory.

Mason and co. have the benefit of hosting the 100 Miles of Hate in week three. The Toppers look like contenders once again for the C-USA crown with Texas State-transfer TJ Finley at quarterback. I’d chalk this game as a close contest, and having the home field advantage may sway my decision after seeing the first two games. However, from my preseason perspective, these Toppers will extend their five-game winning streak.

Weeks four and five including Homecoming with Duke and a short road trip to Memphis, respectively. Duke hired a new, familiar head coach Manny Diaz who did well in the portal. The Blue Devils have their own question marks, but I’ll give the ACC school the benefit of the doubt. Memphis looks poised to be a top G5 program under Silverfield once again. Unfortunately, I have the Blue Raiders to a 1-4 start.

After a much needed bye in week six, the schedule has winnable opponents but C-USA midweek schedule has its quirks. Middle Tennessee will play three games over 14 days in weeks seven through nine – another twist, all their opponents will be coming off their own bye week. I still like MTSU’s chances on the road at a dying Louisiana Tech program and newly added Kennesaw State, but traveling to Jacksonville State after the 14-day stretch will be a tough ask.

Scotty Walden, a possible candidate to fill the previously vacant MT job, has taken his Austin Peay team to El Paso and he’s gonna need some years to build a FBS competitive roster. Middle Tennessee returns home at 4-5 to face reigning conference champs, Liberty. Mason could really use the help of winning one big home game (Liberty or WKU) to really solidify this team as a contender, but that’s a tall order in season one.

Luckily, you end the season with a transfer portal demolished New Mexico State team that is predominantly composed of Junior College transfers and a road contest in Miami to earn a trip to a bowl game. FIU looks better than they have in years past, and Sophomore quarterback Keyone Jenkins may open eyes this season. There is a high possibility both teams will be playing for a bowl bid on November 30th, but MTSU has a more experienced group than the Golden Panthers. Mason gets it done in his first year.

RECORD: 6-6 (5-3)
vs. Tennessee Tech W

at Mississippi L
vs. WKU L
vs. Duke L
at Memphis L
at Louisiana Tech W
vs. Kennesaw State W
at Jacksonville State L
at UTEP W
vs. Liberty L
vs. New Mexico State W
at FIU W

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Jake Bolden

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