Jake Bolden 
Middle Tennessee State
In a season marked by both promise and challenges, Derek Mason and staff are navigating a
demanding stretch that has fans and analysts alike weighing in on the state of the program.
Under Derek Mason’s leadership, accountability and openness have been hallmarks of his
young tenure, but the pressure is mounting as the Blue Raiders continue to face a grueling non-
conference schedule and ongoing injury issues.
The Toughest Battles
MTSU’s recent games have the fan base in disarray. Not that it was to be expected to be any
better than 1-2 at this junction – it was the way they got here. Despite putting up impressive
yardage and near-record performances, the Blue Raiders have struggled in crucial moments.
The latest setbacks against Western Kentucky and Ole Miss have underscored the impact of
injuries and missed opportunities.
Coach Derek Mason has been forthright about the team’s challenges. His acknowledgment of
the role of execution, or lack thereof, is a refreshing departure from the usual coach-speak. With
key players like Julius Pierce, J’Shun Bodiford, Frank Peasant, and Jekaill Middlebrook
sidelined, the depth of the team has been tested. Mason’s candid assessments are a testament
to his commitment to transparency, but they also highlight the uphill battle facing his squad.
The Injury Impact
Injuries have significantly affected the Blue Raiders’ performance. The absence of offensive line
stalwarts and defensive playmakers has been felt. The team’s inability to convert critical red-
zone opportunities into touchdowns, particularly evident against Western Kentucky, has been a
source of frustration. The failure to score on four snaps from inside the one-yard line was a
pivotal moment that deflated the team’s momentum early.
On the defensive side, the lack of key players like Drew Francis and Parker Hughes has been a
blow. The Blue Raiders have struggled with tackling and coverage, which has been exacerbated
by the absence of the missing core of linebackers. The team’s vulnerabilities in the secondary
have been exposed by high-powered offenses, such as those of Ole Miss and Western
Kentucky. It is high hopes that the woes can be alleviated this weekend against a middling Duke
offense with a patchy offensive line.
A Look Ahead
Despite the recent challenges, there is a glimmer of hope. The upcoming games provide an
opportunity for MTSU to rebound and capitalize on their strengths. The Blue Raiders will need to
address several key areas to turn their season around, or at a minimum, show promise moving
into conference play in October:
- Tackling and Defense: Improved tackling is crucial. Coach Brian Stewart’s philosophy
of “populating around the ball” needs to be more effectively implemented. The Blue
Raiders must improve their defensive execution to contain mobile quarterbacks and
prevent big plays. - Offensive Execution: The offense has shown potential, particularly with standout
performances from Omari Kelly. His near-record-setting, 239 yard-three touchdown
game against Western Kentucky underscores the potential of the Blue Raiders’ offense.
However, consistency is key. The team must convert red-zone opportunities into points
and continue to utilize their playmakers effectively. - Injury Management: With a demanding schedule ahead, managing injuries and getting
key players back on the field will be crucial. The upcoming stretch includes a pair of non-
conference games that could be pivotal for MTSU’s season, ideally Saturday is your last
chance to steal a game in the opening five weeks.
Looking at the Schedule
The Blue Raiders’ next few games could be crucial for their season’s trajectory. The matchups
against teams like Louisiana Tech, Kennesaw State, and Jacksonville State offer a chance to
gain momentum before the conference play intensifies. All three games come within a 14-day
stretch and each team will return from a bye week entering their matchup with the Blue Raiders.
I would not hinge the season’s success on the remaining two non-conference games, but rather
this mid-season stretch against the bottom half of CUSA including a surprisingly winless Rich
Rodriguez Jacksonville State.
Fan Perspective
For fans, the season has been a mix of optimism and frustration. The hope is that the team’s
performance will improve as they approach the less daunting portion of their schedule. The
ability to stay competitive and healthy will be key to turning the season around and meeting
preseason expectations.
While the Blue Raiders have faced significant challenges, there is potential for recovery. With a
focus on addressing key issues and leveraging their strengths, MTSU can still make a strong
push as they move through the rest of the season. The journey ahead will test their resolve, but
Saturday needs to be a move in a positive direction to recapture the preseason enthusiasm.
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