Middle Tennessee (1-1 overall, 0-0 C-USA) at Minnesota (2-0 overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
When: Saturday, 2:30 p.m. CT – Minneapolis, Minn.
Stadium: TCF Bank Stadium (50,805)
TV/Radio: BTN, KFAN 100.3 FM
Coach: Rick Stockstill (12th)
Spread: Minnesota -10½, o/u: 51
INSIDE THE GAME
Player to Watch
No. 3 Richie James is a bonafide star. The versatile wide receiver racked up over 2,000 yards of offense and 16 touchdowns in 2016. James’ ability to create explosive plays from multiple positions presents a unique challenge for head coach P.J. Fleck.
“He’s just one of the best players I’ve ever watched on film as the slot receiver,” Fleck said of James. “They’re going to get the ball to James. That’s a no brainer. How they get the ball to James, that’s how we have to be able to defend and figure out.”
Coach Speak
“They have playmakers all over the field. You’re going to see these guys fly around and be like ‘wow’. It is a wide-open offense.” – P.J. Fleck
“It’s two different teams. A good coach is going to adjust his philosophy to his personnel. I’m sure he did some things at Western Michigan that he’s not doing at Minnesota because he’s got different personnel. He’s probably doing some things he did at Minnesota that he didn’t do at Western, so I don’t think it will have any bearing whatsoever on the game.” – Rick Stockstill on having coached against P.J. Fleck in the 2015 Bahamas Bowl
STORYLINE CENTRAL
Anthony Fiorella with MTSU Sidelines has a couple good reads heading into Saturday’s game. The latest is a look at two defensive standouts for the Blue Raiders, including true freshman safety Reed Blankenship.
Following last week’s impressive victory over Syracuse, MTSU had two players earn Conference USA weekly honors. As Fiorella writes, Raiders quarterback Brent Stockstill was named Offensive Player of the Week with a 269-yard, three-touchdown performance. Linebacker Khalil Brooks was Defensive Player of the Week after eight tackles including 2.5 for a loss and 1.5 sacks.
After the Gophers were bounced from the NCAA basketball tournament this year, the football team will look to make a similar statement on Saturday. Andy Greder takes a look at the MTSU’s desire to play spoiler against the Maroon and Gold.
WHO WINS?
The Gophers Win If…
The Conor Rhoda-Tyler Johnson connection continues. Johnson has been the breakout star of the fall, recording 10 catches for 268 yards and two long TD scores. The Gopher passing offense runs through Johnson, and they’ll look to the true sophomore to stay hot against the Blue Raiders. If the chemistry between Rhoda and Johnson continues, we could see another impressive offensive performance.
The Blue Raiders Win If…
They can actually convert on third down. Despite showing positive signs on offense throughout their first two games, MTSU has been atrocious on extending drives. The Blue Raiders rank dead last in Conference USA with a dismal 12.5% third down conversion rate and are 0/3 on fourth. Going against Minnesota’s stout defense, MTSU will need to be much better converting on later downs.