FOOTBALL Athlon: Conference USA preview for the 2021 season

[SpaceRaider]

excerpt:

Middle Tennessee​

After four consecutive years with bowl appearances and winning records (2015-18), coach Rick Stockstill’s team is only 7-14 over the last two seasons. The Blue Raiders need to show progress in ’21 for Stockstill to avoid hot seat talk.

Previewing the Offense

Strength: NC State transfer Bailey Hockman should provide stability and a solid option under center. Most of the skill talent at running back and receiver is set to return for new coordinator Brent Dearmon this fall.

Concern: Big improvement is needed on this side of the ball. The Blue Raiders averaged only 5.2 yards per play and 22.9 points a game last season. Additionally, the ground game was sluggish (3.8 per play), and the line gave up 23 sacks in nine contests.

Incoming Transfers: QB Bailey Hockman; OL Jamari Williams; OL Netori Johnson; WR Ja’Shawn Sheffield; WR Izaiah Gathings

Previewing the Defense

Strength: The news isn’t all bad for Middle Tennessee after giving up 6.1 yards per play and 35.4 points a game in 2020. Coordinator Scott Shafer brings back 10 starters and plenty of experience here, so improvement with a normal offseason seems within reach. The safety pairing of Gregory Grate and Reed Blankenship is one of the best at the Group of 5 level.

Concern: As mentioned above, last year’s numbers and overall performance – even with a ton of experience back – are a major concern going into 2021. Additionally, the Blue Raiders struggled mightily on third downs, gave up too many big plays, and had issues stopping the run (221.9 ypg allowed).

Incoming Transfers: DB Tra Fluellen

Conference USA Football 2021 Predictions

Conference USA’s 2021 college football season features many unknowns, but it's no secret the balance of power for predictions resides in the West Division. UAB

athlonsports.com

 

[FranklinRaider315]

After reading the entire piece and the predictions for the rest of CUSA, I felt compelled to apply the “original Kessler-Ross 5 stages of grief” to the death of our Blue Raider Football Program.
The five stages……1) denial, 2) anger, 3) bargaining, 4) depression and finally, 5) acceptance.

This Football program, with it’s 1-AA history of success should have NEVER been allowed to be passed by Charlotte or the Florida / Texas Directional schools. Never.

And this Football Program has had the highest paid employee on campus for over 15 years.