Homecoming Week - by Fredo

Bring on Homecoming!  What a a difference a few weeks makes! 

Four weeks into the season, we were 0-4 and down and out.  Fans were talking about tailgating and not football.  But we are 5-1 in our last six games and riding an unbelievable high going into our Homecoming game against Louisiana Lafayette, who will serve as the second homecoming opponent in as many weeks in Tennessee. 

This game should be over before it begins as Middle Tennessee is riding the leagues number 1 defense and the most accurate passer on offense.  And for those that questioned whether Joe Craddock could get the job done, all I have to say is 470 all purpose yards on Saturday. 

All indications point to another fine performance by our offense this week.  A win this weekend sets up a showdown with Troy for what should be the conference championship.  Also, one more win makes us bowl eligible for the second season in a row.  It is definitely an exciting time to be a Blue Raider! 

Lets see a huge crowd for homecoming and veterans day activities at the Skillet!

Bring on the Green - by Fredo

A week after totally dismantling the best offense in the league, we move on to the worst.  North Texas's new coach, Tom Dodge, has brought "Dodgeball" to the college level.  They look more like the boys from Average Joes than football players.  Last week against Troy, the quarterback was sacked nine times.  But the kicker is that the defense forced seven turnovers, and you know how many points North Texas scored.......7. 

I don't know how that could happen, but it points to the ineptitude of the offense and the luck of their defense.  Look for the Blue Raiders to have a field day on the ground with this defensive line that my two-year-old nephew could run through. 

Also, we may set a record for sacks two weeks in a row on an offensive line that couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat. 

The Blue Raiders are on a tear and we are finally seeing the team we expected all year long.  Our boys know the odds are long at getting a bowl berth, but we have to help ourselves by winning the last four games.  After this week, we should only have to win three more!

Don’t Question Me Anymore - by Fredo

I love it when I am right. 

For the first time this season, I was questioned on a prediction, and I simply said "wait for the game".  It is tough when you mess with the Family. 

Middle Tennessee put on a clinic on tackling the quarterback on Saturday.  A school-record nine times, Corey Leonard was put on his back with the ball in his hand.

Our #1 rated defense held the #1 offense to 136 yards in total offense. Click Here for stats.  You could have put the Godfathersbluecrew out there on Saturday and we would have won that game! 

Arkansas State was defeated soundly in every phase of the game.  Even their highly touted punt returner managed to get 0 yards on punt returns. 

It was great to see Joe Craddock back on the field and see the entire Arkansas State defense's arse's pucker at the same time!  

The Blue Raiders have turned the corner and are setting their sights on the rest of the season.

Preview for Arkansas State - by Fredo

For the rest of the season, the Blue Raiders play in the conference.  Our first game of this five game stretch see the Indians of Arkansas State come into the Skillet.  This is a team that we have absolutely owned since joining the Sunbelt, going 7-1 against them if I am not mistaken.  Hopefully this weekend will see more of the same. 

The Indians bring with them a two pronged running attack and will not throw the ball very much.  The defensive front of the Blue Raiders will be tested by this team as they may be the best runners we have seen this season.  Arkansas State's Corey Leonard won the Sunbelt Player of the Week over our very own Dwight Dasher.  This will certainly provide some bulletin board material for the team this week. 

Arkansas State's defense has given up some yards, so they may have a problem with the likes of Dasher and Desmond Gee.  Middle Tennessee seems to have turned the corner with our win over Memphis. 

I look for this weekend to be more of the same.  We may now get the blow-out win like we have seen in the past, but Floyd will be jacked up and the atmosphere should be awesome on a perfect football weekend.

Memphis down - Sunbelt to go - by Fredo

What a win it was!  The Blue Raiders showed the Memphis Tigers how we do things in the middle of the state on Saturday night. 

Our Blue Raiders played a great game on offense and defense.  The 1500 or so fans that made the trip from Memphis were treated to what we had been waiting for; a win over a quality team in the fashion we expected.  The Band of Blue made the trip which is always a treat.  As the clock ticked to zero, we were yelling and wondering what this season has left in store for us. 

The last three weeks have seen this team morph into a force to be reckoned with.  They are blocking better, defending the pass better, running better, and passing better.  We seem to be walking with a air of confidence that we did not have four weeks ago. 

After the game, we had to head out to Beale Street to celebrate a well deserved victory.  Drinks were had and we even sang the fight song on the stage at Pat O'Brien's. 

Now we come into conference play for the rest of the season, so each game counts for a lot. 

Beat Tiger High - err Memphis State - err The University of Memphis -- by Fredo

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Our newest rivalry starts this weekend! 

An in-state rivalry is something we have been waiting for for a few years now. 

Vanderbilt is scared to play us in Murfreesboro, but Memphis is not. 

A 3 and 2 series is just what the doctor ordered.  The first game of the series between Middle Tennessee and the University of Memphis is scheduled for this Saturday at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis.  Both teams are having down years, but that doesn't mean that there wont be some good football to be had.  Both teams are hungry and neither team wants to be the first to lose what will be a fierce rivalry for years to come. 

Memphis has not seen a dual threat quarterback yet, but they will still be playing with emotion after the tragic loss of one of their own to an act of senseless violence.  This is a great road trip for Middle Tennessee fans to make as it is a night game in a fun city only 3 hours away. 

I look forward to seeing you all there and witnessing the first of 6 wins in a row to end the season for the Blue Raiders!<

Ouch! That one hurt. - By Fredo

Man, we were so close.  A questionable spot and a defensive stand away from what we have all been waiting for since the Blue Raiders made the move to 1-A. 

We are hungry for a win over a top program and Saturday provided our best chance yet.  It was an electric atmosphere inside the Skillet as more than 23K watched the Blue Raiders stand toe to toe and outplay the Cavaliers of Virginia for 59 minutes of football. 

People can question the call to punt all they want, but that was the right call.  Our defense had been there all night and that was who we wanted on the field at the end.  I know fans left the stadium dejected and even angry, but you have to look at what we have accomplished.  We have a team that for the large part is made up of freshmen and sophomores. 

The future is bright at Middle Tennessee, but we have to stay on the wagon for the hard times.  On a side note, it was great to meet so many Virginia fans at the game.  They were a class act and we welcome you all back anytime.  To Middle Tennessee fans I just say this:  The good times are coming and you will want to be here when it happens!

Joey Fontane speaks!

As the blue lights of the Murfreesboro Police motorcade escorts the Virginia football team away from Floyd Stadium I am split between the disappointment of the loss and the excitement of facing an ACC opponent. With only 1:58 left in the game I could taste victory - yet only moments later I hear the Virginia victory fight song. Tonight I revel in the fact that MTSU is facing recognized football programs - and yet my desire is that we are one of those programs. I know give it a few years - yet with only just a few plays away from making tonight’s SportsCenter - the excitement drives our desire to increase the MTSU loyalty base. Go Big Blue!! I look forward to the next game - because baby - we are MTSU!!!

An Interview with the Godfather

How does it feel to be the Godfather?

It is very lonely at the top. A hard job. It has taken me 56 years to climb to the top. There is a great responsibility and but there is also opportunity. We will take on any family in the southeast.

As the GF, what is your greatest responsibility to the Family and to the community?

Everything emanates from the top.

What is your gameday secret?

Get here early, stay late. Throw to the tight end.

Have you picked a successor?

How could anyone succeed ME?

Had anyone killed today?

Just a few beers and bloody marys. That count?

A prediction against UVA?

Ohhh. We can beat them if we play smart and don’t make mistakes and they do make mistakes and don’t play smart.

Why are you staying home against Memphis next week?

I’ll get back to you on that one. I need a beer.

It Depends on Who Shows Up - by Fredo

Oh, what a difference a week makes! Last week, people were all woe is me and this week, we can leap tall buildings in a single bound. Perhaps we have finally found our stride and a little consistency. Florida International is not near as bad a team as we made them look last Saturday. Heck, Miami only hung 29 on them.

Last Saturday offered our team a great opportunity to see many different players in game type situations. While we didn't score in the second half, we didn't allow them to score on offense either.

This week, we have a different test. The Cavaliers of the University of Virginia invade Murfreesboro in what will be the biggest game this town has ever hosted. After the first week of the season, everyone, including this guy, thought we could roll over this Virginia team. But they have gotten it together and are receiving votes in both polls.

This is a great test for our team against a team that is not a top 5 team. This is a winnable game if we play the way we did last weekend. I guarantee you that Virginia can and will score points. But we have shown that we are equally up to the challenge in the offensive department. So, what do we expect on another beautiful Saturday afternoon? It depends on which team shows up. If the team that played Western Kentucky and Florida Atlantic shows up, we are in big trouble. However, if the team that played Louisville and Florida international shows, this could be a special afternoon.

So, come out and watch the Blue Raiders play!

WE WIN!

Thank God we scored 47 points in the first half; otherwise we would have lost 6-0! Just kidding!!!!! Victory is the sweetest when it comes with your friends! What a difference a week makes! We have a true freshman quarterback that is a stud. He can run and pass with precision. Our defense spent the entire night in FIU’s backfield. Our kicker put three in the endzone. On a night where even Salim Simson saw a great deal of playing time, we are quick to forget last weeks game. This is the display that we expected this season from our team. An offense that moves the ball at will and a defense that can stop the run. I will savor the victory this evening and then wonder why I don’t recover like I used to. GO BLUE RAIDERS and bring on the Cavaliers. -- Fredo

Gameday - Special Entry by Mamma Corleone

The weather is perfect for football - the true blue tailgaters have been in the parking lot since early this morning. Lunch has been grilled and eaten and everyone is mellowing out getting ready for the late afternoon “wannabe” fans. The is much anticipation for a win tonight not only for the fans but the players too. They certainly have worked hard and overcome many obstacles along the way. Regardless of the outcome of the game - true blue fans will rally and be ready for next week. GOOD LUCK to our boys!!!!! I am confident of win!!!

Where Are You - by Fredo

It is a beautiful day on Greenland. Probably about 80 degrees. We even have a nice breeze. Got the grill going. Got the drinks cold and everyone is starting to show up. My question is: Where are you?

Blue Crew is here and in style...as usual...

Thanks again to Puleo’s for the burgers!

Get Over It... - BigBlueFan

Well, Thursday's game was definitely a disappointment that took a couple of days to get over.  But Monday morning was the time to get off the mat and get back on the horse(lets see how many clichés I can get into one blog-that's 2).  However, this Saturday is the cure for what ails ya(3)! 

We have Florida International coming to the 'boro and bringing with it the nation's longest losing streak.  While they have a decent defense, their offense is atrocious.  They have not played well in a game yet this season and just got spanked by Kansas.  We should be able to hold them to very few points.  I am hoping in the last ten days that our defense has learned to tackle.  We should have a field day with an offense that hasn't moved the ball all season.  Now, our offense should be much better this week now that Dwight Dasher has had 10 days to learn the rest of the offense.  This cat is going to be a star for the Blue Raiders before his time here is done.  

It is time for the fans to suck it up(4) and support the boys in blue!  I will be tailgating early as will the rest of the godfathersbluecrew!  I hope to see you all there so that we can celebrate the thrill of victory together!

Gameday - WKU - by TomHagen

I can honestly say there were folks here with tents up and music going when I arrived at 8:30 this morning. I should have known better. After all, it is the home opener and we are all a bit craved for a home game. Good thing it is against a local team like WKU. More on that later.

If you are a Blue Raider faithful, or just reading this because I have hounded you to near exhaustion, this is good tailgating to experience. I have been to great places like The Grove in Oxford, the hill in Knoxville, Touchdown Jesus in South Bend and even Pappa John’s Palace in Louisville. They are great tailgate experiences. No doubt. But here, nestled on Greenland Drive in the ‘Boro, we have something going. Maybe it is a little bit of southern hospitality. Maybe it is a dash of our desire to recruit anyone to be a Blue Raider fan (we need lots). Either way, folks that are here to tailgate are here because they are passionate.

Yes, all tailgaters are passionate. Yes, they all have cool gear and great traditions. Trust me, it gives any fan of football chills to watch the ND band march by on their way to the stadium with the throng of fans cheering them on. That is pure football legend and history. But at MT, we are in the evolution of football tailgating infancy. No, I don’t mean we are immature or weak tailgaters. Rather, we don’t have multiple national championships to spur us on. Our program does not strategically schedule our fall to avoid possible losses. Rather, we will play anyone, anytime, anywhere.

Today, we are here. It is great weather. We have ESPN going, beer flowing and games of corn-hole already begun. It is football season, and the Blue Raiders are at home tonight! (ESPN/CSS 6PM)

Check this out...Cool Stuff - by T.Hagen

http://youtube.com/watch?v=faXjFpJHRNk

The Thrill & Skill of Tailgating - by Santino/aka BigUnit

In my few years as a self-proclaimed professional tailgater, I have found particular rituals to be a glorious part of the undertaking.



Of particular enjoyment is arriving at the parking lot for game day early in the morning while the birds are chirping, the dew is still on the ground and the crisp air that is unwarmed by the sun blows by. This is the beautiful solitude that is being among the first people to arrive.

The feeling you get as you set up your tailgate tents in just the right pattern to get maximum coverage without taking up too much space. Placing weights on the tent for security. Even taking the time to measure out the position of cornhole or other entertainment. Nothing beats setting up the satellite dish and and hitting a 95 in signal strength on the first try.

Of course you can't forget the single most important part of tailgating: the grill. Ever notice how important it is to position the grill for maximum cooking space with minimum smoke. Or, better yet, how crucial it is to find that perfect spot for it so that you don't end up downwind from thick grey smoke. This is where you can tell the difference in a novice once-per-yer player and a pro.

Then, it gets good. If you are a morning 'gater (all pros must be) next comes the vodka and bloody mary mix and those few minutes of relaxation before the crowd arrives.

We can't play down the value of the crowd though. Once the crowd starts to arrive, the pro gets to work. Sometimes it is simply friends and family. However, a real tailgater will always be ready for long lost friends, VIPs and other admirers. Most important is being prepared for opposing fans as we subscribe to the theory that visiting fans deserve your very best. After all, they should leave your field taking comfort that, while they lost, they learned something about tailgating from you.

Stop by sometime and enjoy our way of doing things. Munch down a burger. Toss back a cold one. It's time to see the Blue Raiders play!

GO BIG BLUE!!!!!

Bring on the ’Toppers - by Fredo

What is that thing?

For anyone who did not watch or listen to the game on Saturday, it looks like we got pounded on paper. But to those that saw it, we saw a team continue to grow. Louisiana State University will be playing for the national championship and we witnessed why on Saturday.

The MT offense could not move against a team that was bigger and faster than us. However, our defense played well on Saturday. We forced LSU's first two turnovers and held our own against a great offense.

Now we turn our attention to Western Kentucky. This game is important for a number of reasons. First, we get to come home. We will be playing in the friendly confines of Floyd Stadium for the first time this year. Our boys are ready to come home and we are ready to see them and tailgate! Second, the Toppers present a challenging opponent, but one we should beat. They played a respectable game against Florida, but then played cupcakes in West Virginia Tech and Eastern Kentucky.

This is the renewal of a fierce rivalry from back in the 90's. It also brings full circle a rivalry between two schools 90 minutes apart that spans all sports. The fans from these two schools love to hate each other. Tailgating for this game will start early, so bring your tents, chairs, and beverages, and lets have a good time while we put a beat down on a new rival, showing them that while they may be 1-A in most sports, this is how we do things in the big leagues!

MT goes to the bayou - by Fredo

On Saturday, our boys head down to the Bayou to take on the Tigers of Louisiana State University.  On the surface, this looks like a mismatch of gargantuan proportions, but I assure you that it is not.  The only question is which offense will show up?  The one that could not move the ball against Florida Atlantic, or the spread that moved at will against then #8 Louisville.  We have the first team speed to move the ball against LSU, but their defense will be much better than what we have seen thus far.  Our defense could be in for a long night, but LSU has not felt the hitting that they will feel on Saturday night.  This game will boil down to a couple of things.  LSU is going to move the ball.  We must move the ball with them.  We must hold on to the ball, which has been our downfall in both games this year.  While I am not suffering from delusions of grandeur, I definitely think we can make another statement on Saturday.  Also, if you are so inclined to watch the game, Kirkenburts on Cason Lane and Bleachers in Franklin have bought the pay per view and will be sponsoring tailgate parties on Saturday.  Bring your tents, chairs, and other tailgate paraphernalia and watch the game.