Team Information
Ground | Johnny (Red) Floyd Stadium |
City | Murfreesboro, Tennessee |
Conference | Conference USA, |
Nickname | Blue Raiders |
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Football Bio
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football program is the representative football team of Middle Tennessee State University. They participate in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and are a part of the East Division of Conference USA (CUSA). The team is under the guidance of head coach Rick Stockstill, who took over in 2006. Middle Tennessee has made appearances in 12 bowl games and seven I-AA playoffs. Their home games are played at Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium, which can accommodate up to 30,788 spectators.
Name of Team | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Football |
First season | 1911 |
Athletic director | Chris Massaro |
Head coach | Rick Stockstill (since 2006) |
Stadium | Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium (capacity: 30,788) |
Location | Murfreesboro, Tennessee |
Conference | Conference USA (CUSA) |
Division | East Division |
Field surface | Sportexe PowerBlade Turf |
Conference titles | 13 |
Division titles | 1 |
Fight Song | "MTSU Fight Song" |
Mascot | Lightning |
Rivalries | Troy (rivalry)Western Kentucky (rivalry) |
Consensus All-Americans |
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders History
The history of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football program is a testament to the enduring spirit of collegiate athletics. Established in 1911 under the guidance of head coach L. T. "Mutt" Weber, the program embarked on a journey filled with moments of triumph, challenge, and dedicated leadership.
In its early years, the Blue Raiders showed promise, with the 1914 season, led by coach Alfred B. Miles, marking their first undefeated campaign, setting the stage for future successes. Despite facing adversity, such as the tragic loss of coach Frank Faulkinberry, the program continued to evolve.
Throughout the decades, the Blue Raiders saw numerous coaching transitions, each leaving its mark on the team's history. Coaches like Johnny Floyd and Charles Murphy achieved notable milestones, including undefeated seasons and bowl appearances. Murphy's 22-season tenure, with a remarkable 155–63–8 record, remains a cornerstone of the program's legacy.
While there were challenging years, the Blue Raiders persevered. James Donnelly, who took the helm in 1979, brought an era of consistent success, boasting winning seasons and seasons with at least 10 wins. His dedication earned him a place as the second-winningest coach in MTSU history.
In more recent history, the leadership of Rick Stockstill has rejuvenated the program, with successful bowl game appearances and conference titles. His commitment and loyalty to Middle Tennessee have solidified his role as a prominent figure in the program's modern era.
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football program's history is a narrative of resilience, evolution, and the pursuit of excellence. From its early beginnings to the present, the Blue Raiders have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the sport and a legacy that continues to be written with each passing season.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Coach
Rick Stockstill is the current head coach of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football program. He assumed the role in 2006 and has been at the helm ever since. Stockstill has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the program, leading the team to multiple bowl game appearances and conference titles. His dedication, loyalty, and consistent success have firmly established him as a key figure in the modern era of Blue Raiders football.
Here is the listing of the head coaches of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football program:
Name of Coach | Years Coached |
L. T. "Mutt" Weber | 1911–1912 |
Alfred B. Miles | 1913–1916, 1919–1923 |
Johnny Floyd | 1917, 1935–1938 |
No team | 1918, 1943–1945 |
Guy Stephenson | 1924–1925 |
Frank Faulkinberry | 1926–1932 |
E. M. Waller | 1933–1934 |
Ernest Alley | 1939 |
Elwin W. Midgett | 1940–1942, 1946 |
Charles M. Murphy | 1947–1968 |
Donald E. Fuoss | 1969 |
Bill Peck | 1970–1974 |
Ben Hurt | 1975–1978 |
Boots Donnelly | 1979–1998 |
Andy McCollum | 1999–2005 |
Rick Stockstill | 2006–present |
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Football Stadium: Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football team calls Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium its home. Located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, this stadium has a seating capacity of 30,788. It serves as the backdrop for the team's home games, witnessing the cheers and support of dedicated fans. Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium is not just a venue; it's a place where the Blue Raiders create lasting memories and write their own history on the gridiron.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Rivals
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders have had significant rivalries in their football history, with two notable ones being with Troy and Western Kentucky:
1. Battle for the Palladium (Middle Tennessee vs. Troy):
This rivalry with Troy, known as the Battle for the Palladium, started in 1936, but the annual competition for the Palladium Trophy began in 2003. Despite Middle Tennessee moving to Conference USA in 2013, the rivalry remains significant. Middle Tennessee leads the series with 12 wins to Troy's 9.
2. 100 Miles of Hate (Middle Tennessee vs. Western Kentucky):
The rivalry between Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky is one of the oldest for both schools. It dates back to 1914, and the name "100 Miles of Hate" reflects the proximity of the two universities, separated by approximately 100 miles. The rivalry has seen a total of 71 games played, with the series tied at 35 wins for each team and 1 tie.
These rivalries have added excitement, tradition, and passion to Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football, making matchups against Troy and Western Kentucky highly anticipated events in the college football calendar.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Record and stats
Middle Tennessee's football program has had a remarkable history, featuring standout coaches and memorable seasons that have contributed to their championship and division championship achievements. While their journey in college football has seen both ups and downs, they continue to be a competitive team in Conference USA, aiming for future successes on the gridiron:
Championship Conferences
Middle Tennessee has won a total of 13 conference championships, with seven outright championships and six shared championships. These championships were achieved in different seasons, primarily during their time in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) and later in the Sun Belt Conference.
Division Championships
Since joining Conference USA (C-USA) in 2013, Middle Tennessee has clinched one division championship. In 2018, they won the C-USA East division but fell short in the Conference Championship Game.
Conference Championship Game Appearances
Although the Blue Raiders have made several appearances in conference championship games, their most recent notable appearance was in the Conference USA Championship Game in 2018, where they competed against UAB but narrowly lost with a final score of 25–27.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Roster
layer | Position | Height | Weight | Class | Hometown | High School/Previous School |
Richard Kinley | Defensive End | 6'3" | 235 lbs | Redshirt Junior | Memphis, TN | Lausanne Collegiate School |
Teldrick Ross | Cornerback | 5'11" | 194 lbs | Redshirt Senior | Macon, GA | Jones County |
Jorden Starling | Defensive Tackle | 6'5" | 272 lbs | Redshirt Senior | Chattanooga, TN | McCallie School |
DJ England-Chisolm | Wide Receiver | 5'8" | 152 lbs | Senior | Moncks Corner, SC | Berkeley |
Johnathan Butler | Linebacker | 6'1" | 223 lbs | Redshirt Senior | Sumter, SC | Sumter HS Highland CC |
Kyle Lowe | Quarterback | 5'11" | 198 lbs | Redshirt Freshman | Collierville, TN | Fayette-Ware |
Jordan Branch | Defensive Line | 6'0" | 290 lbs | Redshirt Senior | Maury City, TN | Crockett County |
DJ Riles | Quarterback | 6'0" | 193 lbs | Redshirt Freshman | Columbus, GA | Carver |
Jeremy Tate Jr. | Wide Receiver | 6'5" | 259 lbs | Redshirt Senior | Columbus, MS | New Hope Memphis |
Jakobe Thomas | Safety | 6'2" | 190 lbs | Redshirt Sophomore | Tullahoma, TN | Tullahoma |
Zeke Rankin | Placekicker | 5'8" | 200 lbs | Junior | Alcoa, TN | Alcoa |
Zaylin Wood | Defensive End | 6'2" | 273 lbs | Redshirt Junior | Bowdon, GA | Heard County |
Devyn Curtis | Linebacker | 6'2" | 235 lbs | Redshirt Sophomore | Nashville, TN | Brentwood Academy |
Elijah Metcalf | Wide Receiver | 5'9" | 164 lbs | Redshirt Sophomore | Charlotte, NC | Mallard Creek |
Drew Francis | Linebacker | 6'3" | 222 lbs | Junior | Knoxville, TN | West |
Jakson Judge | Quarterback | 6'1" | 198 lbs | Freshman | Jacksonville, FL | The Bolles School |
Nicholas Vattiato | Quarterback | 6'1" | 196 lbs | Redshirt Sophomore | Plantation, FL | University School |
Jalen Davis | Linebacker | 5'11" | 200 lbs | Redshirt Junior | Kingsland, GA | Camden Co. |
Sam Driggers | Quarterback | 5'11" | 205 lbs | Freshman | Medina, TN | Peabody |
Javonte Sherman | Wide Receiver | 6'2" | 189 lbs | Redshirt Sophomore | Valdosta, GA | Valdosta |
Justin Olson | Wide Receiver | 6'2" | 205 lbs | Redshirt Junior | Huntersville, NC | North Mecklenberg North Carolina |
Tylus Hancock | Safety | 6'2" | 203 lbs | Senior | Marietta, GA | Lassiter Florida State |
Ren Hefley | Quarterback | 6'1" | 192 lbs | Redshirt Junior | Little Rock, AR | Bryant Northwest Mississippi CC |
Tra Fluellen | Safety | 6'2" | 210 lbs | Senior | Gilmer, TX | Gilmer Houston Baptist |
Kalani Norris | Wide Receiver | 6'0" | 162 lbs | Redshirt Junior | Miami, FL | Christopher Columbus Georgia Tech |
James Douglas | Linebacker | 6'1" | 204 lbs | Redshirt Sophomore | Fort Worth, TX | Arlington-Lamar Cisco College |
Stone Frost | Quarterback | 5'11" | 207 lbs | Redshirt Junior | Decaturville, TN | Riverside |
Tyson Resper | Wide Receiver | 5'8" | 165 lbs | Redshirt Freshman | Greensboro, NC | Grimsley Catawba College |
Zack Dobson | Wide Receiver | 5'8" | 170 lbs | Redshirt Senior | Knoxville, TN | Fulton |
A'Varius Sparrow | Running Back | 5'10" | 190 lbs | Redshirt Sophomore | Orlando, FL | Jones West Virginia |
Parker Hughes | Linebacker | 6'2" | 210 lbs | Redshirt Sophomore | Elizabethton, TN | Elizabethton |
Jaiden Credle | Running Back | 6'1" | 193 lbs | Sophomore | Columbus, GA | Carver Northern Illinois |
Chris Johnson | Safety | 5'10" | 183 lbs | Redshirt Sophomore | Murfreesboro, TN | Riverdale |
Jalen Jackson | Cornerback | 6'2" | 177 lbs | Redshirt Junior | Tampa, FL | Bloomingdale |
Jalen Montgomery | Running Back | 5'9" | 168 lbs | Redshirt Sophomore | Columbia, SC | Cardinal Newman |
Scott Payne | Placekicker | 5'10" | 177 lbs | Redshirt Junior | Signal Mountain, TN | Signal Mountain Middle |
Frank Peasant | Running Back | 5'11" | 196 lbs | Junior | Pensacola, FL | Escambia HS |
Bryce Bailey | Wide Receiver | 5'10" | 168 lbs | Redshirt Sophomore | Cochran, GA | Bleckley |
Jayce Gardner | Running Back | 5'11" | 210 lbs | Redshirt Junior |
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Schedule
Date | Time (ET) | Opponent | Location | TV/Network | Result |
Sep 2 (Sat) | 6:30 PM | Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | SEC Network, WGNS 1450 AM/100.5 FM/101.9 FM/93.3 FM/95.1 FM, The Varsity Network App | L, 7-56 |
Sep 9 (Sat) | 6:00 PM | Missouri | Columbia, MO | SEC Network+, WGNS 1450 AM/100.5 FM/101.9 FM/93.3 FM/95.1 FM, The Varsity Network App | L, 19-23 |
Sep 16 (Sat) | 6:00 PM | Murray State | Murfreesboro, TN | WGNS 1450 AM/100.5 FM/101.9 FM/93.3 FM/95.1 FM, The Varsity Network App | W, 35-14 |
Sep 23 (Sat) | 6:00 PM | Colorado State | Murfreesboro, TN | ESPN+, WGNS 1450 AM/100.5 FM/101.9 FM/93.3 FM/95.1 FM, The Varsity Network App | L, 23-31 |
Sep 28 (Thu) | 6:30 PM | Western Kentucky | Bowling Green, KY | CBS Sports Network, WGNS 1450 AM/100.5 FM/101.9 FM/93.3 FM/95.1 FM, The Varsity Network App | L, 10-31 |
Oct 4 (Wed) | 7:00 PM | Jacksonville State | Murfreesboro, TN | ESPNU, WGNS 1450 AM/100.5 FM/101.9 FM/93.3 FM/95.1 FM, The Varsity Network App | L, 30-45 |
Oct 10 (Tue) | 6:00 PM | Louisiana Tech | Murfreesboro, TN | CBS Sports Network, WGNS 1450 AM/100.5 FM/101.9 FM/93.3 FM/95.1 FM, The Varsity Network App | W, 31-23 |
Oct 17 (Tue) | 6:00 PM | Liberty | Lynchburg, VA | CBS Sports Network, WGNS 1450 AM/100.5 FM/101.9 FM/93.3 FM/95.1 FM, The Varsity Network App | L, 35-42 |
Nov 4 (Sat) | 5:00 PM | New Mexico State | Las Cruces, NM | ESPN+, WGNS 1450 AM/100.5 FM/101.9 FM/93.3 FM/95.1 FM, The Varsity Network App | |
Nov 11 (Sat) | 2:30 PM | FIU | Murfreesboro, TN | ESPN+, WGNS 1450 AM/100.5 FM/101.9 FM/93.3 FM/95.1 FM, The Varsity Network App | |
Nov 18 (Sat) | 1:00 PM | UTEP | Murfreesboro, TN | ESPN+, WGNS 1450 AM/100.5 FM/101.9 FM/93.3 FM/95.1 FM, The Varsity Network App | |
Nov 25 (Sat) | 11:00 AM | Sam Houston | Huntsville, TX | ESPN+, WGNS 1450 AM/100.5 FM/101.9 FM/93.3 FM/95.1 FM, The Varsity Network App |
FAQs
A. The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders got their nickname, "Blue Raiders," from a group of student-athletes inspired by bluebirds on campus.
A. MTSU may offer payment plans for season tickets, but details can vary, so check their official athletics website or contact their ticket office for current information.
A. The bag policy for MTSU football games varies, and you should refer to the university or stadium's specific guidelines.
A. The timing of the MTSU Raider Walk can vary for each game, so check the official MTSU athletics website or contact the university for game-specific details.