Gameday has arrived...

It's gameday in South Florida for the Blue Raiders as we prepare to face Florida Atlantic. The weather should be nice although a "little" warmer than the past few weeks in the "Boro", check on today's weather in Ft. Lauderdale here HOUR BY HOUR FORECAST HERE

The guys have a busy morning in preparation for this afternoon's game. Here is this morning's schedule...
9:15am Wake-up Call
9:45am Chapel
9:55am Breakfast
10:30am Special Teams Meetings
11:05am Off/Def Walk-thrus
12:00am Pre-Game Meal
2:00pm Depart for Lockhart Stadium
4:00pm Kickoff

Listen Online....

There is no TV coverage this week but you can listen live through the following options...

LISTEN TO YAHOO RADIO HERE

LISTEN TO 560 AM HERE

Jr. Raiders stop by...

Today we had some special guests with us at practice, a group of Jr. Raiders came by to watch and then get some autographs and photos. The Jr. Raiders are a part of the Blue Raider Athletic Association here at Middle Tennessee and a great foundation for the future of Blue Raider Nation. If you would like more information on how your child can be a part of this group CLICK HERE

Thursday's Practice Shots...

Here are some shots from Thursday's practice.

MT vs. FAU Wallpaper...

You can get your exclusive CoachStockstill.com wallpaper by clicking on the link below..

Tuesday's practice photos...

Press Conference...

Just in case you missed Tuesday's regular Football press conference you can watch it HERE thanks to www.goblueraiders.tv

Thom Abraham's Stock Report interview

Just in case you missed this morning's interview...

Wet Practice...

As we showed you yesterday the team wanted to get as much work as possible on the natural grass of the MT practice fields, but with another day of rain in middle Tennessee the surface was holding too much water and would prove dangerous for the players. So this afternoon the team worked out under the lights of Floyd Stadium on the synthetic surface that is more suited for inclement weather. The team got through most of practice without much rain but the final few periods were met with a constant downpour.

FAU game this week...

Some images we have been working on for this week's game...

Monday Practice Photos...

Rick Stockstill Live...

Make sure to catch Coach's radio show tonight at 7pm at Coach's Grill in Murfreesboro or listen online with the link below!

Days getting shorter...

Today the Blue Raiders took most of the afternoon for film study of the WKU game and some scouting of Florida Atlantic before finally getting out to the practice fields around 4:30pm. Now that fall is here the temps are a bit cooler but more importantly the days are getting shorter which means some night work for the team. Equipment manager Troy Johnson fired up the lights on the practice fields for the first time this season as the light workout went into the evening.

Au' Natural...

This week the team will get as much work as they can on the practice fields adjacent to Floyd Stadium. Since Florida Atlantic plays in Lockhart Stadium which has a natural grass playing surface, Coach Stockstill wants the team to get acclimated to grass after practicing on the turf of Floyd Stadium for the last few weeks because of inclement weather.

Hi-Lites...

Week #7- Western Kentucky



Week #6- Mississippi State

Helmet Sticker goes to...

Dwight Dasher has gotten ESPN.com's attention again by winning another award from the media outlet. Dasher got a helmet sticker for his part in the big win over Western Kentucky. >>CLICK HERE FOR THE ARTICLE

Coach's Luncheon...

Today, like every Friday before a Blue Raider home game, Coach Stock meet with BRAA members in the gameday room to discuss this week's game. Attendees are given special insight into the game by Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz & Offensive Coordinator Tony Franklin while they dine on some great food.

If you would like to join in call the football office at 615.898.2926 the week of the next home game November 7th.

CSS Sun Belt Game of the Week...

>>For more information and a list of affiliated for the Sun Belt Network please click here
This week's Sun Belt Network game of the week will feature two teams that are very familiar with one another as Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky hit the gridiron for the 60th time in school history. Middle Tennessee leads the all-time series 30-28-1 dating back to the first matchup 95 years ago in 1914. This will be the first time the Hilltoppers and Blue Raiders will battle with a Sun Belt Conference win on the line. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. (CT) at Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

The Blue Raiders and Hilltoppers have split the last two meetings as Middle Tennessee claimed a 21-10 triumph last November while the Hilltoppers prevailed 21-17 at Floyd Stadium in 2007.

Led by quarterback Dwight Dasher Middle Tennessee looks to get back on the winning track on their Homecoming weekend. Dasher who is a double-threat on offensive leads the Blue Raiders in passing and in rushing. Dasher has thrown for 1, 402 yards and eight touchdowns and has compiled three more touchdowns and 351 yards on the ground. Dasher leads the Sun Belt Conference in total offense averaging 292.2 yards per game.

Middle Tennessee (3-3, 1-1) had a three game win streak earlier this season including an exciting win on the road at Maryland but have lost their last two at Troy and versus the SEC's Mississippi State.

WKU (0-6, 0-2) will look to avenge a 21-10 home loss in 2008 at the hands of the Blue Raiders. In that game Middle Tennessee running back Phillip Tanner ran for 92 yards including a touchdown.

WKU will look to win its first game of the season with the help of running back Bobby Rainey who has been very impressive the past three weeks averaging 104.3 yards per game and scoring three touchdowns. Senior Linebacker Taurean Smith, who ranks 8th in tackles in the Sun Belt, will be key for the Hilltoppers defense in shutting down Dasher and the Blue Raider offense.

MT vs. WKU Wallpaper

To spread the word of the game we have designed a special wallpaper for this week's game. Click on the picture below to bring up the full size wallpaper then right click on the picture to download. Hope you enjoy!

Wednesday's Practice Photos...

Special Ticket Offer...

This week is Homecoming on campus at Middle Tennessee and the athletic department has announced a special ticket offer for Saturday's game against rival Western Kentucky.

Take any used or unused ticket from the Mississippi State game and exchange it for a reserved Western Kentucky ticket for only $7. The regular price of a WKU ticket is $20.

Fans can exchange their ticket in advance at the Middle Tennessee ticket office at Gate 1-A of Floyd Stadium or on gameday at any ticket office location around the stadium.

It's a second chance for those that missed out last weekend and a big thank you for those that came out and braved the elements against the Bulldogs.

For more information, please contact the ticket office at 1-888-YES-MTSU or the marketing department at 898-5322.

Homecoming MTSU Style...

This week is a special week on the MTSU campus as homecoming festivities are everywhere in anticipation for Saturday's game against Western Kentucky. Below is a list of the activities happening for the rest of the week.

October 23	Chili Cook-off Murphy Center Forrest, 5:00 p.m.
October 23	NPHC Step Show Murphy Center, 7:00 p.m.
October 24	Homecoming Parade Middle Tennessee Boulevard 10:00 a.m.

For the MTSU Homecoming website visit:
>>CLICK HERE FOR MTSU HOMECOMING SITE

Thom Abraham's Stock Report interview 10/21

From the radio interview earlier today in case you missed it...

ESPNU special footage...

Last week for the ESPNU game the team was given a special portable camcorder meant to record behind the scenes footage of Blue Raider Football for short segments during the game. We have access to all that footage and will be bring you some of the bits that might be of interest.

To set this clip up every day before "flex" (stretch) Coach Patterson picks one of the players to "break everyone down" or officially start practice. This all happens at the 50yard line on the MT logo so that every player can see and hear. Some players have a special chant, some run around, some jump as high as they can and then others attempt more acrobatic feats, players like Alex Suber and Alan Gendreau have been known to do back flips in the past. However, probably the most creative of all is wide receiver Chris McClover, which may be hard to believe considering he is all of 6'5" 205lbs.

Here is a peak at how Chris chose to break it down last Thursday...

Tuesday's practice photos...

Redshirt Rivalry...

No its not a mis-print, not the Red River Rivalry its the Redshirt Rivalry. To spice things up a little for the younger players Coach Stock decided to hold a short game for the redshirt defensive & offensive players after practice. In order to make sure everyone got involved there was more than bragging rights on the line...the redshirt team that won would cause the opposite varsity squad to run a little extra.

The game turned out to be a huge hit as the varsity players and coaches went crazy cheering on the young guys. Pads were popping and each side had some big hits and made big plays. The offense finally got rolling and in the end couldn't be denied a victory 11-10...


Ryan Rosenvall Drops back to pass

Jamal Ramsey hands off to David Jones

Ramsey looks to throw deep

David Jones takes the handoff

William Pratcher breaks a long run

Offense celebrates a touchdown

Offense celebrates the victory

Monday's Practice...

Players & Coaches returned to work on Monday preparing for this Saturday's conference match-up with Western Kentucky. Because of the close proximity of both schools Coach Stockstill has decided to close practice this week so any game planning won't find its way outside of the confines of Floyd Stadium.

Monday's practice was upbeat as the Blue Raiders had an afternoon film session and then a light practice in the best weather middle Tennessee has seen in about 2 weeks. Coach Stock was pleased with the players' effort & attitude today and encouraged them to look forward to an important conference game this week.

Here are some shots of today's action...

Rick Stockstill Live 7-8pm...

Blue Raiders around the world....

We often get emails from Blue Raider fans from around the country but recently Blue Raider Broadcasting Director Chip Walters sent us these pictures he received from Rick Henegar. Rick is an avid Blue Raider fan who follows the games and even Coach Stock's radio shows on Mondays via the internet. He often sends in questions for the show from exotic locations around the world.

If you have pictures showing your Blue Raider pride from anywhere in the US or the world you can send them to The Stock Report at andy@coachstockstill.com


Istanbul, Turkey



The Great Wall of China

Pictures from today's practice...

The weather in the Boro today resembled the Bay area more than Tennessee but nonetheless the Blue Raiders went out for some work in preparation for Mississippi State.

Thom Abraham's Stock Report interview

In case you didn't catch it this morning here is Coach Stock's weekly interview with Thom Abraham on 560am...

Miss. State Game Reminder

Remember that ESPN has decided to broadcast next week's historic matchup with Mississippi State live from Floyd Stadium at 11:30am CST. This game can also be watched online at ESPN360.com

Thom Abraham's Stock Report interview

Pictures from Tuesday's pregame...

So many ways to tune into the Blue Raiders...

There are so many ways for fans to catch the Blue Raiders' big game tonight against Troy. Obviously you can tune to ESPN2 at 7pm CST but here are some other ways...


>>CLICK HERE FOR YAHOO AUDIO

>>CLICK HERE FOR WNSR 560AM AUDIO

Team meal...

After a quick positional meeting the team comes together for a team meal in the main dining room. Players will take their turns at the buffet in order of their seniority on the team. The menu is planned out months in advance and has all the foods that an athlete's body needs to perform at a high level.

Meeting Rooms..

Above is the team meeting room that has been set up with video and sound for the team's nightly motivational video.

As soon as the team bus arrives at the hotel new video coordinator, Andrew Rossetti, and his staff immediately go to work setting up the predetermined meeting rooms with video equipment and other items needed for the position and team meetings. Usually in less than 10 minutes computers, projectors, grease boards, are all set up and ready to use just in time for the team to walk down from their rooms.

From Alabama...

Since space is very limited in the town of Troy, the team is staying in Prattville, AL. The Marriott in Prattville is the temporary headquarters for Blue Raider football. Surrounding by some great golf courses the hotel just hosted the LPGA's Navistar Classic.

Live from Alabama...

After a few hours on the bus the team has arrived in Alabama. The schedule for the team will go as follows:

5:00pm Offensive & Defensive Meetings
6:00pm Dinner
9:20pm Team Meeting
10:00pm Curfew

Stay tuned for updates from the road....

Sunday is the new Thursday...

Even though the calendar says today is Sunday for the Blue Raiders its all about Thursday. Today's routine on a cold and wet Sunday will be the same as any other Thursday. The team will meet to review film then go through a light workout to cover the last minute rehearsals for Saturday.

Tomorrow will of course be a Friday, travel day, so The Stock Report will hit the road for a bus ride and updates from the road.

The weather will decide if there will be practice photos from today's practice.

Saturday's Practice shots

Yesterday's photos from the MT practice fields...

William V. Campbell Trophy...

Today Blue Raider running-back Phillip Tanner was nominated along with 154 other scholar-athletes for the William V. Campbell Trophy considered by many as the "Academic Heisman Trophy". The senior owns a 3.35 cumulative grade point average in Recreation and Leisure Services and has been an academic all-district winner two years in a row.
Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, semifinalists must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. Renamed this fall in honor of Bill Campbell, the chairman of Intuit, former player and head coach at Columbia University and the 2004 recipient of the NFF's Gold Medal, the award comes with a 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post- graduate scholarship.

>>CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

Ball Hog...

The DNJ just released an article about how involved Dwight Dasher is in MT's offense. It seems that Dasher touches the football more than any other player at the FBS level this season. Here are some excerpts from the article.

In terms of total offense, college football measures a player's use by his number of offensive touches, which is the combination of rushing attempts and pass attempts. Dasher, a dual-threat quarterback, has 227 offensive touches (72 rushes, 155 passes) in four games, the most of any player in FBS (I-A).
Dasher ranks seventh nationally in total offense with 1,279 yards (251 rushing, 1,028 passing). The top-90 in total offense in FBS are all quarterbacks because passing yards usually surpass rushing yards.

But Dasher's contributions trump all players because he is the quarterback in a pass-heavy offense, as well as being MTSU's primary rusher.

Dasher's 72 rushing attempts is the third-most of any quarterback in FBS and twice as many as any other MTSU player

BALL IN HAND

Most total offensive touches in FBS

Player, School Rushes Passes Total
1. Dwight Dasher, MTSU 72 155 227
2. Taylor Potts, Texas Tech 14 212 226
3. Tyler Sheehan, Bowling Green 22 181 203
4. Aaron Opelt, Toledo 18 167 185
5. Todd Reesing, Kansas 37 143 180

>>CLICK HERE FOR DNJ ARTICLE

Tuesday's Press Conference Audio

Tuesday's Press conference audio in case you missed it...

North Texas Video...

By popular demand we have made it easier to see the North Texas Motivational video...

Practice Pictures from Wednesday...