 "Photo: Chris Barstad")
The Blue Raiders are coming off the biggest win in school history after defeating Maryland 24-14 this past Saturday. But now, the team must prepare for another BCS opponent as it travels to Lexington, Ky. to take on the Kentucky Wildcats.
Maryland was a huge win for MT, but Kentucky should prove a much different challenge than the struggling Terps presented.
"Obviously, defense is the strength of their team," MT Head Coach Rick Stockstill said at the teams' Tuesday press conference. "Their front seven is very good, their two corners are excellent, and I think their linebackers are good in there."
The Blue Raiders' offense will face a much better pass rush against Kentucky than they did against Maryland. The Wildcats like to bring a heavy pass rush, which has helped them climb to 10th in the nation in overall defense. The Kentucky defense has been able to hold its opponents to only five points combined over the past two contsests.
However, the Blue Raiders' defense also looked impressive in last week's win, which could be big against a Kentucky offense that is clearly rebuilding.
"I think right now they are relying on the defense until their offense finds its identity," Stockstill said.
Aside from three wins against Vanderbilt, the Blue Raiders have never defeated an SEC opponent. But the team is not giving the Kentucky game any special attention just because it's an SEC opponent.
"For us, it's just the next team on our schedule," said junior linebacker Danny Carmichael, who is coming off a solid performance against Maryland. Carmichael put up three tackles and a clutch interception in the 3rd quarter that led to a Blue Raider score.
One concern for the Blue Raiders coming into Saturday will be the season-ending knee injury to redshirt junior wide receiver Michael Cannon.
"When a guy goes down, it provides an opportunity for others," Stockstill said. "There will be added responsibility for other receivers, and they will step up."
The team will look to freshman walk-on Andrew Banks to possibly join the already inexperienced the receiving rotation. The receiving corps has played well, particularly in the Maryland game where freshman receiver Malcolm Beyah pulled in four catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns.
"We will lose a guy in the rotation.," Stockstill said. "We will try to get Andrew Banks, a walk-on, some reps this week and see what he can do. When a guy goes down it provides an opportunity for others. There will be added responsibility for other receivers and they will step up."
The meeting between the Blue Raiders and the Wildcats will only be the second meeting between the schools and the first since a 44-22 MT loss in 2002.
MT's football program continues to challenge itself and move to the next level since joining the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) in 1999. Only three non-BCS teams-East Carolina, Hawaii and MT-play at least four BCS opponents this season.
The Blue Raiders will try to add the second straight BCS win at Commonwealth Stadium this Saturday at 6 p.m.
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