The Blue Raiders' 2010 football schedule will easily be one of the toughest in school history. With games against Minnesota, Troy, and Georgia Tech, MTSU will need to bring its best effort in nearly every game this season. Sidelines has highlighted the biggest games of MTSU's schedule and provided a winning formula for the biggest matchups of the season.
MTSU Vs. Minnesota: Date/ Kickoff: Sept. 2 6:30 p.m.
Last Year's Record: 6-7
Key Players: QB Adam Weber, RB Duane Bennett
Though Minnesota's record last year was pedestrian at best; they still play in the Big Ten Conference. It isn't often that MTSU is matched with a team from a Bowl Championship Series conference. A victory against the Golden Gophers could mean wonderful things to come for MT's football program, but it will be difficult if Minnesota's returning offensive starters Adam Weber and Duane Bennettthe bring speed and experience to the field Sept. 2.
In order for the Blue Raiders to pull out a victory, the defense will need to play smart and fast. With a lack of any defensive linemen over 300 pounds, MT's defense specializes in the speed category but not so much in experience. Replacement quarterback Logan Kilgore will face a secondary unlike any he has seen in junior college. The offense will rely on the play of senior running back Phillip Tanner and Kilgore's ability to pick apart the Gophers' secondary.
MTSU Vs. Troy: Date/ Kickoff: Oct. 5 7 p.m.
Last Year's Record: 9-3 (GMAC Bowl)
Key Players: RB Shaun Southward, WR Jerrell Jernigan
Troy State will be the opponent for MT's infamous "Blackout" game. Last season the Blue Raiders were on the wrong side of a 31-7 beat down courtesy of the Trojans. Troy has been an Sun Belt Conference powerhouse in recent years and earning a victory against them will not be easy.
With the loss of quarterback Levi Brown to the NFL draft, the Trojans will need to find other players who are willing to make the big plays. Troy wide receiver Jerrell Jernigan amassed over 1,000 yards in receiving last season and will provide a mid-season test for the Blue Raiders' secondary.
Running back Shaun Southward will be entering his first season as a starter, so MT's defense will need to key on the pass and rely on their front seven to stop the inexperienced running of Southward.
Troy always boasts a speedy defense, so MT will also face a tough task on offense. The Blue Raiders should hope that Dasher has returned at this point to help their chances.
At Georgia Tech: Date/ Kickoff: Oct. 16 TBD
Last Year's Record: 11-3 (FedEx Orange Bowl)
Key Players: QB Josh Nesbitt, RB Anthony Allen
MTSU will travel to Atlanta on Oct, 16 to play Georgia Tech, marking the biggest test of the Blue Raiders' program in many years. The Yellow Jackets won the Atlantic Coast Conference championship last season and finished the year ranked ninth in the nation.
Georgia Tech will play the likes of Virginia Tech, Miami, Clemson, and Georgia in 2010. And after this kind of vigorous schedule, the Yellow Jackets won't be intimidated by the Blue Raiders.
The Yellow Jackets ranked 10th in overall offense and second in rushing last season. Since that time they have lost former starting running back Jonathan Dwyer to the NFL, but current starter Anthony Allen is poised for a big season. This game is slated to be the toughest game for the MTSU defense in years.
This could make for a interesting matchup, but it is nearly unstoppable so the Blue Raiders will rely on Dwight Dasher, Phillip Tanner and the rest of the its offense to match Georgia Tech point for point.
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