The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

HAVING left on the losing end in their first trip here in 2015, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders’ head coach Rick Stockstill said he’s looking for a more favourable outcome when they take on the Toledo Rockets in this year’s Bahamas Bowl.

Stockstill and his 6-6 (win-loss) Blue Raiders were the first team to arrive in the Bahamas yesterday ahead of their matchup with the Rockets on Friday for the fourth edition of the first collegiate bowl game to be played this year.

The Rockets, who finished the season with a 7-5 win-loss record, also arrived in town yesterday for their game that is scheduled to be played at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, on Friday, starting at 12 noon. It will be carried live on ESPN and is free to the Bahamian public.

Stockstill, who coached the Blue Raiders during their heart-breaking 45-31 loss to the Western Michigan Broncos on their first trip in 2015, said they had to endure an early and long journey here, but hopefully it will be worthwhile.

In his advice to his Blue Raiders, who are representing Conference USA, Stockstill said he just wants them to “enjoy” their experience here, which he calls a reward, although he insisted that the main focus is to “play a game” and to “win.”

“That’s our mindset and our focus,” he stressed. “We will have plenty time to enjoy Atlantis, the hotel and the fellowship with team-mates, but it’s also a work week.”

Although they had to juggle their time with their recruiting process and players having to sit their final exams, Stockstill said they had to schedule their practice sessions around all of the off-field activities.

But his only concern right now is for his Blue Raiders to play well and have a good week at Atlantis in the Bahamas.

“When it is work time, it is work. When it is play time, they can play,” he stated. “This is not a vacation. We hope that we can play our best game. We are here to play a game.”

Stockstill said although they are two touchdown underdogs against Toledo, he’s confident that his Middle Tennessee squad will give a good account of themselves. “We have a big challenge ahead of us,” he pointed out. “Hopefully we will be ready to play. I love the people here. I love the hospitality. Everybody in this community just does a fantastic job, welcoming us, so everytime I come here, I leave with a bigger and better impression than when I came.”

At least two of the players were quite impressed with what they saw so far and are looking forward to a fantastic week as they bring their collegiate careers to a close.

“This is my first time. It’s very beautiful here,” said Marcus Greer, Middle Tennessee’s centre, on his impression of the Bahamas. “On the flight here seeing how clear the water is – it’s very beautiful. All the guys are excited to check everything out here more, but we are really focused on Friday.”

When asked what to expect from their team on the field, six-foot, one-inch, 298-pound Greer noted that “we play hard each game. Even the ones we lost, coach Stock always thinks we are the toughest team at the end of the day.

“We are always dedicated during practice and our minds are focused on Toledo on Friday.”

As for what he’s looking forward to while staying at the Atlantis, Greer said it’s definitely getting a little tan. “I’m a little pale right now. It’s been a little cold in Murfreesboro,” Greer said. “I’m looking forward to putting my feet in the sand and hanging out with the guys. It’s my last week of football so I want to go out with a bang and spend as much time as I can with my brothers.”

And Reed Blankenship, a 6-1, 204-pound safety, also in his final year, said the weather here is ideal for some football.

“It was 29 degrees when we left Tennessee pretty early this morning. But it’s worth it to be here so I’m excited,” said Blankenship, one of the team’s captains. “We know we have work to put in and a job to do.”

Blankenship, however, is not taking anything for granted against Toledo.

“They are a great team. They would not be down here if they were not a great team,” he said. “We are excited to play them. It will be a challenge, but every game is a challenge. Our work ethic has not changed. We had a big win over FAU, and we are going to carry that momentum into this game.”

As for his mindset on being here in the Bahamas, Blankenship said it’s just what he expected. “I’m going to enjoy myself,” he pointed out. “You don’t get this opportunity (being in the Bahamas) often. I’m a senior and I’m going to enjoy my last year here. I just want to have fun with it.”

— Here are some interesting points to consider from Middle Tennessee:

• The Blue Raiders have gained 31 turnovers this season and 19 of those have come at home in five games.

• The 31 turnovers lead the nation. RS Freshman Quincy Riley, who has played in just eight games, ranks tied for 2nd nationally with five interceptions.

• The 5 picks equal the 10th most in a season at MT.

• MT has picked off 16 passes this season to rank 2nd in C-USA and 5th nationally.

• MT has 17 current players on its roster competing in the bowl game with a degree in hand. The student-athletes are Amir Rasul, Reed Blankenship, Jarrin Pierce, Will Gilchrist, Alex Usry, Cody Smith, Eric Magwood, Martell Pettaway, Raheme Fuller, Ja’Kerrius Wyatt, Wayne Parks, Chase Cunningham, CJ Windham, Yusuf Ali, Brad Anderson, Jordan Ferguson and DQ Thomas.

• MT is 42-28 all-time in C-USA play (2018 title game not included) and is averaging 182.3 yards rushing per game.

• Consecutive Start Leaders: Jarrin Pierce (22), Greg Grate (22), and Reed Blankenship (21).

• Under Rick Stockstill, the Blue Raiders have been involved in 27 games that were decided in the final minute of regulation or overtime. The team is 16-11 in those games and have won 12 of the last 17.

• Rick Stockstill is third on the school’s all-time wins list with 100 victories.

• In 198 games under Rick Stockstill, the Blue Raiders are +28 in turnover margin.

• MT has scored 30 or more points 87 times in 198 games under Rick Stockstill.

• Between Rick Stockstill, Tommy West and Scott Shafer, the MT staff has a combined 33 years of head-coaching experience with all but one year at the FBS level.

• 2021 season is 107th for Blue Raider football and the 23rd at the FBS level.