It’s a non-conference clash between a pair of mid-major programs on the gridiron in the Rocky Mountains. The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders are on the road as they make the trip to face the Colorado State Rams Saturday afternoon. Middle Tennessee was trampled 44-7 on the road by James Madison last Saturday in their season opener. Colorado State was ground into the dirt as they were bombed 51-7 by #8 Michigan on the road in the Big House last Saturday to open the season. This marks the first time that the two programs have met as opponents on the gridiron at the FBS level.
Middle Tennessee was a welcoming visitor for James Madison’s first game as a FBS program as they were fodder for the Dukes in the opener. The Blue Raiders hope for a better showing in this contest after getting destroyed: this will be an uphill climb with another road tilt. Middle Tennessee hung in for a quarter against James Madison as the game was scoreless after 15 minutes. The wheels came off on the first play of the second quarter as the Dukes found the end zone. Middle Tennessee trailed 21-0 at the half and 37-0 in the third quarter before getting on the board though it was too little, too late. The Blue Raiders were throttled 548-119 in total offense, dominated 31-10 in first downs and were wiped out 36:55 to 23:05 in time of possession. Middle Tennessee also committed the game’s lone turnover while also giving up a safety in the contest.
Chase Cunningham got the start under cen ter though he was underwhelming to say the least. He completed 18 of 32 passes for 110 yards and a score in the game. Preston Rice completed his lone throw in the game for a loss of three yards. Middle Tennessee’s run game was abysmal as A’varius Sparrow (six carries, 15 yards) and Darius Bracy (four carries, 14 yards) were the team’s leading ground gainers. As a team, Middle Tennessee ran the ball 28 times for a total of 12 yards, or an average of 0.4 yards per carry. Their longest run on the day was nine yards. Yusuf Ali caught a team-high eight passes for 60 yards and a score to lead the Blue Raiders in the game. Izaiah Gathings (six catches, 34 yards) was the only other player to have more than one catch for the team. Zeke Rankin booted his only extra point attempt and did not attempt a field goal in the contest.