Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Football

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football program is the representative football team of Middle Tennessee State University. They participate in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and are a part of the East Division of Conference USA (CUSA). The team is under the guidance of head coach Rick Stockstill, who took over in 2006. Middle Tennessee has made appearances in 12 bowl games and seven I-AA playoffs. Their home games are played at Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium, which can accommodate up to 30,788 spectators.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders History

The history of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football program is a testament to the enduring spirit of collegiate athletics. Established in 1911 under the guidance of head coach L. T. "Mutt" Weber, the program embarked on a journey filled with moments of triumph, challenge, and dedicated leadership.

In its early years, the Blue Raiders showed promise, with the 1914 season, led by coach Alfred B. Miles, marking their first undefeated campaign, setting the stage for future successes. Despite facing adversity, such as the tragic loss of coach Frank Faulkinberry, the program continued to evolve.

Throughout the decades, the Blue Raiders saw numerous coaching transitions, each leaving its mark on the team's history. Coaches like Johnny Floyd and Charles Murphy achieved notable milestones, including undefeated seasons and bowl appearances. Murphy's 22-season tenure, with a remarkable 155–63–8 record, remains a cornerstone of the program's legacy.

While there were challenging years, the Blue Raiders persevered. James Donnelly, who took the helm in 1979, brought an era of consistent success, boasting winning seasons and seasons with at least 10 wins. His dedication earned him a place as the second-winningest coach in MTSU history.

In more recent history, the leadership of Rick Stockstill has rejuvenated the program, with successful bowl game appearances and conference titles. His commitment and loyalty to Middle Tennessee have solidified his role as a prominent figure in the program's modern era.

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football program's history is a narrative of resilience, evolution, and the pursuit of excellence. From its early beginnings to the present, the Blue Raiders have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the sport and a legacy that continues to be written with each passing season.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Coach

Rick Stockstill is the current head coach of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football program. He assumed the role in 2006 and has been at the helm ever since. Stockstill has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the program, leading the team to multiple bowl game appearances and conference titles. His dedication, loyalty, and consistent success have firmly established him as a key figure in the modern era of Blue Raiders football.

Here is the listing of the head coaches of the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football program:

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Football Stadium: Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football team calls Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium its home. Located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, this stadium has a seating capacity of 30,788. It serves as the backdrop for the team's home games, witnessing the cheers and support of dedicated fans. Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium is not just a venue; it's a place where the Blue Raiders create lasting memories and write their own history on the gridiron.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Rivals

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders have had significant rivalries in their football history, with two notable ones being with Troy and Western Kentucky:

1. Battle for the Palladium (Middle Tennessee vs. Troy):

This rivalry with Troy, known as the Battle for the Palladium, started in 1936, but the annual competition for the Palladium Trophy began in 2003. Despite Middle Tennessee moving to Conference USA in 2013, the rivalry remains significant. Middle Tennessee leads the series with 12 wins to Troy's 9.

2. 100 Miles of Hate (Middle Tennessee vs. Western Kentucky):

The rivalry between Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky is one of the oldest for both schools. It dates back to 1914, and the name "100 Miles of Hate" reflects the proximity of the two universities, separated by approximately 100 miles. The rivalry has seen a total of 71 games played, with the series tied at 35 wins for each team and 1 tie.

These rivalries have added excitement, tradition, and passion to Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football, making matchups against Troy and Western Kentucky highly anticipated events in the college football calendar.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Record and stats

Middle Tennessee's football program has had a remarkable history, featuring standout coaches and memorable seasons that have contributed to their championship and division championship achievements. While their journey in college football has seen both ups and downs, they continue to be a competitive team in Conference USA, aiming for future successes on the gridiron:

Championship Conferences

Middle Tennessee has won a total of 13 conference championships, with seven outright championships and six shared championships. These championships were achieved in different seasons, primarily during their time in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) and later in the Sun Belt Conference.

Division Championships

Since joining Conference USA (C-USA) in 2013, Middle Tennessee has clinched one division championship. In 2018, they won the C-USA East division but fell short in the Conference Championship Game.

Conference Championship Game Appearances

Although the Blue Raiders have made several appearances in conference championship games, their most recent notable appearance was in the Conference USA Championship Game in 2018, where they competed against UAB but narrowly lost with a final score of 25–27.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Roster

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Schedule