Mtsu

Dodge2007 · October 25, 2007

Held Ark. State to 138 total yards on offense. Damn, I didn't realize that.

A Dominant Performance

By Wesley Mize

BlueRaiderZone.com Editor

Posted Oct 21, 2007

The Blue Raiders take down Sun Belt Conference foe Arkansas State.

Middle Tennessee held the conference leader in total offense to seven points and scored 24 on the number one defense in the Sun Belt to pick up its second straight victory on Saturday.

The Blue Raiders held Arkansas State to a season-low 138 yards of total offense. This is the same Indians offense that rolled up 681 total yards just last week. Reigning Sun Belt Player of the Week Corey Leonard is unlikely to be a repeat winner of the award as he finished 9-of-19 passing with three interceptions.

“I thought we dominated the game,” Blue Raider head coach Rick Stockstill said. “What’s interesting is we didn’t play our best and we still came out on top. We had some mistakes and penalties but overall I feel that we really controlled the game.”

The Indians came into this game ranked 14th in the nation in rushing offense. They were only able to add 22 yards to their season total on this day as the Blue Raider defense dominated the ASU offensive line.

Middle Tennessee (3-5, 2-1) set a school record with nine sacks on the day. That’s one better than the previous record that dated back to 2001.

“Today’s performance is really a credit to our entire defensive coaching staff,” Stockstill said. “It all goes back to how we practice and how hard we prepare each week. Our players and coaches work real hard and it’s showing out on the field.”

The offense turned in another fine performance led by Taron Henry. Henry had three catches for 71 yards and two touchdowns. His first touchdown came from Dwight Dasher in the first quarter and his second came from Joe Craddock in the second quarter for what turned out to be the final score of the game.

“We were able to handle their blitz which allowed for some receivers to be open down the middle,” Stockstill said. “We challenged all of our receivers to step up and play big today and they did. Taron was able to find some open spaces and both quarterbacks delivered him some good passes.”

Craddock, who missed the last four games due to injury, saw action in this game early and often. He lined up as a receiver and a quarterback throughout the game and was critical on a few reverse plays that gained the Blue Raider offense several yards each time.

“Joe allows us to do many different things on offense,” Stockstill stated. “We ran him at quarterback and receiver and he threw the ball from both positions. He was also in on some trick plays and reverses. He gives us more options and we’re glad he’s healthy.”

The quarterback tandem proved to be effective against the Indians. Dasher finished the day with 118 yards passing, 96 yards rushing, and a passing touchdown. Craddock threw only four passes, completing two, including the 52-yard strike to Henry for a score.

“I think it’s important that we use both quarterbacks if they’re both healthy,” Stockstill said. “Dwight’s been hurt here and there the past few games so we need Joe to be ready. I think having both of them allows our offense to be more creative and harder to stop.”

The win keeps Middle Tennessee in the hunt for another Sun Belt Conference championship. The Blue Raiders will look to pick up another conference victory next

Trojan Delta Chi · October 26, 2007

Good win for the Blue Raiders, but they just don't have enough talent. I personally am looking forward to their trip down to Troy. After all the smack they have been talking on our boards it will be nice to show them why TROY is the best team in the Belt, and once again why WE own the Palladium trophy!

GO TROJANS!

Eagle1855 · October 26, 2007

and once again why WE own the Palladium trophy!

i wish we had a named trophy or rivalry game... against anyone.

October 26, 2007

Good win for the Blue Raiders, but they just don't have enough talent. I personally am looking forward to their trip down to Troy. After all the smack they have been talking on our boards it will be nice to show them why TROY is the best team in the Belt, and once again why WE own the Palladium trophy!
GO TROJANS!

Trash talking another team on the UNT board?

Seriously? :blink:

Yes Yes.. Troy is so sexy. Troy is the "class of the belt." Troy should be in the SEC immediately.

Too bad I can't make an admin tool to move this thread to the Troy or MTSU board.

RaiderInTheZone · October 26, 2007

Good win for the Blue Raiders, but they just don't have enough talent. I personally am looking forward to their trip down to Troy. After all the smack they have been talking on our boards it will be nice to show them why TROY is the best team in the Belt, and once again why WE own the Palladium trophy!
GO TROJANS!

How come you guys are constantly bragging about yourselves on North Texas' messageboard? How come you guys are still coming over hear asking for the UNT fans to hail to your greatness asking them to brag on you about Omar Haugbook, asking them to brag on you about Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium, asking them to brag on you for obtaining 9 sacks and still winning 45-7 despite 7 turnovers?

We have talent. You just don't know it yet. Over half of them are freshmen. We get our talent for four years while Troy looks for talent for 2 years.

Seriously, the UNT fans don't need you over here bragging about how great Troy is or how great Omar is. I'm sure Haugabook is a nice QB, but after he's done graduating with an online degree from Troy in Remedial English he too will have a respectable paying job flipping burgers at the most respected restaurant in Troy--the McDonald's. Wait, Troy's too small to have a McDonald's. Well, I guess Omar's in trouble then.

October 26, 2007

Eagle1855 · October 26, 2007

Seriously, the UNT fans don't need you over here bragging about how great Troy is or how great Omar is. I'm sure Haugabook is a nice QB, but after he's done graduating with an online degree from Troy in Remedial English he too will have a respectable paying job flipping burgers at the most respected restaurant in Troy--the McDonald's. Wait, Troy's too small to have a McDonald's. Well, I guess Omar's in trouble then.

more. of. this.

i like.