Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Raider defense preparing for stiff challenge
12/15/2015 5:16:00 PM | Football
MT faces WMU in Popeyes Bahamas Bowl
MURFREESBORO – Last year's edition of the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl ended in a 49-48 shootout between Central Michigan and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
In the 2015 version of the bowl game, MT head coach Rick Stockstill wants no part in a shootout against the Western Michigan Broncos.
"I hope not," Stockstill said about a high-scoring game. "I hope we can score and I hope our defense can slow them down. Just because this team has a good offense and that team has a good offense, you really never know. I like our defense and I think our defense will rise to this challenge just like I think our offensive players will play well also."
MT brings one of C-USA's top offenses into the matchup, highlighted by the dynamic receiving duo of freshman Richie James and senior Ed Batties.
So far this season, James and Batties have combined for 177 catches, 2,180 yards and 19 receiving touchdowns.
On the opposite side, Western Michigan's receiving duo of Daniel Braverman and Corey Davis have combined for 185 receptions, 2,523 yards and 23 touchdowns.
"We're going to have the same mindset as every game," MT senior safety Kevin Byard said. "Western Michigan has lots of weapons and skill players everywhere. They have a good defense too, so at the end of the day we have to take care of our responsibilities and get off the field on third down. They're a great team so we need to stress getting off the field on third down."
Another defensive focus for the Blue Raiders going into the matchup is time of possession and third down efficiency.
"The things that stand out the most to me offensively, is that they are number two in the country in time of possession with almost 35 minutes per game," Stockstill said. "That means they are good on third down, which they are 13th in the country, so we have to do a good job defensively on third down. That's going to be one of the keys to the game."
On third-down conversion attempts, Middle Tennessee has held its opponents to a 38 percent conversion rating (72-of-189) throughout this season.
MT defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix wants to see his defense duplicate that number, especially in the senior class' final game.
"I want to see them go out playing the best football they can," Nix said. "You want to see a finished product and how well they play in their last game while playing as one."
The Blue Raiders will practice each day through Saturday before flying out Sunday morning for Nassau. The team will practice Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday on site before the game on Thursday. Kickoff is set for 11 AM Central and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
In the 2015 version of the bowl game, MT head coach Rick Stockstill wants no part in a shootout against the Western Michigan Broncos.
"I hope not," Stockstill said about a high-scoring game. "I hope we can score and I hope our defense can slow them down. Just because this team has a good offense and that team has a good offense, you really never know. I like our defense and I think our defense will rise to this challenge just like I think our offensive players will play well also."
MT brings one of C-USA's top offenses into the matchup, highlighted by the dynamic receiving duo of freshman Richie James and senior Ed Batties.
So far this season, James and Batties have combined for 177 catches, 2,180 yards and 19 receiving touchdowns.
On the opposite side, Western Michigan's receiving duo of Daniel Braverman and Corey Davis have combined for 185 receptions, 2,523 yards and 23 touchdowns.
"We're going to have the same mindset as every game," MT senior safety Kevin Byard said. "Western Michigan has lots of weapons and skill players everywhere. They have a good defense too, so at the end of the day we have to take care of our responsibilities and get off the field on third down. They're a great team so we need to stress getting off the field on third down."
Another defensive focus for the Blue Raiders going into the matchup is time of possession and third down efficiency.
"The things that stand out the most to me offensively, is that they are number two in the country in time of possession with almost 35 minutes per game," Stockstill said. "That means they are good on third down, which they are 13th in the country, so we have to do a good job defensively on third down. That's going to be one of the keys to the game."
On third-down conversion attempts, Middle Tennessee has held its opponents to a 38 percent conversion rating (72-of-189) throughout this season.
MT defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix wants to see his defense duplicate that number, especially in the senior class' final game.
"I want to see them go out playing the best football they can," Nix said. "You want to see a finished product and how well they play in their last game while playing as one."
The Blue Raiders will practice each day through Saturday before flying out Sunday morning for Nassau. The team will practice Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday on site before the game on Thursday. Kickoff is set for 11 AM Central and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Players Mentioned
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Wednesday, December 03
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Sunday, November 30
MTSU Football at New Mexico State post-game press conference – 11/29/25
Saturday, November 29
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Friday, November 28
