Raiders excited to represent MT on national stage

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee isn't necessarily a stranger to playing on national television thanks to appearances in six bowl games since 2006 and an annually strong schedule that includes matchups with some of the best from the nation's Power 5 conferences.

But, being able to play on a national stage from their hometown hasn't been a regular occurrence for the Blue Raiders on the ESPN family of networks.

A nationally televised football game on ESPN or ESPN2 hasn't been broadcast from Middle Tennessee since the 2010 season, when on ESPN2 MT lost 42-13 to Troy. That will all come to an end Friday, though, when the Blue Raiders (3-4, 1-2 C-USA) welcome the Marshall Thundering Herd (5-1, 2-0) for a 6 p.m. kickoff again televised by ESPN2.

"It's the first ESPN game we've had here at home I think since 2010," head coach Rick Stockstill said, "so I hope our students will come, I hope everybody in town comes, I hope our fans come.

"It's a chance to show your program on national television … so I hope everybody will come. I know it's tough being a Friday night with high school football … I hate people have to make that choice, but I hope people come to our game and fill this thing up."

While playing at home in front of an ESPN2 audience may be different for MT, the players aren't thinking too much about the cameras and added eyes.

"It's the same thing as playing every day for us," redshirt junior wide receiver Richie James said. "It's not about the cameras and everything around us, it's about winning the game. It's cool that we're playing on ESPN … but nothing will be too big or anything for us."

The only extra people watching that most of the players are worried about are their friends and family back home who won't be able to go to the game.

With most Middle Tennessee games broadcast on beIN Sports, ESPN3, STADIUM or CBS SN, it can sometimes be hard for families, friends and fans to watch the Blue Raiders. The ESPN2 broadcast makes that much simpler.

"For my family and friends back home who don't normally get to see me play, it's a chance for them to check us out," Sanders said. "We're all really excited for that."

It will be the first time James, the nation's active leader in catches (239) and receiving yards per game (107.5), and the current Raider roster will be seen by a national ESPN2 audience at home. Plus, since the game is on Friday instead of Saturday, that means most of the country's college football players will also get the chance to see what MT has to offer.

Stockstill hopes playing in front of their peers will help add an extra level of excitement for his players.

"I think as players, you get excited to be on national television," he said, "and then to be on Friday night, every college football player in the country is going to be watching the game in their hotels. You've got a chance to play in front of your peers … I know our players will be excited."

The eyes of the nation won't only be on what's happening on the field, either.

Middle Tennessee as an institution and Murfreesboro as a city will also be represented during the Blue Raiders' annual Blackout game, and James is excited to showcase what the university has to offer.

"That's the coolest part and the best part about it," he said. "That's a great opportunity for all of us to build on our MT brand, and we hope students, fans, everybody comes out to the game and gets loud."

Blackout T-shirts for the game can be purchased at the Blue Raider Ticket Office (Gate 1A at Floyd Stadium), Textbook Brokers (1403 Greenland Drive), Raider Tees (910 Ridgely Rd B) and Alumni Hall (The Avenue Murfreesboro #1040, 2615 Medical Center Pkwy).

Middle Tennesee State University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Richie James

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