MT-UL-Lafayette Game Preview

It's a brand new season for Middle Tennessee as the Blue Raiders step back into conference play after defeating Vanderbilt for the second consecutive year. There is a renewed sense of confidence that is spreading like wild fire throughout the Blue Raider Nation. Despite the increased optimism, however, Middle Tennessee is still taking it one game at a time. "Right now everything to us is a one-game season," head coach Andy McCollum said. "All we're worried about is this week." "All we needed was a win," defensive lineman Jerry Vanderpool added. "We are expecting a snowball effect. We are going to take it one team at a time, one win at a time." And next up for Middle Tennessee is Sun Belt foe Louisiana - Lafayette. The Ragin' Cajuns come in with an identical record as the Blue Raiders at 1-5 and 0-1 in conference play. And Louisiana, similar to Middle's first conference opponent Arkansas State, has a new staff and is looking to avenge a loss to the Blue Raiders a year ago. "Now we turn the page," McCollum said, "and we've got a Louisiana - Lafayette team that has been tough for us the past three years. They're a very athletic football team with a new staff and a new attitude coming into our place." The last time the Ragin' Cajuns entered Floyd Stadium they nearly came out with a victory as the Blue Raiders pulled out a three-point win in overtime. Last season, Middle took care of business a little bit earlier with a 26-9 victory en-route to a conference championship. The Blue Raiders lead the overall series, 2-1. The Blue Raider defense has come of age the past two weeks giving up only 288 and 287 total yards, respectively, against Arkansas State and Vanderbilt. And it was the defense that made the big play at Vanderbilt to seal the victory with an interception by Brandon Lynch - the first of his career. "I was proud of our defense last week," McCollum said. "They grew up and they did some good things." And the defense should be able to do more good things this week as the Ragin' Cajuns are 115th in total offense. Despite the lack of offensive production, however, Lafayette's quarterback Jon Van Cleave is a big guy with big play potential. "He's the same guy who played against us a year ago," McCollum said, "but he's better. He's got a lot of talent, and going into the season he was a preseason All-Sun Belt pick. (Cleave) has some great weapons - athletic receivers, a big running back, and a big offensive front. People say he's a pro prospect down the road." Right now the Blue Raiders are simply happy to get their first win, but are guarding carefully against a let down this week versus Lafayette. "We are going to play them like it's the biggest game," Vanderpool said. "It's our biggest game because it is our next game." Kickoff is at 11 a.m. at Floyd Stadium and will be televised on ESPN Regional - locally on CSS (channel 27 on your local cable). Gameday Activities

Tailgating areas everywhere! (Greenland Drive, Raider Row, and the all-new Old Main Circle!

FREE Children's Play Areas (Greenland Drive Lot; Old Main Circle)

Blue Raider Brunch at 9:00 AM (FREE and open to the public - Alumni Gym)

Live Music in Old Main Circle beginning at 8:30 AM

LIVE Remote on 103 KDF (In front of Alumni Gym - Featuring Scully)

Your chance to win a $100,000 home (Register on GoBlueRaiders.com)

Students have shot at winning $1,000 in cash

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Brandon Lynch

Jerry Vanderpool

Middle Tennessee State University Athletics