Something has to give when Blue Raiders face Temple

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - When Middle Tennessee lines up against Temple at 6 p.m. on Saturday, the game ought to be called the Something-Has-Got-To-Give Bowl. Both the Blue Raiders and the Owls have had their share of deflated defeats this season. Middle Tennessee fans will certainly not have forgotten the last home football game when their Blue Raiders lost on the last play of the game to Florida Atlantic. The next tough loss for the Blue Raiders was a 41-40 loss at then-No. 23 Missouri in overtime. But it hasn't been any easier for Temple (0-4). The Owls have suffered crushing overtime defeats to Cincinnati and Villanova. They also gave Penn State all they wanted in Happy Valley and last week dropped a heart-breaking 21-12 game at undefeated Louisville. "We're getting ready for our fourth BCS member, Temple, which will come in here [having played] a tough schedule," Head Coach Andy McCollum said. "They have lost some close games, including a close one to Louisville this past weekend." As McCollum pointed out, it will be the fourth test against a BCS conference opponent for Middle Tennessee (0-4). It will also be the team's fourth test against a top-notch quarterback. This time the challenge will be in stopping 6-6 slinger Mike McGann. "He'll get out and run some, but he wants to throw the football," McCollum said. "He's athletic enough to run, so we have to take care of our rush lanes. He's made some key runs for them this year. He's a big guy and he makes good decisions." It has a chance to be a very entertaining offensive showdown as Temple comes to town with the nation's 10th best passing attack and ranked 38th in total offense. The Blue Raiders sport the Sun Belt's top offense and is fresh off a 40-point showing at Missouri. "With the way Temple passes this game may last until midnight," McCollum added. The Blue Raider players also said the Temple game will be an important one for another reason and that is regaining fan support after a slow start. "Our fans were no more disappointed than the players and coaches in that locker room after our last home game," McCollum said. "But, I think we've seen a team go on the road against Georgia, Clemson, and Missouri and improve each week, give itself a chance to win games each week, and work their tails off representing Middle Tennessee." From the beginning of the season, the top goal for the Blue Raiders has been to contend for the Sun Belt Conference crown. After four losses to open the season, this will be the team's last tune-up before the SBC portion of the schedule rolls around. "It's very important. I think we can get a win if we come out ready to play and execute," offensive lineman Julius Gant said. "If we do those things, then we go into conference play with a lot of confidence and we keep building on that confidence so we can have a championship and go to the New Orleans Bowl." Nate Rau is a junior at Middle Tennessee. Reach him at naterau9797@yahoo.com

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Players Mentioned

Julius Gant

Middle Tennessee State University Athletics