Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Blue Raiders-Tigers set to meet for first time in 53 years
8/10/2005 3:09:00 PM | Football
The Blue Raiders have now set their home schedule over the next four years to include a top quality non-conference opponent each season. In 2006, Middle Tennessee will host Louisville of the Big East in Nashville at The Coliseum, and then take on the Virginia Cavaliers in Murfreesboro in 2007. Maryland will become the second ACC team to play at Floyd Stadium in as many years when the Terrapins visit Murfreesboro in 2008 followed by the Memphis Tigers in 2009.
"I want to thank all those involved at Memphis for making this series happen," said Massaro. "It will be a great series for college football fans in Tennessee and is a natural game for both institutions. It excites us to play Memphis for the first time in 53 years. It is our hope that this game develops into one of the great in-state rivalries in college football."
The Blue Raiders will take on the Tigers in Memphis in 2007, 2008, and 2010, while hosting the in-state rival in 2009 and 2011.
"Now is the time to buy season tickets and get on board because there is going to be a lot of exciting football in Floyd Stadium," added Massaro.
The Blue Raiders and Tigers have met 20 times on the gridiron with the last meeting in 1954. Middle Tennessee leads the series, 12-7-1, with each contest taking place from 1925 to 1954.
"It is so important to develop an in-state rival, which we really have not had in the I-A era and this is a step in that direction," said Head Coach Andy McCollum. "More importantly this is something our fans have wanted for a very long time and Chris Massaro deserves a lot of credit for making it happen. We are excited at the direction of our future schedules."
OTHER COMMENTS
MT President Sidney McPhee
"It's a natural that these two outstanding in-state institutions compete in intercollegiate athletics," McPhee said. "Middle Tennessee and Memphis are two of only four Division I-A football playing schools in the state of Tennessee. This is a game that fans and supporters of both institutions have wanted for some time. It is wonderful that all parties involved on both ends were able to work out this agreement. It is not only what the fans have wanted to see, but it is a win-win situation for Memphis, Middle Tennessee, and the state of Tennessee. To Middle Tennessee fans and supporters, I say this: you have asked and we have listened! You have requested more attractive opponents of name recognition in Floyd Stadium and in the next four years the Blue Raiders will play home games against Louisville, Virginia, Maryland, and now, the University of Memphis."
SBC Commissioner Wright Waters
"I am pleased to hear that Middle Tennessee and Memphis have agreed on a five-game series for football. In-state rivalries are a crucial component of college football, and this match up will be great for fans of both schools and throughout the state of Tennessee. Dr. Sidney McPhee, Chris Massaro, and Andy McCollum are outstanding representatives for Middle Tennessee, and R.C. Johnson and Tommy West are a class act whom we had a wonderful time with when they were in the New Orleans Bowl in 2003. The annual Sun Belt Conference-Conference USA match up in the New Orleans Bowl has proved to be exciting, and I'm sure this series will enhance the quality of competition among these two emerging conferences."
President of the Rutherford Co. Chamber of Commerce Steve Benefield
"Reaching an agreement with the University of Memphis to play a five year football schedule certainly is exciting news for MTSU, and without question, wonderful news to the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. To have an in-state rivalry between two major programs is an opportunity for Rutherford County, and in reality, all of middle Tennessee to support our Blue Raiders at a whole new level. A program of this nature creates a huge economic impact for the community not to mention the countless other opportunities that will be developed."
Memphis Head Coach Tommy West
"I have always enjoyed competing against teams within the state of Tennessee," said Memphis Head Coach Tommy West. "We have Tennessee and Chattanooga on our schedule this year and I feel this is a good time to add MTSU. I am really excited about beginning our relationship with MTSU."
Memphis AD R.C. Johnson
"We are very pleased to announce that we have signed a contract with Middle Tennessee to continue a football rivalry that began in the 1920s," said Memphis Athletic Director R.C. Johnson. "This will be a good series for fans of both institutions in that the two schools are located in close proximity."
