Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Raiders excited for NFL Network debut
6/5/2019 8:00:00 AM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee's football program has benefitted from playing in an increasing number of contests in front of national audiences over the past few seasons. A historic conference partnership will see that boosted even more.
The Blue Raiders have gotten the chance in recent years to play on ESPN's family of networks, CBS SN, Stadium, the SEC Network, the ACC Network, the Big Ten Network, BeIN Sports and others.
Now, with a recent announcement from Conference USA that the league has entered into a four-year partnership with NFL Network, the men in blue will get a chance to be on yet another big stage.
"I think that's going to be great," MT Director of Athletics Chris Massaro said. "Anytime Conference USA can associate ourselves with the NFL, we should really explore those possibilities. They're the No. 1 sports brand in America, and to have our games on that network is huge for the conference."
When the Blue Raiders take on the FIU Panthers at Floyd Stadium on Oct. 26, they'll do so on NFL Network for the first time.
It will also be homecoming, providing current and past students and student-athletes a chance to celebrate their university in front of a national audience.
"It's a real win for us, and I commend our conference office for having that vision," Massaro said.
Having an opportunity to be seen on the NFL's stage will do wonders in the long run for the conference, according to head coach Rick Stockstill, by improving its television package.
"That's a huge shot in the arm for this conference," he said. "To have that name affiliated with your conference, I think, will pay dividends down the road. I think it's a great opportunity and it enhances our television package from a credibility and a viewership standpoint."
NFL Network joins ESPN, ESPN3, ESPN+, the Big Ten Network, Stadium and CBS SN as broadcasting stations for Middle Tennessee's 12 football games this year, meaning the Blue Raiders will be able to showcase their talents in front of a large audience every week.
Senior wide receiver Ty Lee thinks that could do wonders for not just the program's notoriety, but also the players.
"It's really great for us but also for all of Conference USA," he said. "It's great exposure and it'll help show the NFL what MT is all about and that we have really good players here who can play in the league."
Conference USA's four-year deal with NFL Network means Middle Tennessee could have a chance at being in front of the nation's eyes even more over the next few seasons.
It's an exciting opportunity for the Blue Raiders, and one they aren't taking for granted.
"Here's an opportunity for us to play on the NFL's network," Stockstill said. "It's a great win for this conference and this program."
Josh Vardaman is the staff writer for goblueraiders.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_Vardaman and also follow @MTAthletics for more on the Blue Raiders.
The Blue Raiders have gotten the chance in recent years to play on ESPN's family of networks, CBS SN, Stadium, the SEC Network, the ACC Network, the Big Ten Network, BeIN Sports and others.
Now, with a recent announcement from Conference USA that the league has entered into a four-year partnership with NFL Network, the men in blue will get a chance to be on yet another big stage.
"I think that's going to be great," MT Director of Athletics Chris Massaro said. "Anytime Conference USA can associate ourselves with the NFL, we should really explore those possibilities. They're the No. 1 sports brand in America, and to have our games on that network is huge for the conference."
When the Blue Raiders take on the FIU Panthers at Floyd Stadium on Oct. 26, they'll do so on NFL Network for the first time.
It will also be homecoming, providing current and past students and student-athletes a chance to celebrate their university in front of a national audience.
"It's a real win for us, and I commend our conference office for having that vision," Massaro said.
Having an opportunity to be seen on the NFL's stage will do wonders in the long run for the conference, according to head coach Rick Stockstill, by improving its television package.
"That's a huge shot in the arm for this conference," he said. "To have that name affiliated with your conference, I think, will pay dividends down the road. I think it's a great opportunity and it enhances our television package from a credibility and a viewership standpoint."
NFL Network joins ESPN, ESPN3, ESPN+, the Big Ten Network, Stadium and CBS SN as broadcasting stations for Middle Tennessee's 12 football games this year, meaning the Blue Raiders will be able to showcase their talents in front of a large audience every week.
Senior wide receiver Ty Lee thinks that could do wonders for not just the program's notoriety, but also the players.
"It's really great for us but also for all of Conference USA," he said. "It's great exposure and it'll help show the NFL what MT is all about and that we have really good players here who can play in the league."
Conference USA's four-year deal with NFL Network means Middle Tennessee could have a chance at being in front of the nation's eyes even more over the next few seasons.
It's an exciting opportunity for the Blue Raiders, and one they aren't taking for granted.
"Here's an opportunity for us to play on the NFL's network," Stockstill said. "It's a great win for this conference and this program."
Josh Vardaman is the staff writer for goblueraiders.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_Vardaman and also follow @MTAthletics for more on the Blue Raiders.
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