Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
Raiders feeling recharged with eyes on Charlotte
11/2/2020 5:00:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The bye week did Middle Tennessee some good from a recovery standpoint, and the Blue Raiders are ready to hit the gridiron again with some recharged batteries.
"We've had a good open week," head coach Rick Stockstill said. "They had a few days off, and our practices have gone well. … I think they came back mentally, as well as physically, fresher."
The Raiders (2-5, 2-3) entered the bye week on a high after a double overtime victory at Rice. They're hoping those good feelings carry into Saturday when they host a good Charlotte (2-3, 2-1) ballclub.
The 49ers have looked good this season on both sides of the ball, due in large part to their ability to both force turnovers and take care of the ball. They also have the momentum in the series after capturing their first win against MT last season.
"It's a really talented [Charlotte] team, and they got us last year pretty good," Stockstill said. "They don't put the ball in harm's way … so we have to be disciplined with our eyes, our technique and our fundamentals in this game."
A good rushing attack combined with veteran quarterback Chris Reynolds have equaled an efficient Charlotte offense that's been good at keeping possessions going this season.
The 49ers rank first in Conference USA and third in the country in average time of possession, keeping the ball for 35:08 per game. They've also only turned the ball over five times in five games.
"It's a good, well-balanced offense," Stockstill said. "We have to do a good job of getting off the field defensively, because they can eat up some time in a hurry.
"I have a lot of respect for [Reynolds] as a player. He does a really nice job, and they have good guys around him."
A good way for Middle Tennessee to counter Charlotte's ability to keep the ball is to keep its own drives going, which forces the 49er offense to stay on the sidelines.
The Blue Raiders have looked like they've found their groove offensively, particularly in the passing game the last few weeks. Redshirt junior quarterback Asher O'Hara had one of his best performances this season through the air against Rice, completing 73% of his passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns.
"I thought Asher was so much better in the pocket [against Rice]," Stockstill said. "Some of his plays down the field he got because he stayed in the pocket a little longer. I thought he played really well."
Middle Tennessee may get a little bit of a boost Saturday by seeing some of America's bravest in the stands during a special ceremony. The contest will serve as the Blue Raiders' annual Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces game.
"In a small way, it just shows our appreciation for what they've done," Stockstill said. "I've always thought this is a special day to honor those men and women … and I hope they all realize how much we respect and appreciate what they've sacrificed, what their families have sacrificed, for us to be able to live free like we do."
"We've had a good open week," head coach Rick Stockstill said. "They had a few days off, and our practices have gone well. … I think they came back mentally, as well as physically, fresher."
The Raiders (2-5, 2-3) entered the bye week on a high after a double overtime victory at Rice. They're hoping those good feelings carry into Saturday when they host a good Charlotte (2-3, 2-1) ballclub.
The 49ers have looked good this season on both sides of the ball, due in large part to their ability to both force turnovers and take care of the ball. They also have the momentum in the series after capturing their first win against MT last season.
"It's a really talented [Charlotte] team, and they got us last year pretty good," Stockstill said. "They don't put the ball in harm's way … so we have to be disciplined with our eyes, our technique and our fundamentals in this game."
A good rushing attack combined with veteran quarterback Chris Reynolds have equaled an efficient Charlotte offense that's been good at keeping possessions going this season.
The 49ers rank first in Conference USA and third in the country in average time of possession, keeping the ball for 35:08 per game. They've also only turned the ball over five times in five games.
"It's a good, well-balanced offense," Stockstill said. "We have to do a good job of getting off the field defensively, because they can eat up some time in a hurry.
"I have a lot of respect for [Reynolds] as a player. He does a really nice job, and they have good guys around him."
A good way for Middle Tennessee to counter Charlotte's ability to keep the ball is to keep its own drives going, which forces the 49er offense to stay on the sidelines.
The Blue Raiders have looked like they've found their groove offensively, particularly in the passing game the last few weeks. Redshirt junior quarterback Asher O'Hara had one of his best performances this season through the air against Rice, completing 73% of his passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns.
"I thought Asher was so much better in the pocket [against Rice]," Stockstill said. "Some of his plays down the field he got because he stayed in the pocket a little longer. I thought he played really well."
Middle Tennessee may get a little bit of a boost Saturday by seeing some of America's bravest in the stands during a special ceremony. The contest will serve as the Blue Raiders' annual Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces game.
"In a small way, it just shows our appreciation for what they've done," Stockstill said. "I've always thought this is a special day to honor those men and women … and I hope they all realize how much we respect and appreciate what they've sacrificed, what their families have sacrificed, for us to be able to live free like we do."
Players Mentioned
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