Derek Mason is facing significant challenges in his second season as head coach of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). With a dismal record of 1-5, the Blue Raiders are struggling and are recognized as one of the lowest-ranked teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The pressure on Mason has intensified, especially as he compares to his former program, Vanderbilt, which has experienced a remarkable turnaround under the guidance of Clark Lea.
Replacing Rick Stockstill, who successfully led MTSU for 17 seasons, was always going to be a daunting task. The upcoming national televised matchup against Delaware will heighten the scrutiny on Mason and his team, who are entering the game as 9.5-point underdogs.
Despite the challenging circumstances, both teams have significant stakes in the game. While Middle Tennessee aims to alleviate some of the pressure on their coach, Delaware is eager to establish its standing in its inaugural year at the FBS level. Under these circumstances, the Blue Hens will not be eligible for the Conference USA (C-USA) Championship Game or a bowl appearance. Thus, moments like this game against MTSU, which will be broadcast on ESPN2, are vital for their progress.
The Blue Hens currently sit at 3-3, having faced tough competition, including losses to top teams like Western Kentucky and Jacksonville State, as well as an expected defeat at the hands of Colorado. Their gameplay thus far has revealed a tendency to emphasize the passing game, as their rushing attack has struggled, ranking 120th in the nation in rushing play percentage.
In contrast, MTSU also relies heavily on the passing game, although their offensive struggles have resulted in an SP+ ranking placing them as the 134th-best in FBS. Although the Blue Raiders can create pressure defensively, the overall performance of their offense may not be enough to keep pace with Delaware’s capabilities, resulting in a potentially lopsided contest.
Considering all factors, Delaware is favored in this matchup. As the anticipation builds for this midweek showdown, fans and analysts alike will be curious to see how both teams respond on the national stage.