Middle Tennessee State University

Type of Offense: Spread.  Zone read running plays and nearly all passing plays from the shotgun formation.  There is rare to no use of a fullback.  Tight End is used primarily as a blocking back (extra OL).  Nearly all runs are made by the RB and QB save the occasional end around with the WR.

Type of Defense: 4-3.  Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run.  MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game.  A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play.  Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top.  Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge. 

·        Run/Pass %: 58/42

·        Run/Pass Attempts: 525/384

·        Points Per Game: 26.5

·        Points Allowed Per Game: 28.1

Key Returning Players:

·        Logan Kilgore, QB: Taking over starting duties from Dwight Dasher. Began last season as the starter and started the first 3 games of Dasher’s suspension. Was injured in the 3^rd game and took over backup duties after Dasher rejoined the team.

·        Colin Bass, C: Started 12 games at center (the most of any OL in 2010). Makes all OL blocking calls and handles the ball on every play making the shotgun snaps.

·        Gorby Loreus, DE: Former LB moved to DE and is the leading returning tackler on the DL. Has the speed and size to be a hybrid of sorts if MTSU wants to show multiple fronts.

·        Darin Davis, LB: Leading returning tackler from the 2010 squad. Expected to be the leader defensively from his LB spot.

·        Arness Ikner, CB: Leading returning tackler from the defensive backfield. Expected to be the shutdown type corner that will allow the coverage to be shifted to the other side for extra help.

Key Incoming Freshmen:

·        Rodney O’Neal: 3 star DB from Georgia who has the ability to be a contributor on defense from day one.

·        Christian Collis: 3 star WR from Alabama who can come in and get some playing time due to the amount of WRs needed in a Spread offense.

·        James Roberson: 3 star DB from Georgia who is tall (6’1) and fast which will get him on the field on special teams then later on in the defensive backfield as a 5^th or 6^th DB.

Overall Assessment: Losing one of their better QBs in recent history will definitely hurt the Blue Raiders. Kilgore did get some significant playing time versus decent competition and showed signs of being a serviceable QB. The RB and WR situations are more fluid as many players get many touches and seem to spread it around to everyone. There are 4 returning starters on the offensive line allowing MTSU the luxury of being a 60/40 team with several players getting significant stats. Defensively, the Line is very inexperienced but does allow for growth as the season goes along. They need someone to step up and move from backup to starter in the fall. Two of the three LB are returning starters allowing the progression of the third to be more graduated. Seven DB saw time on the field in different situations but none other than Ikner could get many starts. The defensive backfield will live and die with the play of Ikner as the rest of the DB settle into their positions.  Both the punter and kicker from 2010 are back on board with both players having solid to very impressive seasons last year. Overall, this team tends to reload to an extent and the Sun Belt is not known as a overly talented conference. If the new players step in and play solid football, then this squad could see another bowl in 2011.