Sophomore Austin Grammer has been named the starting quarterback for week one but head coach Rick Stockstill has made it very clear that the job is still open.
All three Blue Raider quarterbacks will likely take snaps on Saturday against Savannah State. Coach’s son, freshman, Brent Stockstill, is the next name on the depth chart, followed by redshirt freshman AJ Erdely.
Grammer is the only one who has seen any minutes at the collegiate level. When he leads the offense on Saturday he will have the opportunity to look impressive against a defense that was one of the worst at the FCS level in 2013.
What these FCS vs FBS games tell us is basically nothing and can be viewed as a glorified scrimmage. That is especially true when facing a defense who gave up 77 points twice last season and 40 points or more five times.
FOOTBALL IS BACK, SO BE EXCITED! BUT REMEMBER SAVANNAH STATE’S NUMBER OF WINS IN THE MEAC LAST YEAR TOTALED SOMEWHERE SOUTH OF 1
Yes, this will be a snoozer by halftime but MTSU fans should have plenty to cheer about and will get to see some of the new faces that will make up this years edition of Blue Raider football. Transfers, like Ed’Marques Batties and former Tennessee commit Patrick Martin.
Saturday will also be an opportunity for Blue Raider fans to see freshmen that might end up seeing the field plenty by seasons end. Guys like Jamarcus Howard. The three-star prospect out of Tuscaloosa might be the most hyped signee of 2013 as he chose MTSU over Texas Tech, West Virginia and Louisville.
Bottom line MTSU fans, football is back so be excited! However, we all know a blowout win over a team who didn’t win a game in the MEAC last year will hardly feel like much of an accomplishment.
While we have all been taught to never overlook an opponent, it is what it is. What it is, is a tune up for Minnesota next Saturday on the road.
What we hope this game accomplishes is a finalized depth chart for the trip to Minneapolis and the first Conference USA game the following week when the Hilltoppers visit Floyd Stadium.
Tomorrow’s game could answer a couple of questions that has been the focal point of the summer.
Is Grammer the guy?
And…
How will MTSU integrate their running backs into the passing game more?
As for the defense, with 8 starters returning, we know what to expect and it might be the best defense Tyrone Nix has had to work with. Will a shutout tomorrow answer that? Not definitively but it’s a good sign.
Game Day Info:
Who: Savannah State (0-0) at Middle Tennessee State University (0-0)
Where: Floyd Stadium. Murfreesboro, TN
When: Saturday, August 30. 6:00 PM CST
Weather: 85 Degrees 80% chance of rain. Possible thunderstorms.
Prediction: MTSU: As many as they want, Savannah State: 3
