MTSU Game

[Guest BlueRaiderFn]

First of all let me say that we are NOT predicting a big win Saturday, but we are not predicting a loss either. You guys have a Heisman hopeful and this would be a good win for us. This is a recent interview with our coach...

Battle 'lines' are drawn

MTSU defensive line faces tough test at Akron

By Adam Sparks

DNJ Staff Writer

It would be a bit cliché to say MTSU's showdown with Akron will be decided at the line of scrimmage Saturday.

Nevertheless, it would be true.

"It always starts up front with the physical part of the game," said MTSU head coach Andy McCollum, whose Blue Raiders kick off at the Rubber Bowl 5 p.m., Saturday in their season opener.

"But there's no doubt our defensive line has a big challenge ahead of them."

While Akron has gained national recognition with its quarterback Charlie Frye, a Heisman candidate and NFL prospect, the Zips' offensive line touts as much steadiness and experience as the man it protects.

Akron returns four senior starters on the offensive front from last season, and three of those have been intact atop the depth chart for two straight seasons.

In fact, the Zips' five-man front has recorded a combined 99 starts entering Saturday's game, led by left guard Aaron Conley's 36 career starts.

"They have four offensive linemen that played in a combined 90-plus games together, and that's a big positive for them, especially with a quarterback of Frye's caliber," McCollum said. "They were able to move the ball up and down the field against a Penn State team (Sept. 4) with a good defensive front, so it's a big challenge for our defensive front."

The experience of Akron's offensive line can only be rivaled by its skill and size, averaging better than 6-foot-3, 304 pounds among the five starters.

"They've got big guys, and they know how to get good position on you. It's going to be challenge," said MTSU defensive lineman Devarick Scandrett.

Along with preseason All-MAC selection Conley, Jim Borrieci leads the Akron front as a candidate for the Rimington award, which honors the nation's top center.

"Akron is tough top to bottom, and it's going to be challenge to go up against a Heisman candidate (Frye), but we need to get past that (offensive) line first," Scandrett said. "It's been a long time since we've had a chance to hit somebody besides our own, and that's what I live for. I'm looking forward to laying the wood on somebody, anybody.

"We're going to have to be physical to win this game."

Even without the inevitable battle versus Akron's offensive line, the Blue Raiders' four-man front carries the defensive load as expectations are running high for the veteran group, even among opponents.

"They've got a front four that looks like it belongs in the SEC," said Akron head coach J.D. Brookhart. "They just have some players who are very talented."

MTSU recorded just 20 sacks last season and only 11 by defensive linemen. Entering their season opener, the Blue Raiders are determined to turn around that trend.

"I speak for the whole defensive line when I say that we're ready to take a leadership role and show all the coaches and fans that we can be as good as people hope we will be," Scandrett said. "We want to meet this challenge head on."

Originally published September 8, 2004

[Guest BlueRaiderFn]

CFN's "Fearless Prediction":

MTSU (0-0) at Akron (0-1), 6 pm EST

Why to watch: MTSU was supposed to start off its season against Florida, but that got put off until October thanks to Hurricane Frances making this the team's opener. Akron would like to forget all about its own opening week getting blasted 48-10 by Penn State and must get a win over the Blue Raiders or it'll most likely be 0-3 with Virginia coming up next week. With four road games in the next five, Akron has to take advantage of its home dates.

Why MTSU might win: Akron came into the year hoping a star quarterback like Charlie Frye would make up for all the inexperience on offense, but it didn't work out well against the Nittany Lions. Akron's defense looked as green as expected, so look for MTSU to move the ball without much of a problem. The extra practice time was a good thing for the Blue Raiders; Akron is much better than Florida to start a season against.

Why Akron might win: Penn State just might be really good. As bad as Akron looked, this is still a potentially explosive offensive team with good young players. MTSU's defense needs a while to work on all the changes from the off-season and the secondary will have a nightmare of a time if Frye gets rolling.

Who to watch: Akron isn't going to have a tough time throwing the ball as long as Frye is playing, but the running game will be a question mark all season long until someone steps up and takes over the starting job. Brett Biggs led the way with 25 yards and a touchdown against Penn State, but Jerell Ringer is the one who really needs to be a factor for the offense to be at its best.

What will happen: This could be one of the more fun, high-scoring shootouts of the weekend. MTSU will need a little while to get its feet wet, but it won't have a problem against the porous Akron D. Unfortunately for the Blue Raiders, its secondary will get picked cleanly by Frye. Look for Frye to throw for 325 yards and for MTSU WR Kerry Wright to burn the Zip secondary for 150 yards.

CFN Prediction: Akron 38 ... MTSU 31 ... Line: Akron -6.5

Must See Rating: (5 lock yourself in a room to watch - 1 Father of the Pride) ... 2