Middle Tennessee played in six bowl games between 2015 and 2022, but the Blue Raiders haven’t played in the postseason since thanks to back-to-back losing seasons.
After winning just four games in 2023, the Blue Raiders went 3-9 and 2-6 in Conference USA last season, which was head coach Derek Mason’s first at the helm.
Middle Tennessee’s wide open passing attack ranked No. 2 in the conference in yards per game (261.1) and pass attempts (428), but the Raiders couldn’t score or stop anyone. They ranked No. 9 in the 10-team Conference USA with 18.1 points a game. The defense gave up 449.2 yards a game, which was the most in the conference. They were also last in the league in pass defense (252.2 YPG) and No. 9 in rush defense (197 YPG).
There are reasons for optimism heading into year No. 2 of the Mason era, though. Middle Tennessee is returning experienced players all over the field, including quarterback, where Nicholas Vattiato is entering his fifth season with the program.
If the defense can improve and Vattiato can develop chemistry with some new receivers, Middle Tennessee could find itself right back in contention for a bowl game.
New Customer Offers at BetMGM
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l Terms
Middle Tennessee Football’s Conference USA Title Betting Odds
Middle Tennessee’s odds to win Conference USA are +1600, via BetMGM.
Middle Tennessee Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
- Middle Tennessee’s win total Over/Under is 4.5 games.
- Under 4.5 is at +150.
- Over 4.5 is at -185.
Middle Tennessee Football’s 2025 Schedule
Aug. 30 vs. Austin Peay
Sept. 6 @ Wisconsin
Sept. 13 @ Nevada
Sept. 20 vs. Marshall
Sept. 27 @ Kennesaw State
Oct. 8 vs. Missouri State
Oct. 22 @ Delaware
Oct. 29 vs. Jacksonville State
Nov. 8 vs Florida International
Nov. 15 @ Western Kentucky
Nov. 22 vs. Sam Houston
Nov. 29 @ New Mexico State
Bold indicates Conference USA games
Middle Tennessee Football Season Preview
The Blue Raiders couldn’t do much but throw the ball last season. They ranked last in Conference USA with 90.5 rushing yards a game. Defensively, they gave up the most first downs in the conference, ranked last in third-down defense, and managed just 20 sacks and five interceptions. Middle Tennessee was a very young team last season, but that’s not the case this year.
QB Nicholas Vattiato Has To Play Like A Veteran
Quarterback Nicholas Vattiato has already left a legacy at Middle Tennessee. The redshirt senior has started 30 career games, including 24 in the past two seasons. He is just the second player in program history to throw for more than 3,000 yards in multiple seasons, and he ranked No. 17 in the country in completions a game last year.
Vattiato led Conference USA last season with 257.7 passing yards a game and 269 completions. He ranked No. 2 in the conference with 3,092 passing yards, and he goes into this season with 7,525 yards and 46 touchdowns through the air in his career.
The 6-foot, 212-pounder is also a threat with his legs. In 2023, he ran the ball 139 times for 397 yards and two touchdowns.
The stats aren’t all pretty for Vattiato, though. He has thrown 23 interceptions the past two seasons, including 10 last fall. He’s going to have to clean that up if the Blue Raiders are going to get back to a bowl game.
Rebuilding The Passing Game
Vattiato is looking for a new go-to receiver. His top two targets from last season – tight end Holden Willis and wide receiver Omari Kelly – are gone. Willis led the team last fall with 871 yards and six touchdowns and declared for the NFL Draft. Kelly was No. 2 on the team with 869 yards and four touchdowns, but transferred to Michigan State.
Two veterans are back in wide receivers Myles Butler and Cam’Ron Lacy. Butler was No. 3 on the team last fall with 30 catches for 366 yards and three touchdowns. Middle Tennessee also added UCF transfer Tyree Patterson at wide receiver and Purdue transfer Tayvion Galloway at tight end.
The Running Game Should Be Solid
Last season’s leading rusher, Jaiden Credle, is ineligible this season for academic reasons, according to Jake Bolden of the Blue Raider Podcast, but the cupboard is far from bare.
The Raiders return a veteran running back, and they added a transfer that may end up as the team’s leading rusher. Jekail Middlebrook is back after he was No. 2 on the team last season with 273 yards and two touchdowns. He’s joined by redshirt freshman Austin Clemons, who saw spot duty last fall.
Middle Tennessee added another experienced runner from the transfer portal in Ricky Hunt Jr., who joined the program this summer after signing with Tulsa in the spring. He played behind two 1,000-yard rushers at Ohio last season, and he finished No. 3 on the team with 393 yards and two touchdowns.
Linebacker Should Be A Strength
There is plenty of experience back on defense, but that’s especially true at linebacker. Parker Hughes is back after he was No. 2 on the team with 69 tackles last season. He’s joined on the outside by former Oregon transfer Brandon Buckner, who tallied 35 tackles and a team-high three sacks for the Blue Raiders last fall.
They’re joined by Chattanooga transfer Alex Mitchell, who led the Mocs last season with 101 tackles and added 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
The defense is led by EDGE Anthony Bynum, who was No. 3 on the team with 60 tackles last season while adding 2.5 sacks. Defensive tackle Shakai Woods is back to plug the middle.
The secondary is led by a pair of experienced safeties in John Howse IV and Jared Douglas. Howse led the Blue Raiders last season with two interceptions and added 48 tackles.
Middle Tennessee Football Season Prediction
I predict Middle Tennessee will not win the Conference USA Championship, but I predict the Blue Raiders will win more than 4.5 games.
The schedule is in their favor. They have winnable non-conference games against Austin Peay, Nevada, and Marshall. They also avoid Conference USA favorite Liberty and get Jacksonville State at home. If Vattiato can cut down on the turnovers and connect with a new group of receivers, the Blue Raiders may very well earn a bowl game berth when all is said and done.
