A New Dawn: MTSU

As the countdown to the 2024 football season begins, the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Blue Raiders are already in full swing, preparing for what promises to be a thrilling season.

For the first time in nearly two decades, MTSU will be under new leadership. Rick Stockstill, the stalwart who had been at the helm since 2006, was relieved of his duties following a disappointing 4-8 season that saw the Blue Raiders finish fifth in Conference USA. Despite his departure, Stockstill’s legacy at MTSU is undeniable. With a record of 113-111, he led the Blue Raiders to their first bowl victory in 2009 and added three more bowl wins to the school’s tally. This season, he will be lending his expertise to his alma mater, Florida State, as an analyst.
Stepping into Stockstill’s shoes is Derek Mason, the former Vanderbilt Head Coach. Mason, who amassed a record of 27-55 during his seven-year tenure at Vanderbilt, brings a wealth of experience to MTSU. After leaving Vanderbilt, he served as the defensive coordinator at Auburn and Oklahoma State, and most recently, he was an analyst for the SEC network. Mason’s five-year contract with MTSU signals a period of stability and consistency for the program.

This change in leadership coincides with my own personal transition. Having recently relocated to Murfreesboro from Charlotte, North Carolina, home of the Charlotte 49ers, I find myself shifting allegiances. As a long-time '9ers supporter, it’s a significant change, but living in Murfreesboro now, I’m excited to embrace this new era for both the MTSU football program and myself.

The NCAA’s wide-open transfer portal has turned college football into a veritable Wild West, with players having the freedom to switch schools during their four years of eligibility. Fortunately for MTSU, starting quarterback Nicholas Vattiato is returning for his senior season. Last season, Vattiato threw for 3,092 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions on 428 attempts.

MTSU has also managed to secure several players from Power 5 schools, including Felix Hixon, a RS freshman defensive lineman from South Carolina; James Monds III, a RS freshman cornerback from Indiana; and Omari Kelly, a sophomore wide receiver from Auburn.

Despite MTSU’s recruiting class ranking 118th and transfer ranking 99th in the nation according to 24/7 Sports, there’s reason for optimism. MTSU has secured the #2 JuCo quarterback from Golden West College, Luther Richesson. Expected to sit behind Vattiato this season, Richesson has the potential to develop into a significant asset for the Blue Raiders.

The Blue Raiders’ 2024 schedule includes four out-of-conference games. The season opener against Tennessee Tech serves as a warmup, while the game against Ole Miss will be a stern test. The Duke game should be an exciting contest, and the final out-of-conference game against Memphis on September 28 promises to be a thrilling inter-state showdown.

Conference USA is a league where any team can clinch the title. Last season, the Liberty Flames emerged as conference champions with a perfect 8-0 conference record, culminating in a Fiesta Bowl appearance. The Blue Raiders lost four conference games by one possession. I'm optimistic they can button up the flaws that led to these losses and put themselves in a winning posistion.

While perfection may not be a realistic expectation for MTSU this season, there’s no denying that it’s an exciting time to be a Blue Raider fan. With a new coach, a changing landscape in college football, a roster of talented players, and a quarterback poised to make an impact, the upcoming season promises to be one to remember.