Editor’s note: This is part nine of a 12-part series on InsideHilltopperSports.com previewing Western Kentucky football’s 12 opponents for the 2021 season. The ninth opponent preview is Middle Tennessee.
Middle Tennessee compiled a 52-38 record from 2012-2018, including four eight-win seasons in 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2018. Since 2019, the Blue Raiders have went just 7-14 – winning four games in 2019 and three last season.
Stockstill has done a tremendous job leading the program , but he’s going to have to turn things around and get the Blue Raiders back on track in 2021 before all hell breaks loose in Murfreesboro.
GAME INFORMATION
Western Kentucky vs. Middle Tennessee
Saturday, November 6 | 2:30 PM
Houchens-Smith Stadium
TV: Stadium
2020 RESULTS
Army – Lose, 42-0
Troy – Lose, 47-14
UTSA – Lose, 37-35
WKU – Lose, 20-17
FIU – Win, 31-28
North Texas – Lose, 52-35
Rice – Win, 40-34 (2OT)
Marshall – Lose, 42-14
Troy – Win, 20-17
Overall: 3-6 | Conference USA: 2-4
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bailey Hockman – Quarterback – Redshirt Junior
Hockman is entering his first season at Middle Tennessee after transferring from N.C. State, where he threw for 2,088 yards and 13 touchdowns in 10 games last season. Hockman will replace former MTSU quarterback Asher O’Hara, who has transferred to Sacramento State.
Martell Pettaway – Running Back – Redshirt Senior
Pettaway comes to Murfreesboro after transferring from West Virginia, where he rushed for 72 yards and two touchdowns while playing in just four games in 2019. He opted out of the 2020 season and now joins the Blue Raiders for the 2021 campaign – looking to be one of their primary running backs.
Reed Blankenship – Safety – Senior
MTSU wasn’t good by any means on the defensive side of the ball a season ago as it allowed 35.4 points and 446 yards per game, but veteran safety Reed Blankenship did his part by making 76 tackles – and he’s back to lead the way this year. Blankenship ranks eighth all-time in total tackles at MTSU.
OVERALL OUTLOOK
WKU and Middle Tennessee have had a great rivalry for many years, and nearly every meeting between the two sides comes down to the wire – and, more often than not, overtime frames – to decide the winner.
The Hilltoppers have won five of the last matchups over the Blue Raiders, and WKU is most certainly the favorite coming into this season’s tilt.