WKU Football: MTSU Q&A with 100 Miles of Hate
We’re just three days away from WKU’s season finale against rival Middle Tennessee. There is a lot a stake in this one. Not only are the…
We’re just three days away from WKU’s season finale against rival Middle Tennessee. There is a lot a stake in this one. Not only are the Tops playing a now hated rival but they’re jockeying for bowl positioning and trying to send the seniors out on a high note. Needless to say, this is a big game. With that in all of that in mind, we thought that we’d get a MTSU perspective on the game. Luckily for us, we got Jon from the 100 Miles of Hate twitter account to give us his thoughts on the MTSU program, the rivalry, the game, and some predictions. Without further adieu, here is our conversation with Jon.
1) MTSU is in the middle of their first losing season (4–7) since 2011. What went so wrong for the Blue Raiders this season?
Losing & replacing 4 year starting QB Brent Stockstill has been a bigger challenge than the fan base expected. It shouldn’t be a surprise that the team is struggling, but expectations may have been a tad high a year after reaching the conference championship game.
2) Rick Stockstill has been in Murfreesboro for 14 seasons now despite no conference titles since his debut (2006), How has he lasted so long?
Rick has lasted 14 years because he has been the best coach MTSU has had since becoming FBS. His “bad” seasons are rare, and the administration knows what to expect from him. He’s a players coach & is a very like-able person off the field. That said, his $6 million dollar buyout makes him virtually unable to be fired for a CUSA program. He’ll likely be around until he gets tired of coaching.
3) Will he survive this season and the apathy that has surrounded the program?
I think he will survive this season based solely on his buyout. Changes do need to be made in the program. He’s recently replaced his OC & DC. It may not be long before he has to look in the mirror and question if he’s the man for the job. The fan base is surely asking that same question.
4) The 100 Miles of Hate is the top rivalry for both schools. What makes the rivalry so special? What can take it to the next level?
The rivalry is so special due to the teams general proximity to one another and their relationship that spans several different conference affiliations. They’ve been common foes across all sports & have played very tightly contested games in football recently. The rivalry going to the next level will depend on both teams consistently being conference title contenders with the result of this game potentially making or breaking title hopes for one of the programs.
Now onto the game…
5) Asher O’Hara has been arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the conference this year. How dangerous is he against WKU’s vaunted defense?
Asher has proven to be a very good athlete. He leads the team in rushing and can make plays with his arm as well. He can find success against WKU of a play breaks down and he can escape their pressure to extend a play with his legs. He also has several WR targets which are capable of making big plays.
6) Who are some skill players that WKU fans should worry about Saturday?
Asher O’Hara is the most obvious. His arm & legs have proven to be exceptional when given time to operate. Ty Lee is a very good WR who is capable of making big YAC plays. Terelle West & Jimmy Marshall have also recently stepped up to be play makers
7) Middle’s defense has been bad for most of the season giving up 458 yards per game and nearly 30 points per game. Why has that unit struggled so much and who should Topper fans worry about on that side of the ball?
Injuries & a lack of depth have killed the defense. This team just seems unable to get off the field on 3rd down ever. Opponents are constantly hitting on big plays when defenders are out of position. It’s been frustrating to endure.
8) How do you see this game playing out? What’s your prediction?
I see this playing out as two teams heading in opposite directions. As tempting as it is to say this rivalry will end in another OT thriller, MTSU has played to inconsistently to know what to expect & WKU appears to be peaking at the right time. I expect the Toppers to win convincingly, 34–14. Their defense is just too tough & disruptive. MTSU will need an unreal performance from O’Hara to compete in this game for 60 minutes.
I want to thank Jon for taking the time to do this q&a with us. You can follow the 100 Miles of Hate twitter account @100MilesofHate for rivalry news and fun analysis and reaction to Saturday’s matchup.