WKU Football: MTSU Q&A With 100 Miles of Hate
Learn more about the Blue Raiders from the ones that know this rivalry best
It’s time for one of our favorite rivalries: the 100 Miles of Hate.
To help us learn more about the Blue Raiders ahead of tomorrow, we got our friends at 100 Miles of Hate on Twitter to answer our questions. They’re the ones to follow not just for when this rivalry happens in any sport, but throughout the season as they follow both teams.
Let’s see what they have to say!
The Towel Rack: MTSU are currently 3-3 this season. How would you say things have gone up to this point for the Blue Raiders? Good? Bad?
100 Miles of Hate: It has been a roller coaster of a season already for MTSU. The boo birds and #FireStockstill tweets came out in week one after a disheartening thumping to FBS-premiering JMU. Now in hindsight that loss doesn’t seem so bad, as JMU has continued rolling and is currently top 25. Then after the victory of a ranked Miami opponent the fan base was riding high once again. Maybe we had figured things out. But the last couple weeks with deflating losses to UTSA and UAB have brought the masses back down to reality. I’d say things have been both good and bad. But not trending in the right direction. Right now the hope is just to get eligible for a bowl game and get Stock another auto renewal.
TTR: What were some of the biggest reasons why MTSU were able to upset #25 Miami?
100MOH: The victory over Miami was a perfect storm of an executed game plan and unprepared opponent. Our offense was hitting on big plays consistently. And our defense was constantly applying pressure and not allowing the Hurricanes to get any yards. Glimpses into a victory like this are often why the fan base comes crashing down so hard. We know the team is capable of better, but we always underachieve after that one annual upset victory.
TTR: Who are the biggest playmakers on both sides of the ball that WKU need to be prepared for?
100MOH: Chase Cunningham to Jaylin Lane has been a deadly connection when they’re clickin. Jaylin reminds most MT fans of a Richie James from yesteryear. He’s got blazing speed and is electric with the ball in open space. He also returns kicks and can change the game in the blink of an eye. Defensively, Decorian Patterson has been a ball hawk with 4 INTs and 5 passes defended. His side of the field has been on lock down. And DE Jordan Ferguson is always a threat to get in the backfield and create havoc.
TTR: How do you see the Blue Raiders defense matching up against Austin Reed and the Hilltoppers offense?
100MOH: The defense has been spotty at times. JMU, UTSA, and UAB exposed that. If the front 7 can put enough pressure on Reed to make him uncomfortable and force him into bad throws, they’ll have a chance. If he has time to drop back and scan the field, it may be a long day.
TTR: What are the biggest things that the Blue Raiders need to do right in order to win Saturday?
100MOH: All things easier said than done: but keep pressure on Reed to create mistakes. Win the turnover battle. And keep drives alive without self inflicted penalties or turnovers.
TTR: All time series is tied at 35 wins for each team. Who gets win this weekend and gets the bragging rights?
100MOH: A win this weekend would be big for MTSU for homecoming, but I feel like they’re going to be in a shootout that they may not have enough bullets to keep up in. WKU: 38, MTSU: 21.
We’re super thank for 100 Miles of Hate for answering our questions as well as their dedication to this rivalry. Be sure to go give them a follow!