FILM STUDY: Middle Tennessee

Defensively MTSU employs a 4-2-5 base defense. The Blue Raiders utilize a gap control defense up front with 330 lb. Shaquille Huff (#51) eating up multiple blockers to allow linebacker DJ Sanders (#31) and Darius Harris (#30) to work in run support. MTSU does not look to stunt their front four very often, but instead rely on the girth of Huff and Jimal McBride (#99) to allow eat up gaps and force the ball carrier into the waiting arms of a linebacker or defensive end. The Blue Raiders linebacking corps is very good in run support and occasionally will blitz in a third down or long second down for the offense. When dropping into coverage the Blue Raiders linebackers become their greatest liability. The linebackers will either take a hesitant first step looking for the run in a short yardage play, or immediately bail into their coverage in a second or third and long situation. In MTSU's defensive backfield, Jim Thorpe award watch list candidate Jeremy Curter (#8) is their best cover corner. The Blue Raiders will look to match Curter on the opposing teams top receiver and is not afraid to leave him and other receivers on an island with Safeties Alex Dale (#22) and Jovante Moffatt (#7) backing them up over the top. Dale is the hard hitter in the secondary and will often be seen coming up in run support as well as occasionally on a blitz.