Position: Quarterback

Louisiana Tech: Ryan Higgins | Middle Tennessee: Brent Stockstill

Background: Ryan Higgins has continued to perform well enough to keep the starting job after fan outcry to put in redshirt freshman J’mar Smith. Higgins threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns against a less than stellar Texas Tech defense. Now that conference play is starting, the pressure will continue to mount on the senior as they take on conference title rivals. For MTSU, redshirt sophomore Brent Stockstill is entering his second year at the helm of the Blue Raider offense. In last seasons meeting, Stockstill threw for 381 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions including a pick six. So far this season, he’s thrown 11 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Edge: Middle Tennessee

Why: While both Higgins and Stockstill look good statistically heading into Saturday’s game, neither QB has had a true test of their abilities facing off against subpar FBS defenses and FCS teams. The difference though is that Stockstill has looked way more consistent. Had Higgins played and performed well against Arkansas, it could be a different story, but for now, it looks like Stockstill has an edge.

Position: Running back

Louisiana Tech: Jarred Craft | Middle Tennessee: I’Tavius Mathers

Background: Jarred Craft registered a career high 151 yards rushing last week against Texas Tech. The junior running back continues to show that he’s a capable replacement for the great Kenneth Dixon. His rushing totals continue to go up every week, getting 68 against Arkansas and 95 against South Carolina State. I’Tavius Mathers for MTSU on the other hand, got 157 rushing yards last week after only getting a combined 127 the previous two weeks. The Ole Miss transfer will easily surpass his seasonal totals he racked up during his time in Oxford.

Edge: Louisiana Tech

Why: The stats are really close on this one, but I give the edge to Tech based on MTSU’s inability to stop the run. Middle Tennessee is ranked 106 of 128 in the nation in rushing defense. Blue Raiders LB DJ Saunders even admitted during a press conference this week that stopping the run consistently is something they need to do better. Tech is tied at 73 in the country in rushing defense, so I expect coach Holtz to use Craft quite a bit on Saturday.

Position: Wide receiver

Louisiana Tech: Carlos Henderson and Trent Taylor | Middle Tennessee: Richie James and Patrick Smith