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Published Oct 7, 2024
Starter Comparison | LA Tech vs Middle Tennessee
Ben Carlisle  •  BleedTechBlue
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Twitter
@BCarlisle37

Louisiana Tech and Middle Tennessee are set to battle in Conference USA action on Thursday night inside Joe Aillet Stadium.

Both the Bulldogs and Blue Raiders are looking to change their fortune and earn their first win in conference play.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM on CBS Sports Network.

Let's take a look at how the two teams stack up starter wise according to Pro Football Focus.

PFF Grading Scale

90 and Above - Elite Level

80 to 89 - All-Conference Level

70 to 79 - Starter Level

60 to 69 - Backup Level

59 and Below - Replacement Level

LA Tech Offense vs Middle Tennessee Defense
LA Tech PlayerPFF GradeMTSU PlayerPFF Grade

QB Evan Bullock

69

DE Anthony Bynum

62.4

RB Donerio Davenport

62.8

DT Damonte Smith

54.1

LT Daniel Keys

53.9

DT Shakai Woods

60.4

LG Bert Hale

63.9

DE Brandon Buckner

56.2

C Landon Nelson

53.2

LB Jordan Thompson

48.5

RG Ja'Marion Kennedy

52.6

LB Parker Hughes

54.8

RT Hayden Christman

55.5

S John Howse IV

72.9

TE Eli Finley

65.5

S Rickey Smith

63.1

WR Marlion Jackson

69.5

CB James Monds III

52.3

WR Tru Edwards

61.3

CB Marvae Myers

53.9

WR Abdul-Fatai Ibrahim

53.3

CB James Shellman IV

75

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Evan Bullock will make his second career start at quarterback for the Bulldogs against a Middle Tennessee defense that has had some issues.

Derek Mason's unit is averaging only 10 quarterback pressures a game and has only hit the quarterback 11 times all season.

Getting Eli Finley and Marlion Jackson going will be a focus for new Tech play caller Nathan Young on Thursday night.

Parker Hughes and John Howse IV are two names to watch for the Blue Raiders defense. Hughes has 11 tackles in two games season while forcing and recovering a fumble.

Howse IV has done a little bit of everything with 30 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, and 2 INTs from his safety spot.

Opponents have tossed 13 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions against the Blue Raiders defense this season.

Middle Tennessee Offense vs LA Tech Defense
MTSU PlayerPFF GradeLA Tech PlayerPFF Grade

QB Nicholas Vattiato

71.8

DE Jessie Evans

64.1

RB Jaiden Credle

62.4

NT David Blay

72.7

LT Zach Clayton

46.1

DE J'Dan Burnett

73.9

LG Ellis Adams

57.2

LB Kolbe Fields

76.5

C Simon Wilson

67.1

LB Zach Zimos

63.9

RG Mateo Guevara

51

LB CJ Harris

60

RT Marcus Miller

35.5

S Isaiah Mcelvane

56.6

TE Holden Willis

63.1

S Michael Richard

46.1

WR Omari Kelly

70.3

S Blake Thompson

56

WR Myles Butler

59

CB Demarcus Griffin-Taylor

65.4

WR Cam'ron Lacy

60.5

CB Jacob Fields

58.6

Nicholas Vattiato might be the most talented quarterback that Tech's defense has seen all year.

The Plantation, FL native has torn opponents up in the middle of the field with 924 of his 1,285 yards passing coming between the numbers.

Vattiato's top targets in the passing game are Omari Kelly (471 yards, 3 TDs) and Holden Willis (320 yards, 1 TD).

Kelly ranks 26th nationally in receiving, and Willis ranks 4th nationally among tight ends.

Where do the Blue Raiders struggle on offense? The offensive line. The unit has allowed 63 quarterback pressures in 5 games this season.

The caveat? Tech must get pressure with its front because Vattiato is completing 68% of his throws against the blitz.

Should be a good one between the Bulldogs and Blue Raiders on Thursday night.

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