Middle Tennessee keeps UTEP winless, beating them 30-3

Following their bye week last week, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders put together a strong performance for a much needed 30-3 win over the UTEP Miners.

Last night marked the return of the Blue Raiders’ Brent Stockstill and this offense continued to prove why he is so important to them. On top of his three passing touchdowns, Stockstill’s leadership and understanding of the offense was apparent even when drives stalled. He was very confident for a player who has missed six straight games because of injury and will only grow in confidence as he settles back in.

With Richie James out for the rest of the season, multiple receivers stepped up to fill the void he leaves in this offense. As a whole, this receiving corps combined for three touchdowns on the night, lead by sophomore Ty Lee with six receptions.

As for the defense, they were really able to shine against a struggling UTEP offense and get some confidence back as well. The only thing this defense struggled with all night was defending Josh Fields, as it was his 27-yard rush that really kickstarted the one scoring drive the Miners had all night.

In general, it was a much needed win for a Blue Raider team that hasn’t had much to feel good about in the last couple weeks. By no means was it their best, but it should give this team the confidence to finish their 2017 season strong as the win keeps their bowl hopes alive.

Middle Tennessee (4-5, 2-3) travels to Charlotte next week to face another struggling team as the 49ers were shutout in a 6-0 loss to Old Dominion, while UTEP (0-9, 0-5) travels to Denton to face the top team in the C-USA West, North Texas.