For the third week in a row, the Cavaliers will face an attacking style of defense that uses speed and schemes more than brute force to get to ball carriers. Like Georgia Tech, the Blue Raiders (1-4) will blitz 80% of the time be it against the run or pass.

Thus far, the Raiders have recorded 8 sacks, 30 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles, and four interceptions. But if they don’t get the big play, offenses can take advantage. MTSU enters this week’s game ranked 106th in run defense, 96th in pass efficiency defense, and 87th in total defense.

Statistics

• Of 11 LSU drives against Middle Tennessee, the first 10 ended in either a Tiger score or a Tiger fumble or interception. LSU punted just once … on its final non-clock killing drive.
• Florida Atlantic is the only team not to score on every red zone possession against the Raiders.
• 65% of opponents scoring drives have lasted less than four minutes.
• Last year, three opponents scored more than 44 points against the Blue Raiders. In just three games in 2007, two opponents have already scored more than 44 points against MTSU.

Coach Groh Says …

“[Middle Tennessee is] a 4-3 team. Their defense shows a lot characteristics of the Florida State and N.C. State defense when Chuck [Amato] was there. The defensive coordinator at Middle has background at both of those places and in working for Chuck and he’s brought over a lot the same schemes and the same philosophy.”

Jordy Lipsey says …

“They’re a big high energy team with a lot of speed. The guys play hard play all of the time and we’re going to be going into a situation there that they’re ready to go and we’re going to have to be too. It’s going to be a big challenge for us. They’ve played a lot of good teams before and I know they’re not intimidated by us. We have to realize the challenge that’s ahead of us this week and we can’t lose focus.”

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