Tennessee
Week 3 – Western Kentucky @ Middle Tennessee State: How To Watch, Preview, Time, Date, Storylines
Similar to the Shula Bowl, the rivalry between Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State is one that dates back to 1914 where the Blue Raiders defeated the Hilltoppers by a final score of 47-0. Since then, Western Kentucky has taken a 37-35 all-time series lead within these past few years. The Blue Raiders will try to snap a five-game losing streak to the Hilltoppers and get off to a strong 1-0 start on conference play.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1-1, 0-0 Conference USA) @ Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (1-1, 0-0 Conference USA)
Date: Saturday, September 14
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Murfreesboro, TN
TV: ESPN+
Betting Line: Hilltoppers favored by 7.5
A lopsided rivalry finally may see a change?
Before the Hilltoppers took a big five-game win streak in the 100 Miles of Hate rivalry, it was very close.
The last time the Blue Raiders defeated Western Kentucky came in 2018 at the site of the 2024 game: Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The final score was 29-10. Since then, only two of the five matchups have been one score wins for the Hilltoppers.
Through two games, the Blue Raiders and Hilltoppers have faced and power conference and FCS opponent, getting crushed by the power conference and defeating the FCS team.
New look Blue Raiders
The biggest change to this rivalry is on the MTSU side with new head coach Derek Mason who believes that his team is ready to win now and that no rebuild is necessary, something he’s noted since Conference USA media day.
With wide receiver Elijah Metcalf off to Marshall, the Blue Raiders will rely on the connection between quarterback Nick Vattiato and tight end Holden Willis. Auburn transfer Omari Kelly has also been crucial in Mason’s offense thus far.
It’s been only two weeks, but the Blue Raiders’ pass game ranks third in Conference USA and Vattiato is third in passing yards.
A tale of two games for Western Kentucky
Tyson Helton and his team had to face a power conference opponent and an FCS opponent to begin the season. Getting shutout against the Alabama Crimson Tide and then shutting out Eastern Kentucky.
Through two games, quarterback TJ Finley has thrown for 443 yards and one touchdown, completing 45 of 70 passes thus far in what has been a pass heavy offense. Senior Kisean Johnson has taken over that primary receiver role that was left behind by Malachi Corley as he currently has eight receptions for 134 yards.
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The Tennessee Titans’ search for their next head coach is coming into focus, and the initial interview phase is in full swing.
Following the news that Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy would be having a first virtual interview on Thursday, the dates and times for some interviews for other candidates have come out.
Multiple reports on social media indicate that Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will meet with Mike Borgonzi on Wednesday, followed by Nagy on Thursday. The team will then follow that up by meeting with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on Saturday and former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on Monday.
Tennessee will also meet with interim head coach Mike McCoy, and is rumored to have interest in former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
It’s an ever-changing process in Nashville. Stay up to date with all the coaching search news with us here at Titans Wire, and please sound off with your thoughts.
Tennessee
Sick and tired: Counties near Chattanooga are now reporting highest flu rates in Tennessee
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — Tennessee health officials say flu activity is rising sharply in around Chattanooga, with counties surrounding Hamilton showing some of the highest rates in the state.
Marion, Grundy, Sequatchie, Bradley, Meigs, Rhea, Bledsoe, McMinn and Polk counties are currently the only areas in Tennessee rated “very high” for influenza activity by the Tennessee Dept. of Health. Photo via the Tennessee Health Dept.
Marion, Grundy, Sequatchie, Bradley, Meigs, Rhea, Bledsoe, McMinn and Polk counties are currently the only areas in Tennessee rated “very high” for influenza activity by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
These counties have flu positivity rates greater than 10 percent. By comparison, the statewide average is 6.5 percent, and Hamilton County itself is at 6.9 percent.
State and federal health experts say the surge comes as influenza A(H3N2) continues to circulate widely. The CDC reports at least 11 million flu illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths nationwide so far this season. One pediatric death was reported this week in Tennessee, bringing the season total to nine nationwide.
File photo: Getty Images.
Georgia officials are also reporting higher-than-average flu activity, signaling that the region is experiencing a particularly active season. Health authorities encourage residents six months and older to get vaccinated if they have not already and to take precautions such as frequent handwashing and staying home when sick.
Flu activity is expected to remain elevated in Tennessee and across the U.S. for several more weeks, according to the CDC. Local hospitals and clinics are urging families to monitor symptoms and seek care early, especially for children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions.
For the latest guidance on influenza vaccination and antiviral treatments, visit the Tennessee Department of Health or the CDC at cdc.gov.
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