Hawaii
MTSU uses alphabet to punch their Hawaii Bowl ticket
For the sixth time previously eight seasons, Center Tennessee State (7-5) will probably be collaborating in a post-season bowl sport. To high that, the Blue Raiders are going to Hawaii for the season finale. However how did this bunch safe their ticket to the island paradise? It actually concerned a elementary instructional constructing block.
The 2022 season was a little bit of a curler coaster trip for MTSU. After opening the season with a blowout loss at James Madison (44-7), the Blue Raiders reeled off three consecutive wins together with a 45-31 dealing with of the Miami Hurricanes. That was adopted by three consecutive losses, all inside Convention USA. After a highway win at Texas El Paso and a highway loss at Louisiana Tech, Center Tennessee State completed with a flourishing three-game win streak.
Having been characterised as a “blue collar” bunch from the get-go, MTSU labored laborious all through the season regardless of damage and the day by day obstacles related to school soccer. Staying the course below the guiding hand of veteran head coach Rick Stockstill, the 2022 crew made performs when it counted essentially the most.
“We stated from the outset the faculty soccer season is a marathon, not a dash”, says Stockstill, who’s now in his 17th season at MTSU. “We have now had some actually nice wins this yr and I’m very pleased with this crew. I’m actually completely satisfied for our seniors, however it’s good for everybody to get an opportunity to play in a bowl sport, particularly in Hawaii of all locations.”
Touring to Hawaii for a date with San Diego State (7-5) within the Hawaii Bowl gives memorable alternatives. To get there, Inventory’s bunch used a selfless methodology that concerned some first-grade logic.
“These guys care far more in regards to the alphabet than they do numbers”, says Stockstill. “We have been involved about getting the “W” and staying away from the “L”. Figuring out we have been getting the correct letter was all the time extra essential than Particular person statistics to those guys.”
Senior quarterback Chase Cunningham will lead an MTSU offense that averaged 29 factors per sport and 268 yards passing per contest. Fellow senior Jordan Ferguson, an honorable point out All-American, anchors a protection that hopes to restrict a balanced Aztec offense ( 150 yards speeding, 170 yards passing per contest).
Kickoff for the Hawaii Bowl on December 24 is slated for 7 pm central and will probably be televised on ESPN.