As the excitement builds up for the 2023 football season, fans of the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Blue Raiders are eagerly awaiting the release of the team's schedule. With a new season comes new opportunities, and the Blue Raiders are looking to make a strong impact in the Conference USA (C-USA) standings. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the MTSU football schedule for 2023, highlighting key dates and matchups that you won't want to miss.
Early Season Matchups
The Blue Raiders will kick off their 2023 campaign on September 2, when they host the Rhode Island Rams at Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium. This game will mark the beginning of a new era for MTSU football, as the team looks to build on the successes of previous seasons.
In the following weeks, MTSU will face off against the Vanderbilt Commodores (September 9) and the Tennessee State Tigers (September 16). These early-season matchups will provide valuable insights into the team's strengths and weaknesses, as they prepare for the challenges of C-USA play.
Conference USA Schedule
The Blue Raiders will begin their C-USA schedule on September 23, when they host the Marshall Thundering Herd. This game will mark the start of a tough stretch for MTSU, as they face off against some of the top teams in the conference.
Some of the key C-USA matchups for MTSU include:
- October 7: at UTEP Miners
- October 14: vs. North Texas Mean Green
- October 21: at Rice Owls
- November 4: vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- November 11: at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- November 18: vs. FIU Panthers
Rivalry Games
The Blue Raiders will face off against two of their biggest rivals in 2023: the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. The game against Vanderbilt on September 9 will be a non-conference matchup, while the game against Western Kentucky on November 11 will be a key C-USA showdown.
Bowl Game Aspirations
As the Blue Raiders navigate their 2023 schedule, they'll be looking to secure a spot in one of the many bowl games that take place at the end of the season. With a strong performance in C-USA play, MTSU could find themselves in contention for a bowl game berth.
Conclusion
The 2023 MTSU football schedule is packed with exciting matchups and challenging opponents. As the Blue Raiders look to make a strong impact in C-USA play, they'll need to be at the top of their game in order to secure a spot in a bowl game. With a talented roster and a experienced coaching staff, MTSU is poised for a successful season.
Gallery of MTSU Football Schedule 2023
FAQ
When does the 2023 MTSU football season start?
+The 2023 MTSU football season starts on September 2, when the Blue Raiders host the Rhode Island Rams.
Who are the Blue Raiders' biggest rivals in 2023?
+The Blue Raiders' biggest rivals in 2023 are the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
What are the Blue Raiders' chances of making a bowl game in 2023?
+The Blue Raiders have a good chance of making a bowl game in 2023, but it will depend on their performance in C-USA play.