As most of you know…there is a college football game of epic proportions that will take place within the confines of our state. The great news is it is happening right here in Rutherford County when Western Kentucky visits Middle Tennessee State.
To qualify our opening statement, let’s engage in a little college football philosophy. The Hilltoppers (3-3) and the Blue Raiders (3-3) are not ranked in the top 25 and are far from unbeaten. So, what makes this such a BIG game? It’s simply the old-school reasons why the game was originally played.
The biggest is perhaps the geographical rivalry that began way back in 1914 when these two first battled for bragging rights. Prior to the playoff era, folks were not always concerned with the big picture and seasonal records. Each week was a battle in itself with the only concern being the game right in front of us. Armchair athletic directors weren’t as prominent and beating your biggest rival was more important than your over-evaluated statistical data.
Another factor in this game’s importance is the fact these two familiar foes are in the same league. Looking for a leg up in the Conference USA standings, what better place to step than on the head of your neighbor? As each look to build toward bowl eligibility, a big building block is a win in this one.
Our last point kind of ties in with our first. The history between these two runs deep. The series is knotted up as each school has won 35 times and only once has there been a sister kissing (tie). The Toppers have won the last three and six of the past seven. Obviously the balance in the overall mark tells us neither has been dominant over an extended period which means things are usually very competitive. That makes for entertaining contests which are good for the fans.
Kickoff at Floyd Stadium is slated for 2:30 pm in Murfreesboro.
