Classic Mid-Major Clash in Nashville

(St. Lous, MO) – Two classic and classy mid major teams collide tonight in Nashville. Although some don’t classify Middle Tennessee as a mid major, Conference USA is not a ‘power 6’ conference. When the Blue Raiders (9-1) visit Belmont (4-3) tonight in Music City it will be a statement game for both teams.

MTSU is receiving votes in the national polls. Their only loss came at the hands of fellow Ohio Valley member Tennessee State. Belmont is 14th in the most recent Mid-Major Top 25 Poll. TSU is currently 20th.

The two Tennessee based schools have met 36 times, including 20 at the Division 1 level. Belmont holds an 11-9 edge in D 1 games, and the Blue Raiders won last year’s contest.

Two veteran coaches that are greatly respected in the region and across the nation patrol the side-lines for these teams. Rick Byrd (735-382) and Kermit Davis (356-226) were both products of the Southeastern Conference. Byrd graduated from Tennessee and Davis from Mississippi State.

Both teams drill threes, upset major conference teams and graduate their players. These are programs that pay attention to what matters.

For the Blue Raiders this is about distancing themselves from that mid major label and trying to cement a bid in the upcoming NCAA Tournament whether they win the C-USA tournament or not. MTSU shocked the world during last season’s version of March Madness by becoming the eighth No. 15 seed to defeat a second seeded team when they upset Michigan State here in St. Louis.

For Byrd and Bruins, this game is about reestablishing themselves as the prominent mid major team in the region. Belmont struggled out of the starting gate, but have won three straight games and a win against MTSU would put them back into the regional conversation, if not the national discussions.

Game time on American Sports Network is 7:00 pm.