Media pick MTSU to win division

MURFREESBORO — MTSU football has been selected to win its division by Conference USA media members.

The Blue Raiders went 7-6 overall and 6-2 in the league last year, finishing behind rival Western Kentucky in the East.

MTSU hasn’t won a conference title since 2006, when the Blue Raiders were named co-Sun Belt champions in coach Rick Stockstill’s first season. MTSU has finished either second or tied for second in its division each of the three years it’s been in Conference USA.

Last year, the Blue Raiders got off to a rough start, though they closed out the regular season on a four-game win streak and clinched a berth in the Bahamas Bowl.

The team returns C-USA Freshman of the Year quarterback Brent Stockstill and All-American wide receiver Richie James on offense.

On defense, MTSU returns all-conference defensive back Jeremy Cutrer, who is on the Jim Thorpe watch list.

Southern Miss was picked to repeat as champions in the West. The Golden Eagles return quarterback Nick Mullens, arguably the top returning quarterback in C-USA.

Conference USA media days begin Monday in Irving, Texas. MTSU will be represented by offensive lineman Daniel Stephens and defensive end Steven Rhodes.

The Blue Raiders begin the season against Alabama A&M on Sept. 3.

Reach Aldo Amato at 615-278-5109 and on Twitter@Aldo_Amato.

CONFERENCE USA MEDIA POLL

East Division

1. MTSU

2. WKU

3. Marshall

4. Florida Atlantic

5. FIU

6. Old Dominion

7. Charlotte

West Division

1. Southern Miss

2. Louisiana Tech

3. Rice

4. UTEP

5. UTSA

6. North Texas