Story by David Chamberlain / Assistant Sports Editor
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (4-5, 2-3) hosted the University of Texas-El Paso Miners Saturday night for the annual Salute to Service game. The Blue Raiders defeated the Miners 30-3 in Brent Stockstill’s return to the turf since his sternum injury.
Stockstill tossed three touchdowns on the night and passed for 190 yards. He only completed 43 percent of his passes, but finished with a 122.9 passer rating. Tavares Thomas enjoyed a very productive game against the Miners defense, rushing for 72 yards on only nine carries.
The Blue Raiders defense was dominant and held the Miners to only a field goal for the entire game. Reed Blankenship posted a solid performance on defense and special teams, tallying a sack and being effective in the return game. Canon Rooker also set a new career high, while knocking down a 51-yard field goal.