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.
Photos from the game can be seen below.
Canon Rooker, Will Mitchell, and Daniel Sargeant carry American flags before kickoff on Nov. 4, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
Military members kneel at MTSU’s Salute to Service game on Nov. 4, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
Shane Tucker, Jovante Moffatt, and DJ Sanders prepare to meet at midfield for coin toss on Nov. 4, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
Brent Stockstill surveys downfield against UTEP on Nov. 4, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
Tavares Thomas celebrates his touchdown with teammates on Nov. 4, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
Ty Lee hauls in a touchdown reception between defenders on Nov. 4, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
Veterans make way to the field for halftime ceremony on Nov. 4, 2017 in Murfreesboro Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
Tavares Thomas stiff arms UTEP defender on Nov. 4, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
Tavonn Salter lays out for catch against UTEP on Nov. 4, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
Matt Bonadies loads up to boot a punt away on Nov. 4, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
Jordan Ferguson rushes the passer against UTEP on Nov. 4, 2017 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Devin P. Grimes / MTSU Sidelines)
