MTSU vs. UL-Monroe: Keys to the game

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Adam Sparks, MTSU beat writer for The Daily News Journal gives his keys to today's game between UL-Monroe and MTSU.
MTSU needs to...

? Keep ULM QBs in pocket. Lancaster is ?as slippery as a greased pig,? as Rick Stockstill says.

? Pass more and run less. Go with what works.

? Make something happen in returns game. It worked last year vs. ULM.



ULM needs to...

? Balance its offense. One dimension won?t beat MTSU defense.

? Keep MTSU WRs in front of secondary. No deep balls.

? Keep eyes on Desmond Gee. He?s torched ULM in past.

 

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MTSU vs. UL-Monroe: Who has the edge?



MTSU beat writer Adam Sparks breaks down each position between MTSU and Louisiana-Monroe.



Quarterback

MTSU - Joe Craddock is near pace to break single-season school passing record, but he?ll share time with Dwight Dasher.

ULM - Slithery runner Kinsmon Lancaster injured his knee last week, but he should still start. Backup Trey Revell may also play.

Edge: Even


Running back

MTSU - Forget 100 yards. No MTSU RB has 80 rushing yards in a game in the last 18 games.

ULM - Frank Goodin is a talented and versatile back itching for a breakout game. He has no rushing TDs in last 4 games.

Edge: ULM


Receivers

MTSU - Malcolm Beyah had 400-plus yards and 4 TDs in first five games, but only 49 yards and one TD last three games. Eldred King is picking up slack.

ULM - Like Beyah, Darrell McNeal has good numbers but has slumped lately. TE Zeek Zacherie is among SBC?s best.

Edge: Even


Offensive line

MTSU - Guard Colin Boss (shoulder) and tackle Alex Stuart (hip) are both out. Freshman Brandon McLeroy will start on a struggling line.

ULM - Three new starters this season. Offense has been productive, but line has allowed 23 sacks (10th most in nation).

Edge: ULM


Defensive line

MTSU - Blue Raiders haven?t made a sack in 3 games. Today may make that 4 facing speedy QB Kinsmon Lancaster.

ULM - Aaron Morgan is a good rush end (4 sacks), but ULM?s D-line has only one sack in 5 SBC games.

Edge: MTSU


Linebacker

MTSU - Danny Carmichael and Ivon Hickmon are team?s best two tacklers. Maybe due to injury, Lonnie Clemons is amid a sub-par year.

ULM - Cardia Jackson has nearly 100 tackles. Add 2 INTs, 2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and he?s one of SBC?s best.

Edge: Even


Secondary

MTSU - Both with ankle injuries, cornerback Marcus Udell is out and safety Anthony Glover is doubtful.

ULM - Safety Greg James needs one pick to tie former MTSU CB Bradley Robinson for Sun Belt career INTs record.


Edge: ULM


Special teams

MTSU - Kicker Alan Gendreau has made six straight FGs, three vs. Mississippi State. MTSU needs a spark in returns game.

ULM - Punter Scott Love is among league?s best. Radi Jabour is a good freshman kicker.

Edge: Even