Middle Tennessee survived three non-conference games against Maryland, Oklahoma and Louisville, and has been impressive defensively in two Sun Belt games (holding FIU and North Texas to six points combined).

The Blue Raiders begin a critical two-week road swing to Louisiana this week when they play at Louisiana-Monroe. They face Louisiana-Lafayette the following week.

"Last week's open date was great," first-year Middle Tennessee coach Rick Stockstill said. "It allowed us to evaluate where we're at, and it allowed our players to get away from us for a while."

Middle Tennessee is coming off four consecutive losing seasons but can certainly be a factor in the league race if it can win this week.

"We're not really thinking about that right now," Stockstill said. "We've got to play a team that has been in some very close games and is very talented.

"Their record (1-5, 0-3) is very deceiving, and our players know that. They're at home and they'll be excited to play. They're a dangerous team and the most athletic we've faced so far in the Sun Belt Conference."

The Blue Raiders are coming off a 44-17 loss to No. 6 Louisville, but they actually played the Cardinals much closer than the score indicated.

"It's always disappointing when you don't win, but we did a lot of good things against (Louisville)," senior quarterback Clint Marks said. "We're playing with more confidence, and we're looking forward to the rest of the Sun Belt race."

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The defense has been the biggest surprise of the team, ranking first in the Sun Belt against the run. The Blue Raiders also have forced 14 turnovers in six games. Middle Tennessee doesn't have a lot of depth at linebacker or on the defensive line, but the coaching staff has done a good job rotating players.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "One thing we don't do is look at records when we play teams." -- Middle Tennessee coach Rick Stockstill, referring to his team being 2-0 in conference play and this week's opponent, Louisiana-Monroe, being 0-3 in the Sun Belt.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: LB J.K. Sabb -- The senior is a candidate for defensive player of the year in the Sun Belt. He leads the Blue Raiders with 41 tackles, including 10 1/2 for losses and three sacks.

DB Damon Nickson -- The junior is second on the team with 27 tackles, and he also has an interception and an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

RB Eugene Gross -- The senior, who splits time with junior DeMarco McNair, averages 50 yards rushing a game and leads the Blue Raiders with five rushing touchdowns. He also had 45 yards receiving against Louisville two weeks ago.

ROSTER REPORT: Junior LB Chance Dunleavy (knee) is out indefinitely.

Freshman FB Coy Williamson (ankle) is probably out for the season.

Sophomore DB Jordan Wilson has been dismissed from the team.