MTSU Football: MTSU will play a game on the NFL Network

Conference USA signed a deal with the NFL Network to show games for the 2019 season. The deal will run through 2022.

Middle Tennessee State football has been on the rise the past few years. Not only with performance on the field improving, but they are also building a national brand. The Blue Raiders have appeared on ESPN, CBS, Stadium, SEC Network, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, and BeIN Sports in the past few years.

This is in part with MTSU scheduling Power 5 non-conference opponents. For 2019, MTSU is playing Michigan in Ann Arbor and Duke at home. The Michigan game will be on the Big Ten Network, and the Duke game will air on Stadium.

MTSU will soon be adding a new network to their list. Conference USA signed a four year deal with the NFL Network to show games on the network. The Blue Raiders will make their NFL Network debut in October. The October 26th game against FIU will be the first time MTSU will play on the NFL Network.

"“I think that’s going to be great,” MT Director of Athletics Chris Massaro said. “Anytime Conference USA can associate ourselves with the NFL, we should really explore those possibilities. They’re the No. 1 sports brand in America, and to have our games on that network is huge for the conference.”"

This game is also MTSU’s homecoming game so this will be a great opportunity for the university to showcase its campus and history to a national audience. This will also be a great opportunity for the players to display their talents to a new audience.

For MTSU to affiliate themselves with the NFL is huge for the university and their players. Over the next few years, MTSU could become a regular on the NFL Network if they can show out in their debut. Along with the NFL Network, Stadium, and Big Ten Network, MTSU will also play on ESPN, ESPN+, ESPN 3, and CBS.