Head Coach Rick Stockstill
On what he told the team heading into the week…
“I’ve told them to enjoy it. It’s a reward. It’s a great experience. It’s the first time probably 95 percent of this team has been out of the country. Enjoy it but also understand the reason we are here – to play a game and to win a game. That’s our mindset, that’s our focus. They’ll have plenty of time to enjoy Atlantis – the hotel, the fellowship of their teammates. But it’s also a work week.”
On the team’s expectations for the week…
“To play well. To have a good week here. To enjoy themselves, but to understand they have to be mentally tough enough, focused and disciplined, and have the mental intensity to separate the two. When it’s work time, it’s work, when it’s playtime they can play. But understand this is not a vacation. We want to come down here and play our best game of the year.”
On what he remembers from Middle Tennessee’s 2015 trip…
“It was a great experience in 2015. Western Michigan beat us, but it was a good experience, a good trip. We expect to have a good experience again this year. The people at the Bowl game do a magnificent job from an organizational standpoint. Our players will enjoy it. I keep repeating myself, but we are here to play a game.”
On whether he liked the atmosphere in the Bahamas…
“Who wouldn’t? We left this morning and it was 27 degrees. We get off the plane and it’s 80 degrees, so I think that would answer your question. I love the people here. I love the hospitality. Everyone associated with the bowl, everybody in this community, they just do a fantastic job of welcoming you here. Every time I come here I leave with a bigger and better impression than when I arrived.”
Senior Center Marcus Greer
On his first impression of being in the Bahamas…
“This is my first time – it’s very beautiful here. On the flight here seeing how clear the water is – it’s very beautiful. All the guys are excited to check everything out here more, but we are really focused on Friday.”
On what to expect from MTSU on Friday…
“We play hard each and every game. Even the ones we lost, Coach Stock always thinks we are the toughest team at the end of the day. We are always dedicated during practice and our minds are focused on Toledo on Friday.”
On what he is looking forward to while staying at the Atlantis…
“Getting a little tan. I’m a little pale right now. It’s been a little cold in Murfreesboro. I’m looking forward to putting my feet in the sand and hanging out with the guys. It’s my last week of football so I want to go out with a bang and spend as much time as I can with my brothers.”
Senior Safety Reed Blankenship
On his first impression of being in the Bahamas…
“It was 29 degrees when we left Tennessee pretty early this morning. It’s worth it to be here so I’m excited. We know we have work to put in and a job to do.”
On what MTSU expects from Toledo…
“They are a great team. They would not be down here if they were not a great team. We are excited to play them. It will be a challenge but every game is a challenge. Our work ethic has not changed. We had a big win over FAU and we are going to carry that momentum into this game.”
On what he is looking forward to while staying at the Atlantis…
“I’m going to enjoy myself. You don’t get this opportunity (being in the Bahamas) often. I’m a senior and I’m going to enjoy my last year here. I just want to have fun with it.”
