MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee has a first-time opponent on its schedule for Saturday, but what happens outside the field of play will be of more importance.
The contest against Rice (0-9, 0-5) will serve as the program's annual Salute to Veterans & Armed Forces, where the Blue Raiders (3-6, 2-3) will pay tribute to veterans and active military personnel with a memorial service, pregame picnic and the presentation of the Dr. Joe Nunley Award, which annually recognizes the accomplishments of a man or woman who served with distinction in the military.
MT's players will also sport a special helmet decal with the names of military personnel who have lost their lives on active duty.