Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - 2008 SEASON IN REVIEW: After making their first bowl appearance in 2006, Middle Tennessee has stumbled to back-to-back 5-7 finishes under fourth year head coach Rick Stockstill. Usually considered a league contender, something always seems to go wrong for the Blue Raiders, who finished under .500 in league play last season at 3-4.

The 2008 Raiders got off to a very slow start, dropping six of their first eight outings. However, their potential showed in the two wins, as the team upended Maryland (24-14) and Florida Atlantic (14-13), a pair of bowl participants. The victory over Maryland was especially noticeable, as it was the first time Middle Tennessee had posted a home win over a team from a BCS guaranteed conference. The Raiders also gave fits to SEC members Kentucky (20-14) and Mississippi State (31-22) on the road, but just could not pull out a win.

Middle Tennessee though, came on strong down the stretch, winning three of its final four games, including a 52-13 waxing of North Texas. The strong finish, along with countless returning starters, has the Raiders in the talk as SBC title contenders in 2009.

2009 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: The Raiders brought in a new offensive coordinator this season in Tony Franklin, who got the boot from Auburn last year, and his spread attack will be met by 10 returning starters. The wealth of experience should help the team quickly adjust to Franklin's system and improve a unit that averaged a modest 22.8 ppg in 2008.

The one position that MT must replace is quarterback, but the team does have an option with experience in Dwight Dasher. The 5-10, 204-pound junior burst onto the scene as a true freshman with 530 rushing yards, but he lacked consistency in practice and that allowed Joe Craddock to take over the starting gig in 2008. With Craddock now out of the way, Dasher is back atop the depth chart and ready to prove he is worthy of starting under center. Dasher has terrific speed and a respectable arm and he should fit well in Franklin's system.

"Dwight (Dasher) has great natural talent and a good feel as a runner and thrower with the potential to be dynamic," said Franklin. "Dwight is still learning to be a leader but if he continues to improve he could be a special player."

MT returns its top pass catchers from a year ago and that should help ease Dasher's transition into a starting role. Eldred King came over from the juco ranks last season and proved to be the team's most reliable target, making 51 catches for 598 yards and four scores. The 5-9, 167-pound King will be joined by Patrick Honeycutt, who hauled in 51 balls for 513 yards and three touchdowns. Sophomore Malcolm Beyah is another weapon for MT and he has big play potential, averaging 16.7 yards per catch with six touchdowns last season.

At tailback, the Raiders will turn to Phillip Tanner, who started only four games last season, but still finished with 714 yards and an impressive 15 touchdowns. The 6-0, 211-pound senior has good size and speed and should easily top the 1,000-yard mark as a full-time starter.

"This offense is perceived as heavy on the pass, but the running back is a key ingredient because for us to be successful we have to run the football," said running backs coach Willie Simmons.

All five starters return along the line, including a pair of all-league players in guard Jamal Lewis and tackle Mark Fisher. The line has decent size and plenty of experience and that should only lead to good things.

DEFENSE: MT was sound on this side of the ball last season and the unit should finish among the upper half in the conference this year with the return of six starters.

The line is a strength of this defense, as several proven players are back in the fold. Dwight Smith, a 6-2, 263-pound tackle notched 30 tackles and 7.5 TFLs last season and he is only getting better with more experience. Chris McCoy is the wildcard of the group, as he spent last season as a backup after being expected to be a key starter. The 6-4, 252-pound end, who made 25 tackles and three sacks in 2008, has all the tools to be an impact player and the team is desperately hoping he can put it all together this year.

"We have enough talent to be a very successful group, but you don't always win on talent alone on Saturdays," said defensive line coach Les Herrin. "They know it takes effort, focus, and execution on every play. To be productive this group has to play together and take care of one another every step of the way."

At linebacker is where MT is thin, but the team does have one star to build around in Danny Carmichael. The 6-0, 246-pound Carmichael was an all- conference selection in 2008, leading the team with 89 stops, to go with 11.5 TFLs and three sacks. He is a terrific run stopper that does an adequate job in pass coverage and he will be counted on to do it all once again.

The secondary, with all of its experience, will help make up for some concerns at linebacker and this group should be considered one of the best in the league. Free safety Jeremy Kellem highlights the group and he earned all- conference accolades after posting 72 tackles and two picks last season. The 5-10, 185-pound junior is a big hitter that can also make plays when needed. He will be accompanied by 6-1, 203-pound strong safety Kevin Brown, who racked up 68 tackles last year and is terrific in run support.

SPECIAL TEAMS: The Raiders' kicking game is in good shape thanks to the return of Alan Gendreau and David DeFatta. Gendreau made good on 10-of-14 field goal attempts with a long of 44 last season, while DeFatta averaged 40.9 yards per punt.

OUTLOOK: The Raiders are one of the more experienced teams in the league and that should have them in contention for a winning campaign. The team could also be considered a darkhorse for the conference title, but MT will need Dasher to play up to his potential and in a new offensive system. A .500 or better finish is well within reach and perhaps MT can finally get over the hump and even claim the league title if all goes right.