FAU vs. MTSU football: Five things to watch as the Blue Raiders host Lane Kiffin

Luis Torres
Murfreesboro Daily News Journal
FAU coach Lane Kiffin

Middle Tennessee has a chance to begin Conference USA play on the right track.

MTSU (1-2) hosts Florida Atlantic (2-2) in both teams' league opener Saturday (6 p.m., Stadium). The Blue Raiders did not play last week after losing 49-7 to No. 3 Georgia.

FAU won last season's game 38-20. 

"We've got FAU this weekend, which is a really good team," coach Rick Stockstill said. "Defending conference champ. Very talented, very athletic and a very fast team."

Here are five things to watch:

Scott Shafer vs. FAU's offense

FAU's up-tempo offense garnered 439 yards in last season's win over the Blue Raiders. MTSU defensive coordinator Scott Shafer will try to look for ways to slow down the Owls' offense. While FAU's offensive coordinator is Charlie Weis Jr., coach Lane Kiffin seems to have his hand in the offense. FAU leads the conference with 882 rushing yards.

Brent Stockstill vs. FAU's defense

Quarterback Brent Stockstill was on the sidelines last season dealing with a cracked sternum when FAU defeated MTSU, and he witnessed backup John Urzua throwing for 359 yards. Replicating that success will go a long way for Stockstill and MTSU. 

"Great player," Kiffin said of Stockstill during his Monday press conference. "Obviously, (he's) smart, savvy. ... You have to try to get him rattled somehow and get to the quarterback. Otherwise, he just kind of picks you apart."

Starters' statuses up in the air

MTSU is dealing with a multitude of injuries right now. Starting running back Tavares Thomas has not played since the season opener against Vanderbilt and was not listed on the depth chart this week. Coach Stockstill said during his radio appearance on Monday that Thomas did not do a lot of work on Sunday. Starting safeties Jovante Moffatt and Reed Blankenship also were not listed. Both practiced on Tuesday. 

Slowing down Devin Singletary

FAU running back Devin Singletary leads the nation with 10 rushing touchdowns. He carved up MTSU's defense last season, rushing for 133 yards and four touchdowns. 

"He's the best right now, and he's leading the nation in scoring and touchdowns," Stockstill said. "He was third all-time in the history of college football for touchdowns in a season last year when he had 33 (total touchdowns). You don't score that many touchdowns unless you're good. So the last year and a half, he's been the best running back in this conference."

Ty Lee looking to break out

Junior wide receiver Ty Lee is off to a slow start. Lee, who led the team with 955 yards last season, has been limited to 50 yards through three games. Some of it can be attributed to playing against two SEC teams and not being able to create separation at the line of scrimmage. 

Reach Luis Torres at ltorres1@dnj.com and follow him on Twitter @LFTorresIII.