Football - July 22, 2004

MT Media Relations

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The preseason issue of The Sporting News College Football edition heaped praise upon Middle Tennessee Head Coach Andy McCollum and junior linebacker Dennis Burke.

McCollum, entering his sixth season at the helm of the Blue Raiders, is listed as "one of the best college coaches you have never heard of". The energetic McCollum led the Blue Raiders to a share of the 2001 Sun Belt Conference Championship and a share of second place in 2003. The two-time Tennessee Sports Writers Association Coach of the Year, has led Middle Tennessee to a pair of wins against the SEC and has produced eight NFL players during his head coaching tenure.

Burke was listed as the 18th best outside linebacker in the country and was the only Sun Belt linebacker mentioned. The Marietta, Ga., native finished fourth on the team a year ago with 57 tackles, despite missing two games due to a knee injury.

The Blue Raiders will begin preparation for the 2004 campaign when the team reports on August 10. The first game is scheduled for Sept. 4 at Florida.

<a href='http://www.goblueraiders.com/?go=story&doc=3144' target='_blank'>LINK</a>