Looking ahead to MT and UK

LEXINGTON, Ky. – With Conference USA championship dreams on its mind, Middle Tennessee will step out of conference on Saturday.

The Blue Raiders (7-3, 6-1), who currently own a half-game lead over FIU in the C-USA East Division standings, will travel to Southeastern Conference foe No. 20/21 Kentucky (7-3, 5-3).

Middle Tennessee might be more concerned about the outcome in the regular-season finale against UAB next week, but head coach Rick Stockstill reiterated on Monday how much his team wants to win in Lexington Saturday.

"We need to have a great week of preparation," he said. "When you play teams like this, there isn't much margin for error … but we're going to be excited and ready to play…