Blue Raider Podcast | 09.04.2026

[00:00:02] This is the Blue Raider Podcast on FM 101.9 and AM 1450 Murfreesboro, 100.5 Smyrna, WGNSRadio.com, and the Blue Raider Podcast YouTube channel. Now, back to your host, Jake Bolden.

[00:00:20] We are live on scene at 1116 Old Last Castus Road, just a quarter mile from the Murphy Center, and we are going to be interviewing starting quarterback Roman Gagliano ahead of their season opener tomorrow against Murray State. And, of course, stick around to the end where we're going to be highlighting women's soccer's historic start to the season. You're not going to want to miss that. But before we get into our interview today, I want to remind you to follow us on our social media accounts at Blue Raider Pod.

[00:00:45] We're on X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. And, of course, today's episode, as every Friday's episode, is live streamed on YouTube at Blue Raider Podcast. So make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss another one of our Friday episodes. And if you do want to join into today's episode, that phone number is open at 615-893-1450. But hold those calls until our third segment, and our producer will take your call. Then, like I said, we are joined with starting quarterback Roman Gagliano. I don't think we're breaking any news there, right?

[00:01:14] Roman was always a starter. But we're over here at Blue Hub Nutrition. Roman, what are you drinking on today? I got the Maui. It's my go-to. It's very tropical. And then added some orange hydration in there. Is it – you said it's your go-to. You don't drink anything else. It's always the Maui? Yeah, pretty much. Always the Maui. Because you and I walk in, everybody knows. Are you a creature of habit? Yes, sir. I like to think so. A creature of routine. Okay. Is that a quarterback thing, you think? Yeah, probably so. I think you could go around the country, most quarterbacks would say. And then what other position player would you say is probably, like, hectic about it?

[00:01:43] Like, is a running back a player that just would do whatever? Yeah, I would think running back, linebacker, maybe DB. Guys like that, you know what I mean? You're right. Guys that are a little bit of a head case. Exactly. Probably suffering from lots of concussions. Yes, sir. Exactly. How often do you come to Blue Hub? Yeah, so I try to come every day. You know, they have all the protein shakes and the hydration. So I usually go out to practice. We lift and then come in here, kind of refill my body and then head to class with it. Is the Maui always your post-practice drink of choice?

[00:02:12] Yes, sir. They rehydrate up. Absolutely. Well, Roman, you and I are a lot alike. We both love MTSU. We both hosted podcasts at one point in time. I'm still doing mine, but you did yours. But your co-host, Nick Badiato, you took the keys from him at quarterback now. I just want to know a little bit about your relationship with Nick. Do you still talk to Nick on a regular basis? Yeah, 100%. I mean, we see him every day. He's helping out with special teams now.

[00:02:37] But yeah, he was a super useful tool here when I first got here, obviously early in rolling in December of 24. But he's nothing like a brother to me. You know what I mean? He took me under his wing, whether it was inviting me over just to hang out so I'm not alone, chilling in the dorm or taking me out to eat. And then on the field-wise, man, he's one of the smartest dudes I've been around. And, you know, having that in my back pocket now and especially in the last year, I mean, I think you guys saw it on the field just knowing that I kind of played. It's like we were both kind of playing just because having his experience under my belt by him showing,

[00:03:06] I think it's just I'm definitely grateful for him and he's part of my journey forever. Is it fair to say that you guys were inseparable? You guys were always with one another? 100%. Like, were you guys staying living together? Were you guys roommates? Obviously, you're at football practice every day. But like when you left practice, I mean, were you guys always doing stuff together? Yeah. When I was a freshman, we were allowed to live off campus. And then obviously sophomore year, he had a house with somebody else. So we didn't live together or anything. But yeah, we'd always go eat after practice. And then we'd come up and watch film before we kind of met with everybody.

[00:03:35] And then on the weekends, we'd go golfing or go bowling or just something like that, just always being together. Is that still the case now? Yeah. I mean, he's a little bit more busy being a coach and all. He's an adult, right? Exactly. Yeah. He kind of grew up on me. Do you have another quarterback that's kind of taken that role? Yeah, I'd say Rocco Williams. You know, he's an early-and-all freshman. And I've kind of tried to be the Nick that – I've tried to been Nick to me, to him. You know what I mean? I try to take him under my wing, hang out with him as much as possible. You know, he comes from a bigger family with a bunch of brothers.

[00:04:03] So I've been there, you know, missing my family. So I just try to be there for him. So – I'm sure, too, being a quarterback moving far away from home, that probably is something new for him. How is – I mean, you just mentioned Rocco, and there's a lot of young quarterbacks, and you're one of them. But how has that group collectively just kind of transitioned to being in a new home in Murfreesboro? Right. I think it's a fun group. You know, we kind of got the other guys into golfing, me and Peter Grange. We were the two golfers of the group, but we took Stanley and Mason and the other Peter and Rocco out. So they kind of fell in love with it.

[00:04:32] It gives us another opportunity to be together. And if anybody makes a play, you see them jumping around for each other. So whenever I throw a touchdown pass, I know I can look to the sideline and, you know, celebrate with my guys with there being no envy there. Who's the better golfer? I think it's me. It's definitely going to be you. What's your handicap? I think I'm like an 8'9 or something like that. Okay. So, yeah, I'm usually low 80s to mid 80s. I mean, for someone that hasn't broken 100 in a while, that's impressive. So – and you're able to play really good. I mean, you're obviously a great football player to go along with it.

[00:05:02] So something that I think is so funny about the lore of Roman Gagliano is my introduction to you, and you're going to know exactly where I'm going, was the Conference USA Basketball Tournament. Are you ever going to – is that ever going to escape you? Is that going to be the most famous thing? No, I think that's pretty cool. I think it's like, you know, first impressions are everything. My first impressions are the university. So it was definitely pretty cool going out there. And then the women's basketball team won, which is also pretty dope. Right. Yeah, it's pretty cool.

[00:05:31] For those that don't know this story, Roman was – you were a freshman, right? That was your first semester. That was my first semester. Right. And he hit – I guess they pulled students out of the crowd to do a half-court shot at halftime, and you were the one that was handpicked, and you hit it. And what did you win? It was like a three-day trip to Destin, like all expenses paid for. Oh, wow. So it was pretty sweet. I mean, freshman, you've got a free place to live in Destin. Did you have to capitalize on that that next summer? How did that work? Yeah, so it was for a year. So we did it for spring break.

[00:06:01] I took me and my brothers down. Okay. It was pretty fun. Sweet. I mean, it was all worth it, hitting a half-court shot like that. I was – like I said, it's funny that that was the introduction to you. And now look at where you're at. You started last three games last year. You broke a lot of records right out the gate. I mean, did you have that expectation for yourself in your first start against Western Kentucky? Yeah, just because, like, I think at the end of the day, like it's just a game of football. And, you know, I think I prepared well enough that when Nick was still playing that I prepared like the starter in case when I got my shot,

[00:06:30] my job was to not give it back. So I think, you know, it didn't surprise me. I mean, it might have surprised everybody else just because, you know, in practice or something I'm always goofing off. But, like, I'm mentally there in the moment trying to get better. Nick kind of left us all hanging. I mean, he had a shoulder issue, and we didn't really know what the game plan was. Take me a little bit back to Western Kentucky. Did you know working into that week that you were going to be the QB1 against Western? Oh, so the first two days, like, Nick was taking the mental reps.

[00:06:58] Obviously he was trying to, like, pitch count on his arm. So, like, not until the Thursday of that week they were like, hey, you're going to start. But, I mean, I was getting the majority of the reps, so I was just taking advantage of those. And then when I found out that I was the guy, it was just time to cut it loose. Well, as QB2, you were still getting reps against the ones in practice, I assume, right? So nothing necessarily changed from that aspect. But mentally, I guess it's nice to have three games under your belt, move it into a full season as the starting quarterback now.

[00:07:27] Has much changed with your, I guess, preparation for game day, your daily, I guess, preparation for being the starting quarterback? Right. I think, you know, as far as preparation and film goes, I think I kept it pretty basic, kept it the same, you know, just trying to learn as much as I can on the opponent, excuse me. But I think just from, you know, having to last the whole season, I think I've taken the next step with my body with me and Coach Blatnick or me and Mr. Keith Bunch in the training room, just trying to make sure I'm available for those guys to play a whole season.

[00:07:55] How much, I guess, weight have you put in to that part of the game? Because, again, coming in as a freshman, I think for most incoming freshmen, and Coach Blatnick has talked on this in the preseason, is freshmen come in and they don't really understand that importance. How much has that been a game changer for you, taking the strength and conditioning, that nutrition side of things more important? Right. I mean, just because, like, the best availability, or the best ability is availability. Availability. So, you know, I sat down with Coach Blatnick at the end of last year. Like, you take some of those hits.

[00:08:23] I only played three games, but you take the hits that I kind of took and you kind of feel it on your body. So, I mean, this offseason I put on 15 pounds just to kind of, you know, be durable for it. And then as far as, like, prehab stuff, I mean, just being in there with Keith, you know, whether it's my arm or my ankles or knees, you know what I mean? Just, I don't know, I think it kind of separates a lot of people. How has this new facility kind of helped with that? It's incredible. We got everything we need right there. You got a sauna, a hot tub, cold tub, and then the weight room is top of the line, top of the country. So.

[00:08:52] Are these new freshmen, are they a little spoiled, you think? Yeah. I mean, I'm sure that's why some of them committed, though. Right. Yeah, sure. That's what they wanted. Yeah, when you see it. But, yeah, I remember my freshman year, we were in the Murphy Center trying to do weights under, like, four racks. You were in, like, a dance studio, weren't you? Yeah, y'all were crowded all over each other. So they just don't understand the grind that it took to be Roman where he is now. Well, going in a little bit more into this season, offensive coordinator, you got a new one this year, Anthony Selfo.

[00:09:22] What has that relationship been like for you? Yeah, it's been awesome. I think we're very similar in a lot of ways. You know, he comes from a big Italian family. So he's a very, like, when he's on the field, it's business, obviously. He has to be. But in the meeting rooms, you know, he'll have us over to his house and eat. Man, he's a funny dude. Like, he's always got a smile on his face. He's just a very energetic kind of – he's a little guy, but he's got some fire to him. So, I mean, I love him, and we've kind of built a great relationship over it. So we're just ready to play ball now. Is that a good timing?

[00:09:50] I mean, like you said, three games last year with Coach Reeder. Now you've got a new OC. I mean, if there was ever a time to be the starting quarterback, it would be with – I mean, as the playbook, I'm sure the playbook has changed a ton. But is that good timing for you, you think, that you're able to work now with a new OC starting – as a starting quarterback? A hundred percent. I think we can just help each other. You know, him coming to a new place, obviously. He doesn't know some of the guys that have been here. So we're kind of learning in different ways, but we're both learning at the same time and helping each other through that. What's the offense's identity? To be explosive.

[00:10:20] Okay. To go put points on the board and be physical and whatever we're good at and whatever we need in that moment and that down in distance, we'll go make it happen in the next few. The big question a lot of people want to know, you know, because Mason has always said in the past that he likes an offense that can run the ball first and pass second. I mean, he got quite the running back group in the transfer portal this year. Do you feel that this team can effectively run the football this year? Yeah, I think this team can do whatever we want to do. You know what I mean? I think we've put in enough work and enough time together where we can just go make plays for each other

[00:10:49] and then the standard that Coach Selfo has brought in with O-line Coach Brown. I mean, I think the sky's the limit for us and the only thing that can beat us is us. Talking a little bit about you and how you will translate, something with Nick's game that we saw transition a lot over his career as he got older. And you talked a little bit about how you have to be able to be available. And that might involve running the ball less. But we know how talented you are at running the football. Is that something that creating a better pocket presence?

[00:11:18] Or is Selfo giving you the reins? Hey, if you want to run, you take off. Yeah, I think Selfo's going to let me and the other guys around me just kind of play our game. He's not going to try to put us in a box or anything. But it's definitely like going into this year. You know, I might see a defender in front of me. I might step out of bounds or slide, you know, depending on the down and distance. But I think this year I'm just going to be kind of a point guard and let the playmakers who get paid to do that do that. You know what I mean? Instead, I kind of saved myself for it. Being a little bit smarter, right?

[00:11:46] It's always like watching you play last year, the term we always use, at least in the media room, was that you just kind of had this free spirit that you were just, as you said, playing a game. Do you feel like that approach has to change at all? Or you can still kind of live that life where you're like, I'm just playing a game. This isn't as serious as maybe some might think it is? No, I don't think my play style or my approach will change. You know what I mean? It obviously was effective the last three games last year. And I think kind of what I brought to the table was the energy for the rest of the team.

[00:12:15] So when they see their leader or their captain kind of playing loose, I think it's infectious and they'll just kind of cut it free. Talking about your speed a little bit and when you're running the football, do you consider your speed to be sneaky? Yeah, like I wouldn't say I'm just a super freak athletic dude. But I think like I might look slow, but for the defenders like trying to tackle me, it's like weird. We saw the run against Western Kentucky. We're like, surely this safety is going to catch him at some point. And then you were 80 yards, you were gone. I think looks can be deceiving. So that's why it's a little harder.

[00:12:45] It's the strides, right? The long strides. Well, anyone else in that quarterback room that you – who is the fastest guy in that group? I'll probably say Mason Mallory. Okay. Incoming freshman. Yeah, he's from South Florida, if that'll tell you anything. You're right. He's a pretty athletic dude. He's a pretty good basketball player as well, so I'll probably say him. You got a nice running back room going back to them. Antonio Martin, Terrence Brown, they're both kind of – they're different backs in their own right. They obviously have different skill sets. How do you feel about the running back group collectively?

[00:13:15] Yeah, I love – I think it just makes my job easier. You know what I mean? I think it makes the O-line job easier also. You know, obviously every play is not going to be perfect. They miss a block or something. I think those guys have the ability – talk about D.J. Taylor and Ashton Jones as well. Like, those guys have the ability to make one man miss and then get back to the lineman scrimmage or get two or three yards on a bad play. So, I think it just – it opens up the offense as well because they can come out of the backfield and make plays. We can run a bunch of screens. We can split them out wide and have them go run a couple choice options. So, I think it's just endless of what we can do with them.

[00:13:44] Talented group, but really the wide receiver group is talented. And we're going to be talking a lot more about them when we come back after the break. We're interviewing starting quarterback Roman Gagliano ahead of this Saturday's matchup against Murray State. You're not going to miss this. You're listening to the Blue Raider Podcast presented by Blue Hub Nutrition. This is the Blue Raider Podcast on FM 101.9 and AM 1450 Murfreesboro, 100.5 Smyrna, WGNSradio.com,

[00:14:12] and the Blue Raider Podcast YouTube channel. Now, back to your host, Jake Bolden. At Blue Raider Pod, X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. And, of course, today's live stream over on YouTube, as is every Friday's episode. So, make sure you subscribe so you don't miss another one of our uploads. And if you do want to call in and join today's episode, our phone line is open at 615-893-1450. You'll be put on a hold until our third and final segment.

[00:14:41] So, our producer will take your call there. But, Roman, here at Blue Hub Nutrition, you've got your old reliable here for you. Talk about Blue Hub and how they have really incorporated into your lifestyle as a student athlete. Yeah, I mean, they've been nothing but family. You know, Ms. Gloria and Mr. Mark, they've been awesome. You know, a lot of the guys from the team will come in here and then whether it's getting a drink or a post-practice shake. You know, I like to do a lot of my schoolwork in here as well because it's just a peaceful place right next to campus. I can do my work and head back to the facility. So, I mean, they've been awesome just being a resource for us.

[00:15:11] Absolutely. It is a great place. Also, like you said, to hang out. I can imagine for students alike, a nice, quiet place. You can always chill out. Their hours are Monday through Friday from 7 to 4, it's 10 to 2 p.m. We're talking about football. Their first game is this Saturday against Murray State. Roman, we talk about how this drink is really a part of your routine. What is your pregame routine? Has that changed up over your years here in Murfreesboro?

[00:15:40] Like pregame, like full day or just moving against the state? Yeah, like this Saturday's game tomorrow. Wake up, Roman Gagliano, what is he going to do? Right, so we'll be at the hotel, obviously. I'll wake up, go downstairs, get breakfast. It's usually just eggs. You know, I try to find the chewy bacon. I'm not a big crunchy bacon guy. And then a bunch of orange juice and Gatorade to kind of get a bunch of hydration in me. And, you know, 6 p.m. kickoff is a lot of time, so we have to just go chill up in the hotel room before we have meetings and stuff. And then I'll shower before meetings and head over to the facility.

[00:16:10] You know, usually I like to listen to, like, the All Blacks do the haka, you know, getting off the bus for the Raider walk. So that's a ritual I'd say I'd have. And then after that, you know, just kind of go get loose. And I like to pray on the 28-yard line every game when we come out of the tunnel. And that's pretty much it. What's the significance on the 28-yard line? My Grammy's birthday. Okay. Very cool. August 28th. And that's one of those things you've always got to do. Right, exactly. Interesting. Well, do you consider yourself a superstitious guy? You know, like, in high school I think I was.

[00:16:40] But then it was kind of like, like right now, no. I don't know why because, like, some people believe in splitting the pool. But, like, I purposely split the pool just because I don't believe in stuff like that anymore. You just break the curse. Yeah, like, I just think it's funny. We're going to win. We're going to win. We're going to lose. We're going to lose. Exactly. I think everything happens for a reason. That's right. That's right. Well, last segment, we broke off talking about the running back group and the skill positions there. I want to get into your wide receiver group. You made a statement on media day about how there really is no such thing as a 50-50 ball with your guys.

[00:17:09] You feel really confident in this group. Where do you think that confidence – I mean, I can imagine where the confidence comes from a quarterback's perspective. But where does that confidence come from with these guys? Yeah, I mean, I think it's just the amount of work we've put in together. You know, we'll watch film together and see kind of – we're seeing things on the same page. And then just the extra throws that we get after practice and just them seeing it come off my hand or kind of how they run certain routes. I think it's all to do with the preparation and then the God-given ability that they have just to go up and make plays and create space. So I think it's just stuff like that.

[00:17:40] The last two years, Coach Mason here, he found Amari Kelly. He got elevated to Michigan State. And I say Cox one year, he gets elevated to Kansas. Is it just a God-given talent that whoever wears the number one is going to get that next elevation? I don't know. I think we've got a lot of guys who can kind of take that jump. But I don't think anybody's focused on that. I think we're focused on winning in the here and now. So that's pretty funny. Who could you, I guess, identify as someone who would be that breakout wide receiver for you guys this year? I mean, obviously, you talk about Cam Lacey. You know what I mean?

[00:18:10] We just do everything on the field. He's a little guy, but he'll go off and make some plays on some jump balls. And then, I mean, I can see her on and on. And a bunch of guys, Neo Clifton, A.J. Jones, I think. And how Coach Selfer runs his office and everything. I think everybody's going to get the ball and everybody's going to get touches. So you try to stop one guy, another guy's going to come back and beat you. So I think a lot of these guys can. Is there any guys that you would identify as maybe flying under the radar? You mentioned Neo Clifton, who's a redshirt freshman. Right. Someone who's a local guy. I was really excited to see him play.

[00:18:39] But anyone else that you might consider flying under the radar? Yeah, I think he's our freshman Zion Butler. He's from Jacksonville, Florida. He's a little guy. A lot like Cam. I think you've got a guy like Santana Fleming, also from Florida. He's from Miami. He's a Juco transfer. So I think those guys can just do a lot. And you've got one of those speeds that can just jump off the paper. So I think when you've got that, it's a lot you can do. Do you think that group is probably the deepest it's been since you've been here? Oh, yes, sir. I do.

[00:19:07] Which is the same amount of how they complement each other, for sure. And it's a lot of the versatility, like you talked about. You have some undersized guys that can play the slot. But you also have some bigger guys that like to play the outside edge. Right. I mean, that group, as far as pushing one another on a daily basis, I mean, how competitive are those guys? I think they know because, like we're talking about how just good they all are. Like they know, like, every day someone's coming behind me to take that job and to push each other. But they're also just such a tight-knit group that they want to see each other win and they want to see each other get better.

[00:19:35] So I think when you have that in a room, it's dangerous. Right. The other question mark this season, going into this season, I should say, the offensive line, you have a lot of change there. You also have some injuries and you've got guys coming back this year. How do you feel? It's very important, obviously, that you have confidence in the offensive line. But how do you feel going into game one about that group? Yeah. I mean, I love them. Those guys are protecting my livelihood. Right. So I love them.

[00:20:03] But I think they're just – you know, we brought a bunch of guys in. I think it's the biggest the offensive line has been stuff in here. I think it's the most physical and dominant. You know what I mean? And I also think it's just the smartest group. You know, I think me and the centers will watch film together and we'll kind of see stuff and then just talking with my tackles all the time, whether we take protection out or point a different guy. And then they're also just a tight-knit group that, you know, they're willing to play hard for each other and they're not going to leave anybody hanging. What is your relationship like with them, like off the field? We used to hit the pool a lot this summer. And then obviously they can cook.

[00:20:33] They're bigger guys. They eat a lot. So they can – they'll grill out for everybody. But, I mean, I think it's just – a lot of them live in the same apartment complex that I do. So we'll just go hang out at their house, stuff like that, just being with each other. Who's a good cook? But I'll say Reese Tripp. Is he the best cook? Either Reese Tripp or Q Butler. Okay. What is he cooking that is good? So he has these brats. Uh-huh. I don't – I'm a hot dog guy. I'm a brat guy. Yeah. But, man, his brats are crazy. And then he'll do some steaks for us sometimes. They're pretty good. Reese is from Minnesota, right? Yeah.

[00:21:02] Does he have any sort of cuisine from up north that you may – are not accustomed to? No. Not that he's shown out at least yet. I would think the brats are one. Hot dog 10 out of 10 times, but that's interesting. Getting back to this season ahead, we're previewing this upcoming game. What does it take to be a good football team? And I know that's a loaded question and you can go a lot of different avenues, but I think you would agree.

[00:21:28] And as Mason has said, this team was one possession away six times last year. What does it take to turn that corner and get – and be on the winning side of those one possession games? Yeah, I think it's just finishing ultimately. You know, like you said, we're in those games. And one little thing will go bad and kind of just shut down on each other. So, I think it starts with being a tight-knit grip. You've got to love for who you're playing with and who you're playing next to. And then that's kind of been our emphasis all season is finishing that extra play or that extra sprint.

[00:21:56] Just anything we can do to get that edge, I think it's definitely just finishing. Do you feel like the margins have just become razor thin, particularly in conference play? Because, I mean, you took Jacksonville State down to the wire. I mean, you even had a great game against Kennesaw State for, you know, a quarter and a half. I mean, just like you said, it's just – do you feel like you just can't make mistakes in today's game? Right. And I think Conference USA is one of the most underrated conferences out there. I mean, there's good football everywhere, obviously. But, like, in this league, you don't know.

[00:22:22] Like, the favorites and the odds in Vegas, obviously, are super, you know, up in the air. So, I think knowing that and knowing that you have to bring your best stuff every week is another motivator for us. How do you yourself personally approach flipping that script? Like, people would make the comment that you're trying to – how do you get an elephant, you know? Right. How do you approach that? I think it's one bite at a time. It's like an elephant. But I like to put a lot of it on me. You know, I've been here and done it both years, or we haven't succeeded. So, I know what it looks like to not.

[00:22:50] And just knowing our standard and how it's going to change, it's going to start with me and start with the guys who have been here and done it. So, I think definitely just worrying about the here and now and not looking too far ahead. What does that look like for you on a daily basis? I mean, is it the extra reps? Is it more attention to detail? I mean, what do you have to do? Yeah, I think just hold more guys accountable. And it's been unbelievable, the amount of change that has happened here. And just – it starts with Coach Mason, obviously, and just trickles down to the coaches and other players. So, I think it's just the accountability part

[00:23:19] and the little details part that we can lock in on. Fill me in on your timeline to Murfreesboro. Because your first year here was Derek Mason's first year. Were you recruited by Derek Mason or were you recruited by Stocksdale? I was recruited by both. But towards the end of my senior year, or at the beginning of my senior year, I didn't hear much from MTSU at all. So, I kind of just crossed them off the list. And then, like two days before National Signing Day, I graduated early already. And Coach Mason calls me and is like, hey, we want to get you up on a visit. You know, we're from the same place. Like, he was at Auburn for a while. And I kind of knew him while he was at Auburn.

[00:23:48] So, we already had that relationship. So, we came up and then loved it. You know, loved what Coach Mason was selling. And obviously, the community of Murfreesboro and what they were building in the facility. Like, I wanted to be a part of it. And I wanted to kind of change things around. So, then I got here in January of 2025, I believe. That's the part of it, like, I think is interesting. Because you're really – and based on that timeline, you're one of the first, really, recruits for Derek Mason. And he probably sold a little bit on the culture that he's trying to build.

[00:24:16] I mean, he's a guy himself that took some time away from coaching and is having to rebuild a program now. How do you think that culture that you were sold when you came here and you signed here has developed over your first couple seasons? Yeah, I think he's lived up to what he said he was going to do. You know, he's been accountable and a man of his word. So, I think it's just now that we got that culture set, it's going to show on the field on Saturdays when we're winning. So, I'm just really excited for that. Contrary to popular belief, and I know we talked about this off camera,

[00:24:46] but, like, you don't want to lose games. Right. Right? Like, no one wants to lose these games. So, you talk about that accountability. What does that look like with Coach Mason internally? I'm just intrigued because no one wants to lose football games. Right. So, what does that next day, that next practice look like after those kind of games? I mean, Mason doesn't come across as a guy that is necessarily – I mean, he's a rah-rah guy, but he's not one that's going to rip or embarrass anybody. Right. But I'm intrigued to know,

[00:25:14] what does that process look like for you guys when you're turning the page to the next week? Like if we lose you? Right, yeah. When you're coming off of a loss, you know, what does the accountability look like? Is it I have to handle my business now? I mean, is it one of these big, full-blown, we have this community meeting, we have to come together? What does that look like for you guys? Right, no, I think it's just – you know, we always have our meetings and watch the film and make the corrections, but I think it's literally like you just flush it. Like there's nothing we can do about it right now. Obviously, we try to learn from those mistakes, but once it's done, it's done,

[00:25:43] and we're kind of just moving on to the next week. Absolutely. What do you think the biggest misconception about your team is? I think the past two years. Like we kind of have that hanging cloud over us because, I mean, we haven't proved anything yet, obviously. I mean, as of right now, we're a 3-9 football team because we haven't played again. So, I think like the underdog aspect of it. You feel like you've got a lot to prove on Saturday? Not really. I think we have a lot to prove for ourselves. Like we're not really worried about the outside

[00:26:12] and what everybody thinks of us. I think we just need to prove ourselves right that all the work we've been doing and the hard work and the camaraderie that we've built that it's going to come show on Saturday and surprise a lot of people. I can admire that answer a lot because at the end of the day, I'm just a radio guy. Who cares what I think? But for you internally, hearing it from your starting quarterback, it is admirable to hear that you're here just to play your game. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. You're here to win football games. You're here to enjoy yourself. You have chemistry with your teammates, and that's what's more important to you. Again, I like that a lot,

[00:26:41] and that's why when I talk to Mark about interviewing a player ahead of the season, you're great. Obviously, the starting quarterback, who doesn't want to interview the starting quarterback? But I think that your mindset, again, is admirable, particularly with how young you are. about that mindset that you have. Do you think a lot of that comes from this coaching staff? Do you think that Coach Mason has a culture where that's the expectation is that we're just worried about ourselves? Yeah, because, I mean, obviously, like adversity is going to hit. So, you know, if you're worried about adversity

[00:27:11] every single time, you kind of lose yourself in all that process. So I think, you know, he does a good job of it, and like I said, it's kind of trickled down to everybody else. You're not trying to prove anyone else wrong. You're just trying to prove yourself right. Yeah. I think that's a good way to put it. When people watch this team Saturday, and I'll even, we'll fast forward the next week when they play, when you play Marshall. What do you hope people say about this team? Yeah, that we just play with fanatical effort and we're a physical team. You know what I mean? We think of what the offense is saying is you control two things, effort and assignment.

[00:27:41] So, you know, when you see guys, whether it's the wideouts going to extra blocks, dig out the safety to spring running back on a big touchdown, or, you know, it's me carrying out a fake to pull one extra defender. I think it's just the amount of effort we play with and then how much we love each other. You know, like those guys are playing for each other and playing hard for each other. Absolutely. Well, they kick off their season this Saturday at home against Murray State. We were here with starting quarterback, Roman Gaglano. Roman, thanks so much for joining us. Appreciate you guys. When we come back after the break, we're going to be highlighting women's soccer,

[00:28:10] historic start to the season, and much more. And of course, we'll be taking your phone calls. So you're not going to miss that. You're listening to the Blue Raider podcast presented by Blue Hub Nutrition. Next on All Sports Talk, it's the Blue Raider Insider Report with Chip Walters of Exit Realty, Bob Lamb and Associates. Well, good afternoon, everybody. A new season of Blue Raider football begins tomorrow night when Middle Tennessee will host Murray State at Floyd Stadium for the 2026 season opener.

[00:28:39] Kickoff is set for six o'clock with MTSU sponsoring Whiteout Community Night and Faith and Family Night. Head coach Derek Mason and the Blue Raiders enter their third season under Mason, looking to build on the momentum generated late in the 2025 campaign. Middle Tennessee closed last season by winning two of its last three games and returns a veteran group that includes several players recognized on the Conference USA preseason watch list. Wide receiver Cam Lacey,

[00:29:08] offensive lineman Reese Tripp, cornerback Jason Hardy, outside linebacker Reggie Johnson and place kicker Dominic Bourgeois, were all selected to the league's preseason watch list. Saturday's opener will also carry special significance as the Blue Raider honor the life and legacy of Tennessee icon Dolly Parton. MTSU will wear a commemorative jersey patch featuring Parton's signature, trademark butterfly,

[00:29:35] and the years 1946 to 2026. The patch was created as a tribute to one of Tennessee's most beloved figures and the first game-worn jersey featuring the patch will ultimately be donated to MCSU's Center for Popular Music. With the Floyd Stadium crowd dressed in white, the Blue Raiders look to make a strong opening statement to get the 2026 season underway. For tickets, go to gobluraiders.com slash tickets to purchase yours.

[00:30:05] Activity begins all day long with tailgating going on. Then you have the party in the Grove that gets underway with the Raider Walk around 3.30. Then the band Emerald Empire will take the stage at 4 o'clock. Lots of stuff going on out there, but come out and make your own fun on White Out Night, Middle Tennessee and Murray State. Kickoff at 6 o'clock. The Blue Raider Network broadcast begins at 4.30.

[00:30:35] And with Joe Dubin and myself, we will kick it off again at 6 o'clock. Last night in Conference USA, there were a couple of games and it was a good night for the league. Delaware beat Merrimack by a score of 42-7 in Newark, Delaware. And Kennesaw State withstood a lightning delay to get a late start against West Georgia, but they shut out West Georgia by a score of 47-0.

[00:31:04] Coming up on Saturday, the early game has Liberty playing at James Madison. That will be at 11 a.m. on ESPNU. Everything else will be at 6 o'clock or later. Missouri State plays at Texas A&M. FIU goes to USF. Jack State will be at home to take on Eastern Kentucky. Troy will be hosting Sam Houston. New Mexico State will be at home against Mercyhurst.

[00:31:32] And Western Kentucky will travel out West to take on Nevada. All right, in soccer, Middle Tennessee's program best start to the season ended on Thursday night as Middle conceded its first loss of the year to Purdue by a score of 3-0. The result dropped the Blue Raiders to 4-1-2 on the young season while Purdue improved to 6-0-1 with the victory. The Blue and White are now 1-1 against teams from Indiana

[00:31:59] and will finish their Hoosier State slate with Evansville at home coming up on September the 10th. Up next, the Blue Raiders look to bounce back on Sunday on the road against Alabama A&M at 2 o'clock before returning home to face Evansville next Thursday at 7 o'clock. Blue Raider baseball has added a couple of folks to the roster, including assistant coaches Gabe Jennings and Pat Bell. Jennings is a former Blue Raider.

[00:32:29] He makes his return to Murfreesboro after a season as hitting coach at Vol State. And also bringing in Pat Bell. Bell comes to Middle Tennessee after playing collegiately at Tennessee Wesleyan. That's it for today. See you at Floyd Stadium tomorrow. And we'll hear it all right here on the Big G, WGNS. This is the Blue Raider Podcast on FM 101.9 and AM 1450 Murfreesboro,

[00:32:58] 100.5 Smyrna, WGNSradio.com, and the Blue Raider Podcast YouTube channel. Now, back to your host, Jake Bolden. Welcome back into the Blue Raider Podcast. Today's special episode is sponsored by Blue Hub Nutrition. Thanks to Gloria and Mark at Blue Hub Nutrition for allowing the Blue Raider Podcast to host Roman Gagliano this week to preview that Murray State game.

[00:33:27] Of course, if you do want to join in to our show in our final segment, the phone line is open, 615-893-1450. A lot to echo there from Chip Walters talking a lot early on about soccer and their historic season. I really wanted to highlight that at the top of the final segment coming off that interview with Roman. I really, I hate that last night's result kind of soured this discussion, but I was, I'm ecstatic one that we've talked for the last couple weeks

[00:33:57] about Aston Roden and his team collecting themselves with so many new faces this year, but finding themselves with the program best undefeated through the first six matches and the first time in program history. But they did lose last night 3-0 to Purdue, albeit a very good effort against a good Purdue team. And I think defensively, considering giving up three goals, I was actually impressed still with that team because Purdue has put up a lot of goals early on in this year.

[00:34:25] So nothing to necessarily hang your head about. I still think that this team has a lot of pride and they still have a lot of soccer left moving forward and a lot of winnable matches at that. Like Chip said, they're back in action this Sunday at two on the road at Alabama A&M. And then before next week's show, they do have a home match against Evansville at 7 p.m. Also other news, volleyball, they wrapped up a great weekend last weekend, taking two from Boise State

[00:34:54] and then losing to the host school, UNC Asheville on Sunday. And they're currently all the way up in Nashville right now where they won their opening match against Sanford in dominating fashion today, 3-0. This group looks better and better. I think you can say what you want about the competition, but they dominated Sanford today, winning one set by 25-15 and their final set 25-12. And I believe that second set was 25-20. So a dominating performance, regardless of who you're playing,

[00:35:22] but they will have more competition ahead. Tomorrow at two o'clock, they face South Alabama. And then on Sunday at 2 p.m., they will face host Belmont. Other things going on this week in regards to the Blue Raiders athletic department. The biggest news, or outside of football, is that cross-country, they start their season on their midnight, their Twilight Classic that they love to do down in Memphis. It's an all-nighter. But excited to see them get their season started and then they actually have more action next week.

[00:35:51] But finally getting to what we've all been waiting for for the last nine months is football season has returned. When this episode is over today, we will be 24 hours away from kicking off the football season in Floyd Stadium. Roman's interview, which took place earlier this week, but obviously a great young man. I love the interview with him because who you listen to is the same person you would meet when the microphones are turned off.

[00:36:22] Great kid, great personality. I wouldn't want anyone else leading my football team. But there was a lot in there that I took away from Roman that I would say I did a little digging just to kind of get an understanding of what internally it looks like. I know something that a lot of people talk about is the culture. What is the culture like? And Roman gave a lot of good insight into that. How I think as much as they understand that there is noise on the outside, internally they don't talk about it. And I think for good reason.

[00:36:51] You don't want to be caught up in everything. But I think that they do know enough. They're self-aware. The last two seasons were not up to expectation. I think that internally they understand they got to start winning football games. But it starts tomorrow, but that's not end-all, be-all result. I think that they know that they have to get down to business week in and week out. Beating Murray State tomorrow by 40 points doesn't necessarily write off

[00:37:21] all the problems that they've had over the last two seasons. Now, they are riding into a win streak against, in my opinion, a really, really bad Murray State team. I was intrigued by Vegas' odds on this. When the line opened, it was 20-and-a-half, favoring the Blue Raiders. The over-under opened at 59-and-a-half. So that means that they're looking at the score somewhere in that 40-20 range. And I think, personally, after watching Murray State

[00:37:49] and their opening loss to Eastern Illinois, I was not impressed with that offense. I actually, I think that middle's defense is so good that I would be impressed if Murray's able to put up 20 points barring they come in garbage time late in the game. But also hearing, and again, maybe it's a little recency bias. I did just talk to the quarterback. Obviously, he's going to talk a lot and talk up his own players a lot. But I was, I am impressed by how many skill position players and the depth that they have on this team

[00:38:19] that I think this is a really good offense. I think they're going to put up a lot of points this year relative to what we've seen to the last two years. Anthony Selfo still probably has to earn his stripes a little bit. It wasn't an OC for very long at Southeastern Louisiana. So there's still a lot to be seen from him. But I think he's got a great tool chest here in regards to the athletes. And then something else Roman said was he believes that this is the biggest offensive line he's had since he's been here.

[00:38:49] And again, high praise. We know the first year was really piece-milled together because of Mason and his late recruiting stage and his late timing of signing a contract as the coach. But last year's group had significantly more size. But for him to say that this group is a lot bigger, I think that that's a great start. I am interested to see what that starting lineup looks like tomorrow, particularly on the offensive line. But I think that tomorrow,

[00:39:20] again, maybe Vegas knows something that I don't. And maybe they're writing off the Blue Raiders because of their last two seasons. But when I look at this 20-and-a-half point line, and again, call me a homer, maybe I'm a little bit biased, but I think that they would blow Murray State out of that 20-and-a-half. The intriguing part, though, is the line is dropped. The over-under has dropped to 57-and-a-half points. So it's fallen, too, since the opening line. I would think, again, the under,

[00:39:48] because if MTSU's defense is as good as I think that they are, let's say they spot Murray State 10 points, that means the Blue Raiders would have to score nearly 50 themselves. And as high-powered as this offense is, I don't know that they can necessarily reach 50. They'd have a lot to prove to themselves. And surely if the score was in that 50-10 ballpark, I would think that Blue Raiders probably, and Mason would probably call off the dogs, if you will. So anything is up for grabs,

[00:40:17] particularly when we see what happened to Rutgers the other night. Losing to UMass as a 30-point favorite really shocked the entire college football world. The longest active losing streak in Division I football, FCS football or FBS football, the longest losing streak, and breaking it against a P4 Big Ten school no less. I can't help but think, what would Shiano be doing if he actually took that job in Knoxville? So I think, fortunately,

[00:40:45] a lot of Knoxville, Tennessee fans are probably wiping their brow as they made sure that Shiano wasn't higher, but I think for better for them, certainly. But something else, highlighting a little bit of Conference USA action this week, we've had four contests within the conference. That first Saturday, which was last week, Jacksonville State put up a real stinker against North Dakota State. First matchup for the Bisons since joining the FBS.

[00:41:14] They absolutely waylaid a Jacksonville State team who I believe to be one of the favorites in Conference USA. So I may be eating crow in a couple weeks if that trend continues. And maybe North Dakota State, we don't give them enough credit. But to win at home against Jacksonville State, who is, again, a top three team in Conference USA preseason, really just kind of had their way with them. And great defensive show. And we did not see that high-powered Jacksonville State offense that we are accustomed to seeing.

[00:41:45] Caden Creel just looked mediocre at best. I was not impressed with that group. And then on the flip side, that same Saturday, New Mexico State is down in Tallahassee, and they give Florida State all they want for pretty much three quarters. The score was 24-10 after that third quarter. The game really never got out of hand for Tony Sanchez. And I was impressed with New Mexico State defensively. I still think that they have a pedestrian offense. But the defense looked good at times.

[00:42:15] But Tony Sanchez, if you remember last year, he did the same thing. They came out looking like a good team. Like, Tony Sanchez has finally turned that corner. He can coach a team to a winning season. And they fell apart, particularly around the Conference USA midweek schedule. So does New Mexico State, are they legit, at least on the defensive side of the ball? Who knows? But I think that from that first matchup in Conference USA, that was the one that surprised me.

[00:42:45] And then Delaware did their thing against Merrimack. Nick Minacucci, who I think is an underrated quarterback in this lead, threw for over 300 yards, two touchdowns. And had no trouble replacing their wide receivers. They looked good, as we expected. And again, take it with a grain of salt. They did play Merrimack at home. But I think that was a good showing for them. And then Kennesaw, Ricky Collins at quarterback, the Syracuse transfer, doing really no wrong. 156 yards passing.

[00:43:13] I think it was 50 yards on the ground. 200 yards for the transfer, who, again, I was a skeptic on how good that team would be with the change at quarterback. But they always had mediocre quarterback play and took themselves to a conference championship. But winning at home against West Georgia, I don't think anyone was surprised by the two outcomes last night for those Conference USA schools. But other matchups this week, outside of obviously our own interest in Middle Tennessee and Murray State,

[00:43:42] I think you're looking at that Liberty James Madison. James Madison, the touchdown favorite. I look forward to seeing what kind of team they roll out there in Lynchburg. And then outside of that, there's really nothing that I would say necessarily catches my eye as attention grabbing. I will be keeping tabs on that Western Kentucky-Nevada game. Obviously, the Blue Raiders play Nevada in Week 3. Nevada, believe it or not, is a one-and-a-half point favorite. I don't know what Jeff Choate has done out in Vegas, maybe throwing them a few bucks to edge the line there. But that one is a late-night game on CBS Sports Network,

[00:44:12] so I will certainly be keeping my eyes on that one in regards to Conference USA. But that will do it today. I appreciate Blue Hub Nutrition for letting us host Roman Gagliano. Again, a big appreciation to Roman Gagliano for doing the interview ahead of their first matchup tomorrow at 6 against Murray State. We're going to be turning it over to Friday Night Thunder pregame show ahead of the WG&S primetime game of the week. The crew is out at Blackman as the Blaze host Riverdale in a big rivalry matchup for Will Hester in his first year there at Blackman.

[00:44:41] Their pregame show will begin at 6.30 p.m. here on the Big G. Thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Blue Raider Podcast. Remember to follow us on social media at BlueRaiderPodX, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. And if you're tuned in to our live stream on YouTube, subscribe so you don't miss another one of our weekly episodes. Thanks to my producer, Jackson Smith. You're listening to the Blue Raider Podcast. Blue Raider Podcast.