The triggerman for Middle Tennessee State's spread offense has been suspended by the school and almost certainly will miss next Thursday's season opener against Minnesota.
Dwight Dasher, the Blue Raiders' all-conference quarterback who produced 36 touchdowns last season, will miss "30 percent" of MTSU's schedule, athletic director Chris Massaro announced Friday, after being accused of accepting a $1,500 loan which he allegedly gambled away in a poker game. Poker is not a violation of NCAA rules, but the alleged loan may have been an improper benefit.
The school is asking the NCAA to review the case and reinstate Dasher, but "it is anticipated Dasher will miss some competition," Massaro said.
That's a huge blow to the Blue Raiders' hopes for a breakout season, since Dasher is the focus of the offense and neither of his backups has ever taken a Division I snap. Dasher rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns last season and passed for 23 more scores as MTSU went 10-2 and won the New Orleans Bowl.
XXX
A programming note: The Big Ten Network's Gopher preview airs tonight at 7 p.m.
