A face familiar to the Sun Belt Conference returns to the sideline as former Troy offensive coordinator Tony Franklin takes control of Middle Tennessee's offense.

Franklin, who was fired last season after six games as Auburn's offensive coordinator, gained notoriety in the 1990s for his high-scoring spread attack. MTSU coach Rick Stockstill saw a somewhat seamless transition in the spring. Franklin has said that the players have picked up his offense quicker than at his previous two stops.

"Some of the plays are different, and some of the terminology is different," said Stockstill, whose Blue Raiders went 5-7 last season and tied for fifth in the conference. "From a schematic standpoint, it wasn't a wholesale change. It made the transition in the spring easier for our players. Most guys have played in this type of offense before."

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Joshua Parrott • jparrott@theadvertiser.com • August 2, 2009