Two prolific offenses will be on display in this one as the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (2-3) take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4-1). The country’s second-leading passer, Brandon Doughty (2,000 yards, 15 TDs), and third-leading receiver, Taywan Taylor (571 yards, 5 TDs), will be featured in this game. Things have continued to look bleak for Middle Tennessee, finding itselves on the losing end of three straight. The game will air Saturday, Oct 10 at 12:00 p.m. ET on FSN.
In last week’s matchup, Western Kentucky won big over Rice 49-10. Brandon Doughty had a great game through the air in the victory, connecting on 28 of 38 pass attempts for 409 yards and four TDs. Jared Dangerfield also had a great game with 95 receiving yards and a TD on eight catches. Middle Tennessee is hoping for a different outcome after losing to Vanderbilt 17-13. Ed’Marques Batties had a huge game for the Blue Raiders, grabbing 10 receptions for 82 yards and one TD. Richie James put up 95 receiving yards on eight catches.
Western Kentucky is a seven-point favorite against the Blue Raiders.
Sitting at 4-1 Straight Up (SU) and 3-1-1 Against The Spread (ATS), the Hilltoppers will look to improve heading into Week 6. A focal point of Western Kentucky’s offense is its passing game, which ranks third in the country with 404.4 passing yards per game. Turning to the Hilltoppers defense, there are several areas to keep an eye on. It is critical for the Blue Raiders to prepare for Western Kentucky’s big-play defense, which ranks third in the nation with three turnovers per game. In the first quarter, Western Kentucky is tough to stop, putting up 12.6 points in the first 15 minutes.
In the other locker room, the Blue Raiders fare well ATS, sitting at 4-1. However, they are only 2-3 SU this season. Chances are Middle Tennessee will continue to rely on its passing attack, where its 307 passing yards per game ranks 19th in the nation. Middle Tennessee has put in some strong special teams performances this season. The team has averaged 130.4 return yards per game, ranking them 13th in the nation.
Predictions: SU Winner – Middle Tennessee, ATS Winner – Middle Tennessee
Notes
Western Kentucky is 6-2-1 ATS in its last 9 games.
Western Kentucky is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games.
Western Kentucky is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Western Kentucky’s last 5 games at home.
Western Kentucky is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Middle Tennessee.
Western Kentucky is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Middle Tennessee.
Middle Tennessee is 2-1 SU when leading at the half this season. Western Kentucky is 3-1 SU when taking a lead into halftime.
This season, Middle Tennessee is only 1-2 SU in games where it wins the turnover battle, and an even 1-1 SU when losing the turnover battle.
Nationally, the Western Kentucky passing attack is ranked third, while the Middle Tennessee pass defense is only ranked 71st. The Blue Raiders passing game is ranked 19th, compared to the 107th-ranked pass defense of the Hilltoppers.
