It looks like a low-scoring affair as the Vanderbilt Commodores (1-3) play the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (2-2). Players to watch in this matchup are the SBC’s top passer, Brent Stockstill (1,221 yards, 12 TDs), and the SEC’s third-leading passer, Johnny McCrary (1,074 yards, 5 TDs). It will begin Saturday, Oct 3 at 7:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on CBSS.
Middle Tennessee lost in a close one against Illinois 27-25 last week. Ed’Marques Batties had a big game in the loss, registering 13 receptions for 175 yards and two TDs. Richie James had a big game as well, totaling 141 receiving yards and a TD on 12 receptions. Vanderbilt came up short as well, getting beat by Mississippi 27-16. Steven Scheu had a good game for the Commodores, totaling five receptions for 57 yards. Trent Sherfield added 55 receiving yards on seven receptions.
The Blue Raiders, a four-point favorite, will be looking to defend their home field when Vanderbilt visits. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is presently unavailable.
The Blue Raiders have been a fantastic bet this season Against The Spread (ATS) with a 4-0 record, while sporting a 2-2 Straight Up (SU) record. A vital source of success for the Blue Raiders this season is the passing game, where they complete 68.7% of their passes. As for the Middle Tennessee defense, there are important areas to keep an eye on. Don’t anticipate Vanderbilt will have much success running the ball against the Blue Raiders. The Commodores average 139 rushing yards per game, 104th in the nation. The Commodores need to watch out for Middle Tennessee’s tenacious defense. It averages the 11th-most turnovers with 2.5 per game. On special teams, Middle Tennessee has some playmakers. They average 149.2 return yards per game, eighth in Division I.
Across the field, the Commodores are successful ATS with a 2-1-1 record this season even though they have a 1-3 SU record. The Commodores rely heavily on their air attack, averaging 41.2 passing attempts per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – Middle Tennessee, ATS Winner – Middle Tennessee
Notes
Middle Tennessee is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Middle Tennessee’s last 9 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vanderbilt’s last 6 games on the road.
Vanderbilt is 1-0 SU when leading at the start of the 4th quarter this season. Middle Tennessee is 2-0 SU when leading after three quarters.
Nationally, the Middle Tennessee passing attack is ranked 22nd, while the Vanderbilt pass defense is only ranked 46th. The Commodores passing game is ranked 35th, compared to the 78th-ranked pass defense of the Blue Raiders.
Vanderbilt has given up 19.8 points per game this year, which is ranked only 100th in the country. Middle Tennessee has scored 44.5 points per game this year and is ranked 11th overall.
