The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (2-4) meet the Florida International Golden Panthers (3-3) looking to snap their three-game losing streak. This game will feature the CUSA’s second-leading passer, Brent Stockstill (1,803 yards, 16 TDs). Players will take the field Saturday, Oct 17 at 12:00 p.m. ET and it will air on FSN.
Middle Tennessee lost big against Western Kentucky 58-28 last week. Richie James had a big game in the loss, totaling seven receptions for 141 yards and two TDs. Jeremiah Bryson also had a big game with 76 rushing yards and a TD on 14 attempts. FIU is hoping for another victory like last week’s performance, when it won easily over UTEP 52-12. Shug Oyegunle had a solid game for the Golden Panthers, registering one reception for 79 yards and one TD. Alex McGough also had a big day, contributing 270 yards and two TDs through the air.
The Blue Raiders, a seven-point favorite, will be looking to defend their home field when FIU visits. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is currently unavailable.
Despite a 2-4 Straight Up (SU) record this season, the Blue Raiders have fared well Against The Spread (ATS) with a 4-2 record. Middle Tennessee has America’s 20th-ranked passing attack, which averages 305.2 yards per game. Transitioning to the Middle Tennessee defense, there are some things to keep in mind when it is on the field. The Middle Tennessee defense will be looking to dominate the passing game when it matches up against the Golden Panthers, who only average 10.9 yards per attempt. Middle Tennessee usually gets off to a quick start in games, averaging 11.5 points in the first quarter. Middle Tennessee’s special teams are one of its strengths. They earn 133 return yards per game, putting them ninth in Division I.
On the other side, the Golden Panthers have a record of 4-2 ATS and 3-3 SU. The Golden Panthers aren’t too worried about the Middle Tennessee rushing attack, which ranks 102nd in yards per rush with an average of just 3.8.
Predictions: SU Winner – Middle Tennessee, ATS Winner – Middle Tennessee
Notes
Middle Tennessee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games.
Middle Tennessee is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Middle Tennessee’s last 10 games at home.
Middle Tennessee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida International.
Middle Tennessee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Florida International.
Each team is 2-1 SU when leading after two quarters this season.
Middle Tennessee is only 1-2 SU in games where it comes out ahead in the turnover battle, and an even 1-1 SU when losing the turnover battle.
The Middle Tennessee rushing attack is ranked only 97th nationally, while the FIU run defense is ranked 41st. The Golden Panthers rushing game is ranked just 110th, compared to the 55th-ranked run defense of the Blue Raiders.
