In the 2018 season opener, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (+3) and the Vanderbilt Commodores (-3) are set to do battle at Vanderbilt Stadium. The game will get going at 7:30 p.m. ET and fans can view the action live on SEC Network. When these two teams met a year ago, Vanderbilt won soundly 28-6.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs. Vanderbilt Commodores Betting Preview
Middle Tennessee is playing the role of underdog and is currently getting 3 points in this game. The Blue Raiders are also receiving +135 moneyline odds while the Commodores are -155. This tilt is currently a toss-up, and if one school can create a bunch of points early on it will result in a worthy in-game betting opportunity. Oddsmakers have determined the over/under (O/U) to be 57 points.
The sharp action is siding with the Blue Raiders. The opening line was initially -7 while the game’s O/U was set originally at 57.5.
Overall, the Commodores were 5-7 straight up (SU) in 2017 while the Blue Raiders went 7-6 last season. Against conference foes, the Blue Raiders were 4-4 SU while the Commodores were 1-7 SU when facing Southeastern programs. The Blue Raiders went 2-2 SU when playing out-of-conference teams and the Commodores were 4-0 SU against non-conference schools.
The Blue Raiders logged 265 passing yards per game and 162 rushing yards per game versus their eight in-conference opponents last year. They managed to score 29.3 points per game against those opponents while giving up 24.1 per contest. When facing non-conference competition, they averaged 15.8 points-for and 24.5 points-against, along with 227 pass yards per game and 108 rush yards per contest.
Against non-conference foes in 2017, the Commodores passed for 237 yards per game and ran for 121 per game on their way to 28.8 points per outing. When facing just SEC opponents, the offensive unit managed 22.5 points per game by averaging 247 passing yards and 100 rushing yards. The Commodores defense allowed 7.5 PPG to non-conference foes and 43.3 to teams in conference
The Blue Raiders should hold an edge when it comes to RB effectiveness. Their running backs logged 4.3 yards per carry last season while the defense allowed a YPC of 3.5 to opponents. The Commodores rushed for 3.7 yards per carry last year and gave up a YPC of 5.0 to the opposition.
Betting Prediction: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs. Vanderbilt Commodores
SU Winner – Vanderbilt, ATS Winner – Vanderbilt, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes
Middle Tennessee created 15 rushing touchdowns last season.
Vanderbilt put up 14 rushing touchdowns last season.
Middle Tennessee produced 23 passing touchdowns last season.
Vanderbilt put up 27 passing touchdowns last season.
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