On Thursday night, a Conference USA battle features the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (1-3) linking up with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2-2). These two universities have been squaring off since 1914, with Western Kentucky owning a narrow 36-35 edge. The Hilltoppers have dominated the series as of late, however, winning seven of the last 10 matchups. In 2022, Western Kentucky defeated Middle Tennessee 35-17.
Kickoff from Houchens Industries L. T. Smith Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network. The Hilltoppers are 7-point favorites in the MTSU vs. Western Kentucky odds, while the over/under for total points is 60. Before making any Western Kentucky vs. MTSU picks, be sure to see the college football predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Since its inception, it has generated a stunning profit of nearly $2,500 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on MTSU vs. Western Kentucky and just revealed its picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several college football odds and trends for MTSU vs. WKU:
- Middle Tennessee vs. Western Kentucky spread: Hilltoppers -7
- Middle Tennessee vs. Western Kentucky over/under: 60 points
- Middle Tennessee vs. Western Kentucky money line: Hilltoppers -280, Blue Raiders +225
- MTSU: The Blue Raiders have hit the 1Q money line in five of last 11 games
- WKU: The Hilltoppers have gone Under the point total in four of last five games
- Middle Tennessee vs. Western Kentucky picks: See picks at SportsLine
- Middle Tennessee vs. Western Kentucky live stream: fubo (try for free)
Why Western Kentucky can cover
Western Kentucky's offense has a few capable and reliable pass-catchers. Junior receiver Malachi Corley is one of the most explosive weapons within the offense. Corley has great contact balance with impressive elusiveness. The Florida native is leading the team in receptions (22) and receiving yards (250) with two touchdowns. In his last outing, Corley had nine catches for 107 yards and a touchdown.
Redshirt freshman Easton Messer has quickly emerged in the offense through four games. Messer utilizes his good burst and quickness to create separation from defenders. The Kentucky native has snagged 18 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns. He's reeled in 90-plus receiving yards in two of his last four games. On Sept. 9 against Houston Christian, Messer had nine catches for 116 yards and a score. See which team to pick here.
Why Middle Tennessee can cover
Middle Tennessee rolls into this matchup ranked third in Conference USA in rushing yards allowed (139.3) and fourth in total defense (381.5). Junior linebacker Sam Brumfield is an instinctive and disruptive defender on the second level. The Mississippi native is tied for first on the team in total tackles (30) and sacks (2). He also has two forced fumbles. In the 35-14 victory over Murray State, Brumfield had 13 total tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble.
Senior safety Tra Fluellen is consistently hovering around the box. Fluellen has been a reliable tackler and has notched 30 total tackles this season. He's finished with at least eight total tackles in three straight games. Junior defensive lineman Quindarius Dunnigan has been getting into the backfield with ease to stop the run. Dunnigan has 16 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. See which team to pick here.
How to make Middle Tennessee vs. Western Kentucky picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Under on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 57 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 60% of simulations. You can only see the model's picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Middle Tennessee vs. Western Kentucky, and which side of the spread hits in well over 60% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Middle Tennessee vs. Western Kentucky spread to jump on, all from the advanced computer model that's up more than $2,500 on its top-rated college football spread picks since its inception, and find out.
