Let the race for the Conference USA commence.
Standing at 2-2, the Hilltoppers have high hopes for a run at the title with stout competition in Liberty, New Mexico State, FIU, Jacksonville State, and tonight's opponent...Middle Tennessee State.
Entering conference play at 1-3, the Blue Raiders are stronger than the record might indicate. Matt Dossett with GoMiddle.com gives Topper fans more insight on what to expect:
Four games in, what is your overall assessment of Middle Tennessee right now? Are they where you expected prior to the season?
I think that MIddle Tennessee State is just a smidge worse than I expected at this juncture. Prior to the season, the staff for GoMiddle submitted their season predictions for the Blue Raiders. In my season prediction, I stated my belief that they would be 2-2 heading into the Western Kentucky game. Obviously they are not, being that they are 1-3. I was adamant that the Blue Raiders would beat Colorado State.
That being said, there is a lot of meat on the bone with ample opportunity to make a run in Conference USA play.
Currently, WKU is an eight point favorite - do you agree with the spread? Where would you put it?
I have noticed that the betting line is fluctuating between 5.5 and eight in favor of the Hilltoppers. Frankly, I believe that is too low. I would put it around 10 points in favor of the Hilltoppers.
In your opinion, how does MTSU match up with the Hilltoppers?
It will without a doubt be a challenge, considering that the Hilltoppers have the advantage when it comes to the overall talent on the roster. That being said, I think that QB Nick Vattiato is capable of having a solid outing against the Hilltoppers.
On the flip side, though, I think WKU will have a lot of success offensively. I expect the Tops to score 30-plus points. The question is whether MTSU can go tit for tat when it comes to scoring.
Look for both QB's to have solid outings. I think Austin Reed will have success hitting the intermediate throws against the MT secondary. Vattiato should have success too.
Three MTSU players some may not know about that are good and flying under the radar?
I think that special teams will be a huge factor for this contest. Kickers are often overlooked in the grand scheme of things. Watch for MTSU kicker Zeke Rankin Thursday night WKU. MTSU needs to accumulate as many points as possible, and things could boil down to a MT field goal kick.
Another guy that sort of flies under the radar is tailback Jaiden Credle. Credle is an absolute home run threat and is a guy averaging over six yards a carry for the Blue Raiders. Credle is also adept at catching balls out of the backfield.
Another guy worth keeping tabs on his Holden Willis. Willis is a receiver and a transfer from South Florida. He is second on the team in receiving, having accumulated 13 snags for 142 yards and a receiving touchdown.
How do you see the game playing out? Score prediction?
I think that this will be a game that is not completely decided by the time the fourth quarter comes around. This should be a fun, good 'ole fashioned rivalry game with a lot of ebb and flow. In the end, I think WKU has too much offensive fire power
Final Prediction: WKU 34 | MTSU 24
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