MTSU Blue Raiders vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Prediction, 9/28/2023 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: MTSU Blue Raiders vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Date: Thursday, September 28, 2023

Location: Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, KY

TV: CBSSN

Odds/Point Spread: Hilltoppers (-7)

Total/Over-Under: 60.5

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2-2) are hosting the MTSU Blue Raiders (1-3) at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium on Thursday, September 28, 2023. MTSU opens this contest as 7-point underdogs from oddsmakers. The betting total comes in at 60.5.

The MTSU Blue Raiders step onto the field holding a record of 1-3 for this season. The last time they stepped onto the field, the Blue Raiders faced the Colorado State Rams and took a loss by a final of 31-23. Nicholas Vattiato led the offense in rushing for the Blue Raiders with 15 attempts for 47 yards (3.1 yds per attempt). Nicholas Vattiato finished 30/41 with 279 yards through the air and 2 TDs. He had a QB rating of 146.4 and ended the contest without throwing a pick. When it came to the battle of the line of scrimmage, the Blue Raiders conceded 33 yards on 19 tries, which averages out to 1.7 yards per run allowed. MTSU relinquished 31 pass completions on 44 attempts for a total of 345 yds, and a completion rate of 70.5%. For the game, they tallied 84 plays which gave them a total of 430 yds. The MTSU Blue Raiders ended up running the ball 43 different times and totaled 151 yds, which had them averaging 3.5 yds per attempt.

Regarding scoring, the MTSU Blue Raiders hold an average of 21.0 points per contest. As a team they're maintaining an average of 128.0 yards on the ground ranking them 98th in D-1. The Blue Raiders currently have 1,434 yards in total for the season. In terms of distribution of touchdowns, MTSU has earned 7 touchdowns via the pass and 4 touchdowns via the ground. MTSU has accounted for 75 first downs as an offense, and they have been called for 33 penalties for 301 yards. They have turned the ball over 5 different times.

The Blue Raiders are sitting in 109th in Division 1 concerning team defense, allowing 31.0 PPG. They are giving up 3.9 yards per rush on the ground and 139.3 yards on the ground per game this year. In total, they have allowed 557 yards via the running game in 4 outings. In terms of yards through the air, the Blue Raiders are giving up 969 yards which puts them in 88th in D-1. They have given up 242.3 yards per outing via the pass in addition to giving up a completion percentage of 71.5%. For the season, they are giving up 381.5 yards per outing ranking them 87th in the nation. They have granted 9 touchdowns via the pass as well as 7 touchdowns via the ground game.

The Hilltoppers step onto the field holding a record of 2-2 for this season. When they last stepped on the field, the Hilltoppers walked away with a loss by a score of 27-24 against the Troy Trojans. Austin Reed (2 touchdowns) finished the contest with 275 yds on 24/40 through the air while his quarterback rating was 134.3. He kept the ball away from the defense with no picks and his average yards per attempt was 6.9. Elijah Young carried the rock 5 times for 9 yds, finishing the game with 1.8 yds per attempt for Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers finished the game with 288 yds and they ran 53 plays (5.4 yds per play). Western Kentucky rushed for 1.0 yards per tote, totaling 13 yards on 13 attempts. Western Kentucky gave up 46 attempts on the ground for 172 yds (3.7 yds per carry). The Hilltoppers pass defense allowed a completion percentage of 62.9%, surrendering 349 yds on 22 for 35 passing.

When looking at putting points on the board, the Hilltoppers are 55th in the nation scoring 31.8 points per game. The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have an average of 367.5 yards/contest, which has them ranked 85th in college football. The Western Kentucky offense has 150 yds of penalties on 19 infractions, which has them sitting 104th in D-1 in terms of making mistakes. They have tossed 2 interceptions while conceding 4 fumbles and they have earned 79 1st downs. For the year thus far, the Hilltoppers have compiled 1,133 yards via the pass together with holding an average of 283.3 passing yards per game, which has them ranked 29th in D-1. They are averaging 84.3 rushing yards per game and have toted the ball for 337 yards in total.

The Hilltoppers are allowing 34.0 points per game, which puts them 120th in the country. Western Kentucky has conceded a total of 905 yards rushing (226.3 yards per contest) in addition to 8 touchdowns on the ground so far this year. This year, they have relinquished 136 total points. They have allowed the opposition 8 touchdowns through the air in addition to 271.5 yards/game, which has them sitting 113th in D-1. The Hilltoppers defense has participated in 300 plays, which ranks them 118th in Division 1. Their defense has totaled 7 fumbles and 4 interceptions on the year.

Who will win tonight's Blue Raiders/Hilltoppers college football game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take the Blue Raiders +7

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