Game: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs MTSU Blue Raiders

Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024

Location: Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

TV: ESPN+

Odds/point distribution: Blue Robbers (+7.5)

Total/Over-Under: 54

The MTSU Blue Raiders (1-1) will host the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1-1) on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium. MTSU is a 7.5-point underdog. The upper/lower limit has been set at 54.

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers enter this matchup with a season record of 1-1. The last time they took the field, the Hilltoppers faced the Eastern Kentucky Colonels and took the win with a final score of 31-0. At the end of the game, they had 64 plays that gave them 467 total yards. The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers ran the ball 25 times and had 116 yards, giving them an average of 4.6 yards per attempt. On the ground, the Hilltoppers gave up 190 yards on 40 attempts, giving them an average of 4.8 yards per run allowed. Western Kentucky allowed 11 completions on 20 attempts for a total of 76 yards and a completion rate of 55.0%.

In terms of scoring, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are averaging 15.5 PPG. Offensively, they are averaging 79.0 yards on the ground, which ranks them 122nd in the nation. The Hilltoppers currently have 612 total yards for the season. When it comes to putting the ball in the end zone, Western Kentucky has scored 1 touchdown through the air and 3 rushing touchdowns. Western Kentucky has scored 35 first downs as a unit and they have been assessed 7 penalties for 68 yards. They have lost the football 3 times.

In terms of yards by the pass, the Hilltoppers are allowing 342 yards, which ranks 54th nationally. They have given up 171.0 yards per game by the pass and have allowed a 60.5% completion rate. On the season, they are allowing 433.0 yards per game, which ranks 116th in Division 1. They have allowed 3 touchdowns by the pass, in addition to 6 touchdowns by contact. They are giving up an average of 6.0 yards per rushing attempt and 262.0 rushing yards per game this year. On the season, they have allowed 524 rushing yards in 2 games. The Hilltoppers are 112th in D-1 in terms of opponent scoring allowed, allowing 31.5 points per game.

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The Blue Raiders enter the field with a record of 1-1 on the season. The last time they were on the field, the Blue Raiders lost to the Ole Miss Rebels by a final score of 52-3. MTSU allowed 42 rushing attempts for 258 yards (6.1 yards per carry). The Blue Raiders pass defense allowed an 87.1% passing success rate, giving up 397 yards on 27 of 31 passes. The Blue Raiders finished the game with 278 yards rushing while running 65 plays (4.3 yards per play). MTSU ran the football for 1.1 yards per attempt and finished the game with a total of 28 yards on 25 carries.

In terms of scoring percentage, the Blue Raiders rank 116th in the nation with 17.5 points scored per game. The MTSU Blue Raiders average 303.0 yards per game, which ranks 114th in college football. The MTSU offense has committed 139 total yards of penalties on 16 violations, which ranks 29th in college football in terms of error rate. They have thrown 2 interceptions, allowed 1 fumble, and have gained 38 first downs. So far this season, the Blue Raiders have thrown for 460 total yards through the air and averaged 230.0 passing yards per game, which ranks 64th in D-1. They average 73.0 yards per game from the running game and have carried the ball for 146 yards this year.

The Blue Raiders are allowing 38.5 points per game, which ranks 125th in college football. MTSU has allowed opponents a total of 325 rushing yards (162.5 yards/game) and 6 touchdowns from the running game so far this year. They have allowed 77 total points this season. They have allowed opponents 4 passing touchdowns and 335.5 yards/game, which ranks 133rd in Division 1. The Blue Raiders’ defense has played in 138 games, which ranks 99th nationally. They have a total of no fumbles and 1 pick so far this season.

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

Josh’s Tip: Take the Blue Raiders +7.5

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