Middle Tenn Blue Raiders vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 9/28/2023: Thursday night college football promises a sizzling showdown as the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (1-3) march into Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to face off against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2-2). Both teams have experienced their fair share of ups and downs during this season, making this contest pivotal for their respective campaigns. Let’s delve into the Week 5 college football predictions, exploring the betting lines and picks of this highly anticipated game. Don’t forget to check your favorite best NCAA football gambling site for the latest odds and insights.
Middle Tenn Blue Raiders vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 9/28/2023 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, September 28, 2023 7:30 PM ET |
| Time: | 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Houchens Industries L. T. Smith Stadium |
Rick Stockstill vs. Tyson Helton
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders commenced their 2023 season with a challenging pair of games against powerhouse opponents. Their first encounter was an uphill battle against the Alabama Crimson Tide, resulting in a 56-7 defeat. Undeterred, the Raiders faced the Missouri Tigers, putting up a commendable fight but ultimately falling short with a 23-19 loss.
In their third game, Middle Tennessee finally secured a win, defeating Murray State 35-14. Quarterback Nicholas Vattiato played a pivotal role in this triumph, amassing 291 passing yards with two touchdowns and a lone interception, providing the Raiders with a much-needed confidence boost.
However, their most recent outing against Colorado State proved to be a competitive affair. While they held a 17-10 lead at halftime, they couldn’t maintain it, succumbing to a 31-23 defeat. Vattiato once again led the charge with 279 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an impressive 47 rushing yards with a touchdown. Holden Willis emerged as the primary target, securing nine catches for 118 yards and a touchdown.
On the other side of the gridiron, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers initiated their season with a bang, clinching impressive wins in their first two games. They dominated South Florida with a convincing 41-24 victory in the season opener and followed it up with a 52-22 win against Houston Christian.
However, Western Kentucky’s momentum was halted when they encountered a formidable Ohio State team, resulting in a challenging 63-10 loss. Quarterback Austin Reed contributed 207 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception in this demanding matchup.
The Hilltoppers’ fourth game against Troy proved to be a hard-fought contest that ended in a 27-24 defeat. Austin Reed continued to lead the offense with 268 passing yards and two touchdowns. Malachi Corley was a standout receiver with nine catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, the rushing game struggled, with Elijah Young managing only ten yards on five carries.
NCAAF Latest Odds: WKU -7.5 ; O/U 61
As Middle Tennessee ventures to Western Kentucky, all eyes will be on the quarterbacks. Nicholas Vattiato of Middle Tennessee has excelled, amassing 916 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and just two interceptions over nine games this season – something he aims to continue against Western Kentucky’s formidable Hilltoppers defense.
Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed has been an efficient playmaker, accumulating 1,071 passing yards with nine touchdown passes and only one interception in 2016. Looking ahead, he hopes to exploit any weaknesses in Middle Tennessee’s defense and continue his successful season.
Blue Raiders Betting Trends
Middle Tennessee are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Middle Tennessee’s last 7 games.
Middle Tennessee are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games against Western Kentucky.
Middle Tennessee are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games on the road.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Middle Tennessee’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Western Kentucky.
Middle Tennessee are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games against an opponent in the Conference USA conference.
Hilltoppers Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Western Kentucky’s last 7 games.
Western Kentucky are 8-4 SU in their last 12 games.
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Western Kentucky’s last 11 games against Middle Tennessee.
Western Kentucky are 9-2 SU in their last 11 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Western Kentucky’s last 5 games when playing at home against Middle Tennessee.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Western Kentucky’s last 7 games against an opponent in the Conference USA conference.
Middle Tenn. Blue Raiders vs. Western Kentucky Betting Pick
Western Kentucky enters this game as the betting favorite, with the over/under line set at 36.3 points. Given their offensive potential and recent defensive struggles, taking an overbet may prove tempting; Western Kentucky averages 34.3 points per game while allowing 36.3.
Expect an exhilarating Thursday night showdown between the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, where the offense could take center stage. Both teams are hungry for victory in what promises to be a high-scoring college football spectacle. Tune in for what guarantees to be an engaging college football contest. The college football spread betting odds favor the Hilltoppers to secure a victory in this game, so check your favorite sports betting website in the US for the latest updates and odds.
Score Prediction: Hilltoppers 37, Blue Raiders 35.
