The Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs (2-6, 1-3 CUSA), one of the Conference USA’s strongest passing offenses, welcome the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders (4-4, 1-3 CUSA), one of the conference’s weakest aerial defenses, at Joe Aillet Stadium on Saturday.
The Blue Raiders are 2.5-point favorites, and the total is 63. Middle Tennessee is coming off a 24-13 win over UTEP at Sun Bowl last Saturday. Chase Cunningham threw for 265 yards and three touchdowns. Frank Peasant ran 20 times for 96 yards. Jaylin Lane caught seven passes for 147 yards and a touchdown.
Louisiana Tech dropped a third straight game last Friday, falling 42-34 to FIU at Riccardo Silva Stadium. Landry Lyddy was 28 of 40 for 256 yards. Marquis Crosby carried 21 times for 115 yards and two touchdowns. Nate Jones had four receptions for 72 yards.
TALE OF THE TAPE
The Blue Raiders are averaging 27.5 points per game for the season, 73rd in FBS, and they are facing a Bulldogs defense that has surrendered 39.6 PPG (130th). Meanwhile, Louisiana Tech has scored 31.6 points a game this season, 54th in the nation, and Middle Tennessee is allowing 29.3 PPG (89th).
The Blue Raiders rank as one of the country’s worst teams in rushing yards per game (106.0, 114th), while they are 51st in passing yards (256.3). They may find their best opportunities on the ground, as the Bulldogs are worst in the country in rushing yards allowed per game (239.3). Against the pass, Louisiana Tech is 76th (237.0).
Louisiana Tech has been one of the nation’s least productive rushing teams, averaging 111.6 yards per game (111th), while ranking 26th in passing yards (286.1). The Blue Raiders are allowing 271.1 passing yards (113th) and 138.5 rushing yards per game (61st).
TOP PERFORMERS
Through eight games, Chase Cunningham has thrown for 13 touchdowns (5 INT) and 257.1 yards per game to lead Middle Tennessee in passing. In five away games this season, he has nine TDs (3 INT) and an average of 249.0 yards passing. Frank Peasant leads the team in rushing with an average of 57.3 yards a game over eight games.
He has six touchdowns on the ground and one through the air. Jaylin Lane is the Blue Raiders’ leading receiver with 93.3 yards a game and three TDs. Parker McNeil has 15 passing touchdowns (7 INT) with 231.9 yards per game through seven games to lead Louisiana Tech.
In three home games this season, he has thrown for eight TDs (1 INT) and an average of 165.0 yards. Marquis Crosby has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 71.4 yards a game through eight games. He has five touchdowns.
Tre Harris has been the primary target in the Bulldogs’ aerial attack. He has seven touchdowns and an 80.8 yard per game average through eight appearances.
SportsTips’ College Football Pick:
MTSU (-140)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
