The Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers (3-3, 1-1 CUSA) and their great passing offense are on the road to face the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders (3-3, 0-2 CUSA), one of the nation’s softest aerial defenses, at Johnny (Red) Floyd Stadium on Saturday. The Hilltoppers are eight-point favorites, and the total is 67. Western Kentucky is coming off a tight 31-28 loss to UTSA at Alamodome last Saturday. Austin Reed was 35 of 49 for 373 yards and two touchdowns. Kye Robichaux ran 13 times for 65 yards and a touchdown. He added three receptions for 31 yards. Malachi Corley caught 11 passes for 131 yards. Middle Tennessee lost 41-14 to UAB at Protective Stadium last Saturday. Chase Cunningham threw for 196 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Joe Ervin carried seven times for 54 yards. Jaylin Lane scored once. He hauled in nine receptions for 59 yards.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Hilltoppers won the only meeting between the teams last season, a 48-21 victory in November, their third straight win against Middle Tennessee. Bailey Zappe threw four touchdowns for Western Kentucky. Nicholas Vattiato tossed two touchdowns for Middle Tennessee.
TALE OF THE TAPE
The Hilltoppers are averaging 40.8 points per game for the season, 13th in FBS, and they are facing a Blue Raiders defense that has surrendered 31.0 PPG (102nd). Meanwhile, Middle Tennessee has scored 29.8 points a game this season, 70th in the country, and Western Kentucky is allowing 23.7 PPG (53rd). The Hilltoppers rank as one of the country’s top teams in passing yards per game (355.5, 3rd), while they are 85th in rushing yards (141.0). Look for them to exploit a matchup advantage through the air, as the Blue Raiders are 119th in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (283.3). Against the run, Middle Tennessee is 67th (140.3).Middle Tennessee has been one of the country’s least productive rushing teams, averaging 112.0 yards per game (111th), while ranking 49th in passing yards (259.5). The Hilltoppers are allowing 244.8 passing yards (89th) and 130.0 rushing yards per game (47th).
TOP PERFORMERS
Through six games, Austin Reed has thrown for 19 touchdowns (4 INT) and 339.3 yards per game to lead Western Kentucky in passing. In three away games this season, he has seven TDs (2 INT) and an average of 324.3 yards passing. Kye Robichaux leads the team in rushing with an average of 63.3 yards a game over six games. He has two touchdowns on the ground. Daewood Davis is the Hilltoppers’ leading receiver with 99.3 yards a game and five TDs. Chase Cunningham has nine passing touchdowns (4 INT) with 260.7 yards per game through six games to lead Middle Tennessee. In two home games this season, he has thrown for three TDs (1 INT) and an average of 292.0 yards. Frank Peasant has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 57.0 yards a game through six games. He has six touchdowns. Jaylin Lane has been a key target in the Blue Raiders’ aerial attack. He has two touchdowns and a 93.8 yard per game average through five appearances.
SportsTips’ College Football Pick:
W.Kentucky (-300)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
