Liberty Flames (6-0) vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (2-5)
Game Info: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 7:00 pm (Williams Stadium)
Betting Odds: Liberty Flames -13.5 -- Over/Under: 54.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will play the Liberty Flames in a Conference USA game on Tuesday night at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia. Middle Tennessee snapped their three game losing streak with a win last week, while Liberty comes into this matchup with an undefeated record.
Middle Tennessee Preview
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders are 2-5 (1-2) this season after they defeated Louisiana Tech by a score of 31-23 last week. Middle Tennessee led 17-9 at halftime and they were able to hang on for the win in the fourth quarter. The Blue Raiders were out gained by a total of 419-353 and forced one turnover in the win. Middle Tennessee’s only other win this season came against Murray State, while they have lost to Alabama, Missouri, Colorado State, Western Kentucky, and Jacksonville State. The Middle Tennessee offense is scoring 22.1 points per game with 268 passing yards per game and 121 rushing yards per game, while going 43% on third downs. Nicholas Vattiato has thrown for 1,824 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions for the Blue Raiders this season. Jaiden Credle has rushed for 316 yards and two touchdowns, while Holden Willis has caught 27 passes for 412 yards and two scores. The Middle Tennessee defense is allowing 31.9 points against per game this season.
Liberty Preview
The Liberty Flames are 6-0 (4-0) this season after they defeated Jacksonville State by a score of 31-13 in their last game. Liberty trailed 7-0 at the end of the first quarter and they were tied at 10 at the half, but they out scored their opponent by a total of 21-3 in the second half for the win. The Flames out gained Jacksonville State by a total of 422-324 and forced two turnovers in the game. Liberty has also defeated Bowling Green, Buffalo, New Mexico State, FIU, and Sam Houston this year. The Liberty offense is averaging 35.3 points per game with 225.5 passing yards per game and 253.5 rushing yards per game, while going 50% on third downs. Kaidon Salter has thrown for 1,353 yards, 14 touchdowns, and two interceptions, while also rushing for 337 yards and six touchdowns for the Flames this year. Quinton Cooley has rushed for 592 yards and three touchdowns, while CJ Daniels has caught 18 passes for 438 yards and three scores. The Liberty defense is giving up 17.2 points against per game this year.
Liberty Flames Team Facts
- Liberty has won each of its last eight October games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Liberty has covered the spread in six of its last seven games.
- Each of Liberty's last four games in October have gone UNDER the total points line.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Team Facts
- Middle Tennessee has lost three of its last four games.
- Middle Tennessee has covered the spread in four of its last five games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Four of Middle Tennessee's last five October games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
Pick
Liberty comes into this game with the home field advantage and they are trying to stay undefeated, while Middle Tennessee is looking to pick up their second win against an FBS opponent this season. Liberty has played very solid defensively in recent games, allowing 16 points or fewer in three straight games. Middle Tennessee was able to get the win against Louisiana Tech, but they were out gained in the game and they have allowed 31+ points in three of their last four games. I think the Liberty defense is going to be the difference in this game and I like the Flames to pull away for the win here.
David’s Pick Liberty -13.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
