The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (1-2) visit the Charlotte 49ers (2-1) in a Conference USA tussle at Jerry Richardson Stadium Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Middle Tennessee vs. Charlotte odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
Middle Tennessee is coming off a 27-13 loss to Texas-San Antonio. The Blue Raiders had just 8 rushing yards and 11 first downs in that contest. A struggling MTU’s lone win was against FCS Monmouth Sept. 4.
Perhaps some solace for that iffy Middle Tennessee run game, one ranked 128th in FBS with 56.7 yards per game, is that Charlotte ranks 128th in run defense (270.7 YPG). The 49ers are coming off a 20-9 loss against Georgia State. GSU had more rushing yards in that game (284) than Charlotte had total yards (276).
Middle Tennessee at Charlotte odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:40 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Middle Tennessee +122 (bet $100 to win $122) | Charlotte -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Middle Tennessee +2.5 (+100) | Charlotte -2.5 (-125)
- Over/Under (O/U): 56.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)
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Middle Tennessee at Charlotte odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Middle Tennessee 27, Charlotte 24
Money line
BACK THE BLUE RAIDERS (+122).
These two foes didn’t play each other last fall due to a COVID-19 cancelation. Charlotte downed Middle Tennessee, 34-20, in 2019. So, MTU is in a revenge spot here. Since 2017, head coach Rick Stockstill’s Blue Raider teams have gone 7-1 against the spread in next-year revenge opportunities. This chance comes two years out.
The Raiders are not a good offensive team and are making a quarterback change this week, with junior QB Chase Cunningham taking the reins. Cunningham has appeared in all three games this year, passing for 259 yards and 3 touchdowns while completing 63.3% of his pass attempts.
Perhaps, that offense clicks more, but it’s the MTU defense worth the play in this contest. The Raiders have done well to force plenty of three-and-outs while limiting big plays and red-zone punch-ins.
Figure on Middle Tennessee hanging around in a low-scoring game and having a legitimate shot at a straight-up victory on the road.
Against the spread
PASS here unless a fair tag for MTSU +3 avails itself.
Over/Under
Both teams could struggle to sustain drives Friday. Both have filed impressive performances in stifling drives in their own end. The 49ers defense has cranked out 2.3 sacks per game and could present a hassle for new-to-the-party Cunningham.
TAKE THE UNDER 56.5 (-115).
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