Delaware travels to Murfreesboro on Tuesday night to face Middle Tennessee in a Conference USA matchup between two teams looking to get back in the win column. Both enter the game at 2-3 overall and 0-1 in conference play.
Delaware opened its season with a 42-7 victory over Merrimack before suffering its first loss at Vanderbilt, 35-26. The Blue Hens bounced back with a 22-14 win over Coastal Carolina but have since dropped two straight, falling 42-3 to Virginia and 30-14 to Liberty in their Conference USA opener.
Middle Tennessee has followed a similar path through the opening five games of its season. The Blue Raiders began with a 38-14 win over Murray State, suffered a narrow 28-26 defeat against Marshall and then defeated Nevada 27-20.
Since then, Derek Mason‘s team has struggled to generate much offense, losing 23-13 to Jacksonville State before being shut out 55-0 by Kansas in its most recent game.
Tuesday marks the fourth all-time meeting between Delaware and Middle Tennessee. The Blue Hens have won each of the previous three matchups, including a 31-28 victory last season.
Kickoff from Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.
Delaware vs. Middle Tennessee Odds
Delaware is a short 1.5-point road favorite at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook:
- Point Spread: Delaware -1.5 (+100) | Middle Tennessee +1.5 (-120)
- Moneyline: Delaware -110 | Middle Tennessee -110
- Total: Over 47.5 (-110) | Under 47.5 (-110)
Referenced odds subject to change.
Delaware vs. Middle Tennessee Prediction
Middle Tennessee +1.5 (-120): Middle Tennessee has played its best football at home this season, and we’re backing the Blue Raiders to keep their unbeaten record at Floyd Stadium intact as a slight underdog.
Middle Tennessee is 2-0 both outright and against the spread at Floyd Stadium, compared to its 0-3 record away from Murfreesboro. Both home victories came by at least seven points, while Delaware has lost both of its two games away from home.
The Blue Raiders are also in a prime position to bounce back from their most lopsided loss of the season. Although a shutout loss doesn’t necessarily translate to a stronger performance the following week, returning home after a difficult trip to Lawrence against a P4 opponent gives Middle Tennessee a more favorable setting against an opponent dealing with issues of its own.
Delaware’s quarterback situation is one concern. Starter Nick Minicucci suffered a lower-body injury against Virginia and missed the Liberty game, leaving the Blue Hens using multiple quarterbacks in his absence.
Middle Tennessee should be able to lean heavily on Antonio Martin Jr., who has recorded three 100-yard rushing performances this season. Delaware surrendered 282 yards on the ground against Liberty, suggesting the Blue Raiders may be able to establish their run game and take some pressure off quarterback Roman Gagliano.
The home/away splits are the biggest factor behind this pick. Middle Tennessee has been excellent at Floyd Stadium with an upset win over Nevada, while Delaware has struggled away from home and faces questions about its offensive personnel.
We’re backing the Blue Raiders to remain unbeaten at home.
- Best Bet: Middle Tennessee +1.5 (-120)
Betting Splits at Hard Rock Bet
- Moneyline: Delaware has received 58% of all moneyline tickets and 66.4% of the handle.
- Spread: Delaware -1.5 has pulled in 54.2% of the tickets, but Middle Tennessee +1.5 accounts for 65.8% of the handle despite receiving just 45.8% of wagers.
- Total: Over 47.5 has drawn 59.2% of tickets and 66.5% of the handle.
Delaware vs. Middle Tennessee Game Info
- šļø Location: Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium – Murfreesboro, Tennessee
- š Date: Tuesday, October 13
- ā° Start Time: 7 p.m. ET
- šŗ Where to Watch: CBS Sports Network
More Ways to Bet
Looking for more ways to stay in the action? Florida players can find Real Money Games powered by Past Motor Racing, available exclusively on Hard Rock Bet, a lineup of fast, engaging real money games you can jump into anytime while you follow your bets.
Offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in FL. Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC, in all other states. Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, FL, IL, IN, MI, NJ, OH, TN or VA to play. Terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling? In FL, call 1-833-PLAYWISE. In IN, if you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT. In AZ, OH, & VA, call 1-800-MY-RESET.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1ā800āGAMBLER (CO, IL, MI, NJ, TN)
