There are going to be a lot of points scored, for one team at least, Friday night, September 25, 2020, when the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (0-2) head to the Alamodome to face to UTSA Roadrunners (2-0). Conference USA play begins for these two teams as they both look to start the conference campaign 1-0. This game will air live on CBS Sports Network at 8:00 p.m. EST.
Middle Tennessee State might be the worst team in college football this season, if the first two games are any indication, as the Blue Raiders are averaging just 7.0 points per game and are allowing an average of 44.5 points. The Blue Raiders are averaging 212.5 total yards of offense, 131.5 through the air and 81.0 on the ground. On defense, Middle Tennessee State is giving up 432.0 total yards, 142.0 through the air and 290.0 on the ground.
UTSA is off to their best start in quite some time and made some history this past weekend as they received votes in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time in school history. The Roadrunners are averaging 37.5 points per game thanks to a whopping 498.5 yards of offense, 219.0 passing and 279.5 rushing. On defense, UTSA is giving up 29.0 points per game and are allowing 409.0 yards, 317.0 passing and 92.0 rushing.
Below is my pick for the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders at UTSA Roadrunners. All odds are from BetMGM Sportsbook.
Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders at UTSA Roadrunners (-6.5): O/U 57.5 (-115/-105)
Middle Tennessee State hosted the Troy Trojans this past weekend and ended up losing 47-14. The game was tied at seven heading into the second quarter, but Troy scored 40 unanswered points to embarrass MTSU on their home field. MTSU had just 241 total yards of offense and allowed Troy to gain 496 yards on offense. Wide Receiver Jarrin Pierce was the lone bright spot for the Blue Raiders as he hauled in 11 balls for 81 yards.
UTSA hosted FCS Stephen F. Austin and came away with a 24-10 win. The Roadrunners scored the first 17 points of the game, but Stephen F. Austin made it a one score game midway through the third quarter. UTSA was able to finish the Lumberjacks off with a Frank Harris 23-yard touchdown run midway through the final quarter. Harris led the way for UTSA in this one with 104 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns. The Roadrunners gained nearly 500 yards of total offense.
Series History: This will be the third meeting between these two schools with the series tied at one win a piece.
CFB Predictions: I am going to back the UTSA Roadrunners -6.5 Friday night.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 4-3