The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will look to pick up their first FBS win of the season on Thursday night when they host the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in a Conference USA matchup.
While both teams have been struggling, the Bulldogs look to be the better team and have a home-field advantage in this matchup, which is why I’m picking them to cover in my Middle Tennessee vs. Louisiana Tech predictions.
Learn why I like Louisiana Tech to get its first conference win in my free college football picks for Thursday, October 10.
Middle Tennessee vs Louisiana Tech prediction and best bet
My best bet
Louisiana Tech -4.5 (-110 at DraftKings)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
The start of the season hasn’t been kind to either team, and neither is a contender in Conference USA. In fact, Louisiana Tech and Middle Tennessee rate as two of the worst teams in the FBS ranks. But even when you look at the weakest squads in the country, you can find areas of separation between them.
In this matchup, the biggest difference between these two teams comes on the defensive end. Both sides have put up decent passing numbers — aided by the fact that they’re usually behind, but also looking solid on per-play metrics — but only Louisiana Tech has done anything to stop their opponents from moving the ball.
The Bulldogs have held their opponents to just 4.5 yards per play on the year, which ranks among the Top 25 teams in the country. Sure, those numbers came against relatively weak competition, but on average, those teams might be better than Middle Tennessee. Louisiana Tech is allowing just 2.9 yards per rush and has also been solid against the pass, holding opponents to a better-than-average 6.2 yards per attempt.
By contrast, Middle Tennessee has been one of the worst defensive teams in the country, even without accounting for the overall mediocre level of competition it has faced. The Blue Raiders rank 134th of 134 FBS teams in passing yardage allowed (319.0 yards per game), 133rd in completion percentage against, and 132nd in opposing quarterback rating (171.4). This is a team that gets shredded through the air — which is the one area where the Louisiana Tech offense has had limited success this season.
Middle Tennessee barely got past the FCS Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles earlier this season, allowing 25 points in that matchup. Meanwhile, the Blue Raiders haven’t scored more than 21 points against any FBS opponent — while Louisiana Tech has been in every game it has played this year, even against a Power 4 opponent in the North Carolina State Wolfpack. The Bulldogs should be a touchdown favorite on a neutral field, and should easily cover at home.
Middle Tennessee vs Louisiana Tech same-game parlay (SGP)
Louisiana Tech -4.5
Under 49
Tru Edwards 50+ receiving yards
Louisiana Tech should have the best of this matchup between two struggling squads, and my same-game parlay reflects this. Along with taking Louisiana Tech to cover the spread, I’ll also take the Under at 49 points. Neither team has scored more than 25 points in a single game against an FBS opponent this year, and I’m willing to bet the Bulldogs will at least have the ability to shut down Middle Tennessee again on Thursday night.
As far as Louisiana Tech’s offensive production goes, I like wide receiver Tru Edwards in this matchup. Edwards has 208 yards over his first three games, including a 148-yard outburst against North Carolina State.
If the Bulldogs are going to score against the Blue Raiders — who have been among the worst teams in the country at stopping the pass, allowing a 72.6% completion rate and 9.1 yards per attempt — Edwards will be at the center of that attack.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Middle Tennessee vs Louisiana Tech odds
Middle Tennessee vs Louisiana Tech live odds
Middle Tennessee vs Louisiana Tech opening odds
- Middle Tennessee vs. Louisiana Tech spread: Louisiana Tech -4.5 (-110)
- Middle Tennessee vs. Louisiana Tech moneyline: Middle Tennessee +165, Louisiana Tech -200
- Middle Tennessee vs. Louisiana Tech Over/Under: 48.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Middle Tennessee vs Louisiana Tech spread and Over/Under analysis
- Louisiana Tech is 2-2 against the spread this season, while Middle Tennessee has gone 1-4 ATS on the year.
- The Blue Raiders are 0-4 straight up against FBS opponents in 2024, losing each game by at least 17 points.
- The Over has a 3-2 edge in Middle Tennessee’s games this season. The Under has a 3-1 advantage when the Bulldogs play.
- Louisiana Tech is playing to an average total of 40.5 ppg. The Blue Raiders are averaging a combined total of 55 ppg on the season.
Middle Tennessee vs Louisiana Tech betting trend to know
Louisiana Tech is 3-1 ATS in its last four meetings with Middle Tennessee. Find more college football betting trends for Middle Tennessee vs Louisiana Tech.
Middle Tennessee vs Louisiana Tech game info
| Location: | Joe Aillet Stadium, Rushton, LA |
| Date: | Thursday, 10-10, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CBSSN |
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