Conference USA kicks off its midweek slate of games in college football Week 5, with the 1-3 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders traveling to Bowling Green to take on the conference-contending 2-2 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
Who emerges victorious? Ahead of the game, we’ve got the latest college football betting odds, DFS picks, and a Western Kentucky vs. Middle Tennessee prediction.
Western Kentucky vs. Middle Tennessee Betting and DFS Preview
All odds from DraftKings Sportsbook and correct as of Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. Want to take advantage of the Western Kentucky vs. Middle Tennessee odds? Visit the College Football Network live college football odds page right here.
- Spread
Western Kentucky, -5.5 - Moneyline
Western Kentucky -230, Middle Tennessee +190 - Over/Under
59 points - Game time
7:30 p.m. ET - Location
Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY - Predicted Weather at Kick
68 degrees, 4-6 mph winds, mostly cloudy - How to Watch
FuboTV, CBS Sports Network
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Looking to lay down some money on Middle Tennessee? Are the Hilltoppers the team to tip your balance into the green on Thursday night? If you’re going to take advantage of the Western Kentucky vs. Middle Tennessee odds, consider some of the following factors before you part with your hard-earned cash.
Although just one game splits the two teams historically, Western Kentucky has won the last four matchups to take a 36-35-1 head-to-head advantage into this Thursday night CUSA clash. As our Western Kentucky vs. Middle Tennessee prediction explains, the Hilltoppers should extend this streak.
Take Western Kentucky on the moneyline, with some confidence.
That won’t get you much by way of return, so you’ll want to investigate some of the other Western Kentucky vs. Middle Tennessee odds. The Blue Raiders are 1-3 against the spread this year, and 1-1 as an underdog. Two of their three defeats this year came by more than the 5.5 line. Furthermore, their last two defeats to Western Kentucky came by more than the line.
With two offenses that have been to be free-scoring with explosive plays just around every corner, it’s tempting to hammer the 59-point line. However, just one of the last five encounters between the two teams has crossed the threshold and there’s been some early misfires from both. This could be the game where they go wild on offense, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
Top DFS Picks and Fantasy Plays
Western Kentucky Depth Chart | Middle Tennessee Depth Chart
- QB Austin Reed, Western Kentucky ($12,000)
- QB Nicholas Vattiato, Middle Tennessee ($10,500)
- RB Jaiden Credle, Middle Tennessee ($7,500)
- RB Davion Ervin-Poindexter, Western Kentucky ($7,200)
- RB Jekail Middlebrook, Middle Tennessee ($6,800)
- RB Markese Stepp, Western Kentucky ($6,200)
- RB Frank Peasant, Middle Tennessee ($6,000)
- RB Elijah Young, Western Kentucky ($4,800)
- RB L.T. Sanders, Western Kentucky ($4,600)
- WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky ($10,000)
- WR Easton Messer, Western Kentucky ($8,300)
- WR Elijah Metcalf, Middle Tennessee ($8,000)
- WR Holden Willis, Middle Tennessee ($7,600)
- WR Blue Smith, Western Kentucky ($6,000)
- WR Justin Olson, Middle Tennessee ($5,900)
- WR DJ England-Chisolm, Middle Tennessee ($5,700)
- TE River Helms, Western Kentucky ($5,000)
- TE Jeremy Tate Jr., Middle Tennessee ($4,800)
There are three Thursday college football games to compile your DFS team from in Week 5. If you’re new to DFS, Fanduel Superflex contests require you to select a quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers, then a “superflex” that can be any of the above, or you can also select a tight end in the superflex spot.
Let’s start with the easiest choice you’ll make for your DFS lineup for this Thursday night slate.
Austin Reed, regardless of value, should be your go-to guy at quarterback. Middle Tennessee’s Nicholas Vattiato is a better option than you might think, but he’s not better than Reed. The Hilltoppers QB is the third-highest-scoring fantasy QB in CUSA, and his matchup is majestic tonight.
You’ll likely want to lock in Malachi Corley too. The “YAC King” is one of the top receivers in college football. However, if you’re struggling to fit both Reed and Corley within your budget, fellow Hilltoppers WR Easton Messer has been just as proficient.
Just 0.6 fantasy points separate the two WKU pass-catchers heading into the game due to Corley’s injury limitations.
If you’re a fan of a dominating ground game, this one isn’t going to be for you.
The Hilltoppers average just 23.50 attempts per game, and QB Reed leads the team in rushing TDs. Middle Tennessee won’t pound the rock much more, but if you’re looking for a value RB pick up then Jekail Middlebrook might be your man. He’s rushed for three touchdowns in the last two games.
Prediction for Western Kentucky vs. Middle Tennessee
Okay, so we’ve furnished you with the Western Kentucky vs. Middle Tennessee odds and some DFS picks and it’s time to close this thing out with our Western Kentucky vs. Middle Tennessee prediction.
Does the quest for a Western Kentucky CUSA crown kick off with a Thursday night win? Will Middle Tennessee stem the recent tide of defeats to their CUSA foe and light a fire under their season?
The Western Kentucky vs. Middle Tennessee odds are stacked in the Hilltoppers’ favor, and while that doesn’t tell you the whole story of how this game should pan out, it’s a good indicator in this instance.
The strengths of Tyson Helton’s team play directly into the weaknesses of Rick Stockstill’s Blue Raiders outfit, leaving the outcome clear for all to see.
So far in the 2023 college football season, Middle Tennessee has allowed 242.3 passing yards per game, has given up the most passing touchdowns of any CUSA team, has allowed a 71.4% completion percentage to their opposing quarterbacks, while snagging just one interception despite their talented secondary.
Hilltoppers QB Reed should feast on the Blue Raiders defense.
Meanwhile, Middle Tennessee hasn’t put up more than 23 points on any FBS opponent.
While they’ve faced two SEC teams — playing Missouri close in Week 2 — and Vattiato can conjure up explosive plays, the Blue Raiders are unlikely to be able to go toe-to-toe if the game devolves into a shoot-out.
The Hilltoppers secure a commanding win to kick off their CUSA campaign.
Prediction: Western Kentucky 34, Middle Tennessee 24