Middle Tennessee 2018 Betting Preview: Healthy Brent Stockstill Will Cash the Over

Middle Tennessee 2018 Betting Preview: Healthy Brent Stockstill Will Cash the Over article feature image
Credit:

Bob Rosato-USA TODAY Sports. Pictured: Brent Stockstill

Middle Tennessee 2018 Betting Odds

  • To win the National Title: +750000
  • To win the C-USA: +1150
  • Win Total: 7 (over -115, under -105)

Always shop for the best line.


Middle Tennessee 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds

The Action Network Projected Wins: 7.7

Bet To Watch

Middle Tennessee Over 7 (-115)

Coach Rick Stockstill will once again rely on the health of his son, quarterback Brent Stockstill, who has thrown for 7.8 yards per attempt and 77 touchdowns to 25 interceptions in his career.

This is Stockstill's fourth year as the starter for the Blue Raiders, but he's missed nine games in the past two seasons with injuries. After ranking ninth in adjusted sack rate in 2016, the offensive line ranked 60th in 2017. Health is paramount under center, as this offensive line returns three starters and not much experience elsewhere in the depth chart. The boys up front will need to keep Stockstill upright.


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The biggest victory for Middle Tennessee in 2017 may have been the improvement on defense. The Blue Raiders were 108th in points per game allowed in 2016, but improved to 53rd in the nation last season. An experienced front seven should help Middle Tennessee maintain that mark. But the schedule could be the toughest hurdle.

Middle Tennessee plays three home games after September. The bye week also comes in September, which will not allow any injuries to heal in the final nine games of the season. The win total at 7 seems spot on, but we will roll with the Over 7 (-115), as the Oct. 13 to Nov. 10 stretch includes five games in which the Blue Raiders will be favored by at least seven points.

A victory against Vanderbilt, Kentucky or UAB will serve as the push for this win total, and at least one is winnable, especially with a healthy Stockstill.

What else you need to know about Middle Tennessee

The Sept. 29 game at home against Florida Atlantic could not be a better spot for the Blue Raiders. Middle Tennessee outgained the Owls last season, but suffered a 38-20 loss thanks to three interceptions by backup John Urzua. Florida Atlantic will be on a consecutive road games after facing Central Florida, while Middle Tennessee comes off a bye week. With a healthy Stockstill, look to take the Blue Raiders +6 or better.

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