WKU Football: Gameday Info for Game 11 Against Middle Tennessee
It’s Senior Night on the Hill. The Tops host arch rival Middle Tennessee in the annual 100 Miles of Hate game trying to stop a three game…
It’s Senior Night on the Hill. The Tops host arch rival Middle Tennessee in the annual 100 Miles of Hate game trying to stop a three game skid, to not only become bowl eligible, but to salvage a once promising season.
If you need to know any of the game information, look no further — we have you covered.
Location
Houchens Industries L.T. Smith Stadium
Time
7 p.m. CT
Weather Forecast
TV
TV — CBS Sports Network
Online Stream — Watch CBS Sports Network*
*CBS Sports Network might have worst streaming app out there when it comes to access. If you don’t have one of the following cable subscriptions and are a cord cutter, I’d advise signing up for a free trial of Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV or DirectTV Now.
Radio
Gameday Information
Betting Lines from Sportsline.com
Middle Tennessee -3
Over/ Under: 58 1/2
Moneyline : Middle Tennessee-147
Current Records
WKU: 5–5
Middle Tennessee: 5–5
Last Week
WKU headed east to take on rival Marshall on the anniversary of the 1970 plane crash that decimated their program. Mike White dissected the Herd’s defense leading them an 11 play, 75 yard touchdown drive to put WKU 7–0. That proved to be the high water mark of the game as the offense struggled to replicate that first drive. Marshall took a 13–7 lead into the half. The Herd then sprinted out to a 30–10 lead that proved to be enough as WKU’s comeback bid fell short in a 30–23 defeat, their third consecutive loss.
MTSU traveled to one win Charlotte. Brent Stockstill was back for this second consecutive game and the Blue Raiders jumped out to a 28–7 halftime lead. They would let off the gas in the second half as the Blue Raiders defeated the 49ers 35–21, moving to 5–5 on the season.
Coaches
Mike Sanford — 1st season, 5–5 overall
Rick Stockstill- 12th season, 77–71 overall
Series
Middle Tennessee State leads 34–31–1
Last Meeting
Last season, WKU traveled down to Murfreesboro, reeling from a 3–3 start to their season. MTSU entered the game riding a 4–1 start to the season. What transpired was an instant classic; after a slow first quarter where both teams combined for just six points, the high-powered offenses of both teams exploded in the second quarter combining for 34 points and a 20–20 halftime score.
Both teams continued to match scores in the second half and Skyler Simcox drilled an 18-yard field goal to force overtime with fiveseconds left in regulation. Both teams quickly scored rushing touchdowns in the first overtime, then MTSU followed up with a six play 25-yard scoring drive to push the lead to 43–37 in the second overtime. The Blue Raiders weren’t able to convert Canon Rooker’s extra point thanks to a Deon Yelder block. WKU then methodically tied the game on a six-play drive of their own capped off by an Ace Wales one-yard touchdown run. Skylar Simcox then snuck the extra point through, allowing WKU to escape Murfreesboro with a 44–43 double overtime win.
Relevant Reading
Injury Report from Don Best
For WKU:
DB — De’Andre Simmons — Out (Knee)
DB — Nathan Roush — Out (Knee)
DT- Jalen Manning — Out (Knee)
DT- Evan Sayner — Out (Leg)
DL- Carson Jordan — Out (Undisclosed)
LB- Demetrius Cain — Out (Lower Body)
RB- Quinton Baker — Out (Upper Body)
LB- Daeshawn Bertram — Questionable (Undisclosed)
DB- Marcus Ward — Questionable (Lower Body)
WR- Kylen Towner — Questionable (Undisclosed)
For Middle Tennessee:
WR- Richie James — Out (Shoulder)
QB- John Urzua — Out (Concussion)
Excitement Level — 6
Let’s all be honest: This game isn’t what we thought it would be when the season started. Both teams have dealt with injuries and inconsistency and the Friday night atmosphere is Bowling Green should lead to a sparse crowd. However, this is WKU’s top rival and whoever wins will punch their ticket to bowl season. Defeating MTSU with Brent Stockstill back and in full force will make this game much tougher but also much more enjoyable should the Tops end their skid.
Staff Predictions
Fletcher Keel (8–2): WKU, 35–17
Ross Shircliffe (7–3): WKU, 27–21
Hunter Peay (4–3): WKU, 28–24
Jared Rosdeutscher (8–2): WKU, 24–21
Matt McCay (5–1): WKU, 33–32
Go Tops! A win today today and the Tops will be bowl eligible for the seventh consecutive season. We’ll be providing live coverage of this crucial match-up. If you’re on the Hill, please send us your tailgating and in-game pictures via Twitter at @TheTowelRackWKU or on our Facebook page and we’ll share.