WKU Football: Hilltoppers vs. Middle Tennessee Game Information and Staff Predictions

It’s been over a week since that devistating-turned-heartbreaking loss to Louisiana Tech, where it looked like the Tops would be in a boat…

It’s been over a week since that devistating-turned-heartbreaking loss to Louisiana Tech, where it looked like the Tops would be in a boat race, then WKU fans were just hoping to not get laughed out of Ruston, then the Tops were within a strip-sack of putting together a game-tying or winning drive after trailing by 21 points in the second half.

Now, its the 100 Miles of Hate, against the 2016 preseason darlings in MTSU. The Raiders have put up gaudy numbers, and are led by Brett Stockstill who is reminiscent of another high octane QB to grace the CUSA with his presence from years past.

The Tops and Raiders will kick off at 1:30 CT and you’ll be able to watch live on ESPN3.

Fletcher (5–1)

I had the pleasure of joining the guys behind the Moonshine Throwdown on their podcast, Shiner Sitdown, to preview the Tops and Raiders a bit more indepth. If you have an hour or so to spare, please give it a listen. It was a lot of fun to talk Tops with those guys.

WKU Vs Middle Tennessee Preview / The State of The Tops w/ Fletcher Keel
Blair & KD preview WKU's matchup with their historic rival, Middle Tennessee State. You' ll get analysis, insight, MTSU…www.spreaker.com

If you don’t have an hour, I’ll give you the highlights: as good as Stockstill has been, Mike White has either been just as good or better in terms of numbers.

MTSU only has one loss on their slate so far, but it came against Vandy and in decisive fashion, a team that took the Tops to overtime because of defensive lapses in the final minute of the game.

Both the Tops and Raiders mounted huge comebacks against Louisiana Tech.

Long story short — these are two very similar teams, and we should be in for one of, if not the absolute, best game of the CUSA schedule in 2016.

The best thing that could have happened to WKU was to have a defensive game like they had last week and still nearly win. The D will tighten it up this week and keep MTSU in check.

I’m not sure if we’ll get three overtimes like we did in 2014 or not, but I don’t think its out of the realm of possibility. When it’s all said and done, I think the Tops will head back to BG with a 38–34 win in towe.

Marcus (5–1)

These teams don’t care about what’s happened the rest of the season, so throw records to the side, because it’s the 100 Miles of Hate.

This one is going to be rough and physical, as expected. WKU will have turnovers, but the defense will also do the same to the kids in blue. I think the loss to La. Tech will help WKU in this one, learning from the mistakes and working to correct those problems during this week’s practice.

I just don’t see the Tops losing back-to-back conference games after going undefeated for nearly two years. This one will be decided by a late fourth quarter drive, no doubt. But Tops will prevail, 35–31.

Will (6–0)

WKU’s defense looked abysmal last week. Something we hadn’t seen in quite a while. A defense that had looked much much better from past seasons.

The offense showed glimpses of brilliance and for two weeks in a row (finally) put up Jeff-Brohm-numbers, scoring 50 points or more in two weeks in a row.

I hope I’m wrong, but I still don’t trust this team. I’m taking MTSU 50–48.

Josh (4–2)

The last couple of predictions in close matchups have not gone my way, and I believe the issue has been the blind trust I have put in the Western Kentucky football program.

I, like many others before me, looked at last years team and believed that they would be able to carry over the success this year, with only a slight drop-off. However, putting aside my blind faith, I must conclude that WKU will lose this week’s match-up with the Blue Raiders.

MTSU is 3rd in the conference in scoring, while being the best defense in terms of opponent’s point per game. They are also the second best team in passing yards per game, while WKU is 9th in pass defense.

If WKU does not get better production out of their corners and safeties, this could be another long day for the WKU defense. I think that MTSU, being at home, with a strong offense and defense, beats our Hilltoppers 42–31.

How do you think the Tops will do in Murfreesboro? Does the defense have things figured out? Will the Tops offense continue to put up impressive numbers? Let us know in a comment below or on twitter @TheTowelRackWKU.