Bowling Green vs. Middle Tennessee Prediction, Game Preview
Bowling Green vs. Middle Tennessee prediction and game preview. Projecting who will win Saturday's matchup between the Falcons and Blue Raiders.
Bowling Green vs. Middle Tennessee prediction and game preview. Projecting who will win Saturday’s matchup between the Falcons and Blue Raiders.
Bowling Green vs. Middle Tennessee Game Preview
When: Saturday, September 17 – Noon ET
Where: Doyt L. Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, Ohio.
TV Broadcast: ESPN3
It’s certainly been an underwhelming start for Bowling Green after winning 10 games last year. The Falcons were crushed 77-10 in their opener at Ohio State, then barely held on to beat FCS foe North Dakota 27-26 when the Hawks decided to go for the winning two-point conversion after scoring a touchdown with 13 seconds remaining. Outside of the obvious defensive issues, the biggest problem has been turnovers. Bowling Green committed three in each contest, four of them being James Knapke interceptions. The bright spot has been receiver Scott Miller, who’s caught nine passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns, all last week.
How the Falcons are going to stop Middle Tennessee quarterback Brent Stockstill remains to be seen. He might be one of the biggest secrets in college football after throwing for 4,005 yards and 30 touchdowns last season. Stockstill is off to a good start this year and completed 38 of a career-high 65 attempts for 399 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s 47-24 loss to Vanderbilt. Richie James is his main target, and the Blue Raiders are going to come out throwing plenty against the Falcons.
What To Know About Bowling Green
The defense needs to step up. It has forced only one turnover – a J.T. Barrett interception that was returned for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Buckeyes. The offense isn’t doing it any favors with all of its giveaways, but the fact the Falcons have allowed 1,164 yards in two games shows they’re also giving up long drives and big plays. They made a stop when they had to on North Dakota’s two-point conversion, but they shouldn’t have been in that situation in the first place against an FCS opponent.
What to Know About Middle Tennessee
The Blue Raiders are favored for a reason, and it’s not just because of Stockstill, whose father Rick is the head coach. I’Tavius Mathers and Terelle West provide a great punch in the running game when the elder Stockstill backs off the pass, although that isn’t often. The defense played great in a 55-0 win over Alabama A&M and played tight with Vanderbilt last week until the Commodores broke it open in the middle of the second quarter. The Blue Raiders will have to protect the lead they’re expecting the younger Stockstill to provide.
Advantages
Offense: Middle Tennessee – Stockstill is going to put up some quality fantasy numbers.
Defense: Middle Tennessee – Both teams have their issues here, but the Blue Raiders at least have one quality showing.
Special Teams: Bowling Green – Miller has the potential to bring his big-play ability to the return game.
Coaching: Middle Tennessee – Rick Stockstill has brought the Blue Raiders to five bowls since taking over in 2006.
Intangibles: Middle Tennessee – It seems to be in a part place as a program as it looks like Bowling Green is in for a rough season.
Matchup To Watch
Stockstill vs. Bowling Green’s secondary
Some believe Stockstill has the potential to be an NFL quarterback for a long time. That doesn’t bode well for this Falcons defense that doesn’t have the talent to shut down him and James.
Bowling Green vs. Middle Tennessee Betting Odds
Spread: Middle Tennessee -6 1/2
Over/Under: 71 1/2
Bowling Green vs. Middle Tennessee Prediction
Not only do the Blue Raiders cover, they’ll have Falcons fans filing for exits early. Stockstill goes for 450 yards and four touchdowns in a blowout.
Bowling Green vs. Middle Tennessee Score Prediction: Middle Tennessee 44, Bowling Green 17
