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Alabama A&M vs. Middle Tennessee prediction and game preview for the season-opener between the Bulldogs and the Blue Raiders.

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Alabama A&M vs. Middle Tennessee Game Preview

Broadcast Info

Date: Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET

Venue: Floyd Stadium, Murfreesboro, TN

Alabama A&M vs. Middle Tennessee Storylines

The Blue Raiders appear to have a bright future with quarterback Brent Stockstill, the head coach’s son who was named C-USA freshman of the year last fall after throwing for 4,005 yards and 30 touchdowns. His numbers could get even better this season under new coordinator Tony Franklin, who left his gig at Cal to come home. Of course, Franklin worked with top 2016 NFL Draft pick Jared Goff in Berkeley.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs from the SWAC return a boatload of starters from last year’s squad, so head coach James Spady will be looking to improve on a three-win campaign. Tootie Ballard leads the offense at quarterback, while kick returner Octayvious Miles earned all-SWAC honors last fall.

Matchup to Watch

Miles vs. Middle Tennessee kickoff team

If A&M has any shot at an upset, it needs to create turnovers and create a handful of big plays. Miles is an X-Factor on special teams because of his ability to create field-position advantages.

Advantages

Offense: Middle Tennessee. The Blue Raiders are in good hands with Stockstill at QB.

Defense: Even. Alabama A&M returns eight starters on defense.

Special Teams: Alabama A&M. Miles is a plus for a team needing every break to go its way in order to pull an upset.

Coaching: Middle Tennessee. Stockstill is running a smooth program as he enters his 11th season.

Intangibles: Middle Tennessee. Road trips to Vanderbilt and Bowling Green loom after this opener, so Middle Tennessee knows it needs to take care of business right out of the gate.

Alabama A&M vs. Middle Tennessee Betting Odds

Spread: Middle Tennessee -43.5

Over/Under: NA

Alabama A&M vs. Middle Tennessee Prediction

The Blue Raiders will score—and score some more—at will as they cruise to victory.

Final Score Prediction For Alabama A&M vs. Middle Tennessee: Middle Tennessee 50, Alabama A&M 20

MORE: 2016 College Football Bowl Projections