Middle Tenn Blue Raiders vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 9/28/2023 Week 5 Betting Odds, Picks and Forecast

Middle Tenn Blue Raiders vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 9/28/2023 – Thursday night college football action is set to sizzle as the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (1-3) march into Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to face off against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2-2). Both teams have had their share of ups and downs this season, making this contest a crucial one for their respective campaigns. The Week 5 college football predictions are updated below as we take a look into the betting lines and picks of this entertaining game.

Team	SP/RL	TOTAL	ML
Blue Raiders	+5.5 (-107)	+195	60 o (-110)
Hilltoppers	-5.5 (-113)	-225	60 u (-110)

.@ConferenceUSA opener on Thursday!

🏈 at WKU
🗓️ Thursday at 6:30 PM CT
📺 @CBSSportsNet #BLUEnited | #EATT pic.twitter.com/9u8u7fsJ60

— Middle Tennessee Football (@MT_FB) September 25, 2023

Rick Stockstill vs Tyson Helton

Middle Tennessee kicked off its 2023 season with a challenging pair of games, facing powerhouse opponents. Their first matchup was an uphill battle against the Alabama Crimson Tide, resulting in a 56-7 defeat. The Raiders then faced off against the Missouri Tigers, putting up a commendable fight but ultimately falling short with a 23-19 loss.

In their third game, Middle Tennessee finally secured a win, taking down Murray State 35-14. Quarterback Nicholas Vattiato played a crucial role, amassing 291 passing yards with two touchdowns and a lone interception. This victory provided the Raiders with a much-needed confidence boost.

However, in their most recent outing against Colorado State, the Blue Raiders displayed a competitive spirit. While they were up 17-10 at halftime, they couldn’t hold onto the lead and succumbed to a 31-23 defeat. Vattiato once again led the charge with 279 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an impressive 47 rushing yards with a touchdown. Holden Willis emerged as the primary target, securing nine catches for 118 yards and a touchdown.

Western Kentucky’s Rollercoaster Start: Dominance, Setbacks, and Close Calls

On the other side of the gridiron, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers kicked off their season with a bang, winning their first two games in style. They dominated South Florida with a convincing 41-24 victory in the season opener. In their second outing, they faced Houston Christian and cruised to a 52-22 win.

However, Western Kentucky’s momentum was halted when they faced a formidable Ohio State team, resulting in a 63-10 loss. Quarterback Austin Reed contributed 207 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception in this challenging matchup.

The Hilltoppers’ fourth game against Troy was a hard-fought contest that ended in a 27-24 defeat. Austin Reed continued to lead the offense with 268 passing yards and two touchdowns. Malachi Corley was a standout receiver with nine catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, the rushing game struggled, with Elijah Young managing only ten yards on five carries.

NCAAF Latest Odds: WKU -7.5 ; O/U 61

As Middle Tennessee visits Western Kentucky, much attention will be focused on each quarterback. Nicholas Vattiato of Middle Tennessee has excelled, amassing 916 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and only two interceptions over nine games this season – something he will look to continue against Western Kentucky’s formidable Hilltoppers defense.

Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed has been an efficient playmaker, amassing 1,071 passing yards with nine touchdown passes and only one interception in 2016. Now looking ahead, he hopes to exploit any weaknesses in Middle Tennessee’s defense and continue his successful season.