One of the great rivalries in college football returns this weekend, and there's only one way I want to approach the 100 Miles of Hate. Give me the plus money. Fortunately, that rests with the hosts, who, by the way, are favored at some outfits despite losing seven straight to their hated nemesis. More on that, later.
Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee know each other exceptionally well, and this is precisely the kind of rivalry where records, betting trends and recent form can go straight out the window. There's no shortage of motivation when these two get together, regardless of what either team has accomplished leading up to kickoff. That's why I view this matchup as essentially a 50/50 proposition, even if the Hilltoppers have held the upper hand as of recent. WKU has also covered the last five straight while we are at it and still the Raiders at some outfits are favored....
Wow.
The fact that we're playing in Murfreesboro has helped make Middle Tennessee the more valuable side at the plus price. I know that Western Kentucky isn't going to be intimidated by the surroundings, but in a game like this one, which will be settled in the margins, we are getting the home team at plus money in a place where they will be insanely motivated. That's what makes the price appealing. I don't need the Blue Raiders to be demonstrably better on paper. I need MTSU to win a rivalry game at Floyd Stadium. That's it. I'll happily take my chances with the Blue Raiders to end the WKU streak.
Western Kentucky vs. Middle Tennessee prediction: Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders ML +104. Playable to +100.
