Tennessee Tech vs Middle Tennessee Picks and Prediction – 8/31/2024

The 2024 season kicks off with Tennessee Tech facing Middle Tennessee, both teams looking to set a positive tone for the year. Tennessee Tech is coming off a 4-7 record last season, while Middle Tennessee ended 2023 with a 6-6 record. This matchup will provide early insight into how both teams have retooled in the offseason. Dominate the college scene with our College Football picks.

Tennessee Tech enters the new season with a fresh coaching staff led by Bobby Wilder, hoping to improve on last year’s struggles. The Golden Eagles were picked seventh in the Big South-OVC preseason poll, signaling a rebuilding phase. Despite the challenges, they bring back key defensive players like Tim Coutras, who led the team with four interceptions last season, and Aaron Swafford, who was the team’s top tackler with 72 stops. 

The defense, which allowed an average of 28.2 points per game in 2023, will need to step up significantly to give the offense a chance, especially with many new faces on the roster. Offensively, Tennessee Tech struggled last season, averaging only 17 points per game, and will look to new additions and returning players to change that narrative.

Middle Tennessee, under new head coach Derek Mason, seeks to build on a .500 season last year. The Blue Raiders boast a returning quarterback, Nicholas Vattiato, who threw for over 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2023. Vattiato’s connection with top receiver Holden Willis, who averaged 15 yards per catch last season, will be critical, especially behind an offensive line that has seen significant turnover. 

The rushing attack, led by returning back Jaiden Credle, will need to improve after averaging just 130.3 rushing yards per game last year. On defense, the Blue Raiders are rebuilding with new players like Brendon Harris, a transfer safety who brings experience from Vanderbilt and Wake Forest. The defense allowed 25.8 points per game last season and will look to improve under new defensive coordinator Brian Stewart.

Middle Tennessee enters this game as the more stable and experienced team, which gives them the edge. With a returning quarterback and key offensive weapons, they should be able to exploit Tennessee Tech’s retooled defense. Expect the Blue Raiders to control the game from start to finish, relying on a balanced offense and a defense that, while rebuilding, has more proven talent. Final Score Prediction: Middle Tennessee wins 31-10.