GoMiddle Picks MT/Charlotte
Middle Tennessee State tallied a second victory on the season last game, defeating Rice in a whirlwind finish. The Rice game was certainly full of hijinks, including the quadruple doink field goal from the Owls.
MT rode a victory in the bye week, and now it is time for the Blue Raiders to turn their attention to the Charlotte 49ers.
As is tradition at GoMiddle, the staff gives input and predictions for the MTSU game.
***Staff Standings for Predictions***
1. Rickey Fuquay: 5-2 on predictions
2. Tyler Pellom: 4-3 on predictions
2. Matt Dossett: 4-3 on predictions
Matt Dossett (4-3 for the year)
Middle Tennessee State played the role of the cardiac kids last game. The Blue Raiders edged the Rice Owls in double overtime, in a classic, frenetic finish. This week MT will go toe to toe with the Charlotte 49ers. The 49ers bring a smaller sample size to the table, considering they have played only five games, opposed to Middle who has played 7 games. MTSU has played five Conference USA games, while Charlotte has played three.
Both teams are gridlocked around the middle of the Conference USA East Division. Charlotte is positioned third in the division, while MT is 4th. MTSU is 2-3 in league play while Charlotte is 2-1.
ESPN's FPI predictor gives the Blue Raiders 27.5 percent chance to get the W. Middle has made it apparent that they intend to sling the rock around. Asher O'Hara has attempted 221 passes for a total of 1,509 yards, coupled with 11 touchdown passes. Asher has given the ball to the opposing team, tallying eight interceptions. O'Hara is the leader in the clubhouse for MT when it comes to rushing yards. He has scampered for 476 yards and six touchdowns on 139 carries. The leading rusher for Charlotte, Tre Harbison III, has 257 yards on 64 carries. Harbison III does have four touchdown runs, though. Charlotte also pounds the rock with Aaron McCallister, 254 yards on 37 carries, which adds up to 6.9 yards per carry.
I think the contrast in styles of play will be on full display. MT should look to do damage through the air, while the 49ers will trot out their rushing attack.
Look for Charlotte to win an entertaining ballgame.
Charlotte: 34
MTSU: 31
Rickey Fuquay Jr. (5-2 on the season)
Middle Tennessee Redshirt Junior Asher O'Hara recorded a combined four touchdowns on 402 total yards along with 22 carries as well as 24-of-33 passing to outlast Rice 40 to 34 in double overtime.
After their final BYE week, the Blue Raiders return home for the Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces Game against UNC-Charlotte.
MT comes into the matchup having won four of the last five matchups against the 49ers while O'Hara leads the Conference USA in passing yards and is second in C-USA in passing touchdowns.
Redshirt Junior Quarterback Chris Reynolds and O'Hara will duel it out in what will be a photo finish; however O'Hara and the Blue Raiders will find a out to come through clutch in regulation.
MTSU: 28
Charlotte: 21
Tyler Pellom (4-3 on the season)
I think MT QB Asher O'Hara has found his groove - and Tony Franklin has found what works best on offense. Let. Asher. Cook. and get the ball out to the skill players at WR. Also, get Mobley more touches.
On the other side, the defense seems to be regressing a bit - and I'd say some of that is due to playing offenses with good passing games. The other reason might be injury - the middle of the MT defense has been knocked around a bit and a lot of those players look like they're playing at less than 100%.
I'm a big fan of Charlotte Head Coach Will Healy. Like most, I was incredibly impressed with the job he did right up the road at Austin Peay. I think he's going to build a consistent CUSA power in the Tar Heel state.
He's laying the foundation, but it doesn't look like this year's Charlotte team is anything to write home about.
MT: 30
Charlotte: 20