Southern Miss vs Middle Tennessee State Betting Odds - Can Blue Raiders stop Southern Miss?

Betting players should be aware of Southern Miss’ record in the New Orleans Bowl, as they’ve never lost during bowl season at the Superdome. The Golden Eagles will face off with Middle Tennessee State in the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl this year, and this game will come down to defensive discipline as both teams can put up points.

Southern Miss vs Middle Tennessee State betting odds breakdown: What’s On The Line
The Golden Eagles (7-5) are making their fourth appearance in the New Orleans Bowl, and they’re a perfect 3-0 so far. Southern Miss finished third in the C-USA East behind a high-powered offense. The Blue Raiders (9-3) won their last six games finish second in the Sun Belt, and they’ve averaged over 41 points during their streak. Middle Tennessee State is 1-2 in three bowl games, the last of which came in 2006, when they lost 31-14 to Central Michigan.

Betting Edge: Draw

Southern Miss vs Middle Tennessee State betting odds breakdown: Offense
Southern Miss is 19th in the nation in points scored, and the duo of Damion Fletcher and Toby Harrison in the backfield takes pressure off of Martevious Young, who replaced the injured Austin Davis under center. The offensive line does its part as well, as the Golden Eagles are 27th in sacks allowed.

The Blue Raiders aren’t far behind in 29th in scoring offense, and they’re a balanced squad. Dwight Dasher is a dual threat with his arms and legs, while D.D. Kyles adds another element to the running game. Their offensive line is also solid, coming in 40th in sacks allowed, and they’re on a roll right now.

Betting Edge: Southern Miss

Southern Miss vs Middle Tennessee State betting odds breakdown: Defense
The Golden Eagles are 77th in total defense, including 113th against the pass. This is strange because Southern Miss gets plenty of pressure to the quarterback as they’re 12th in sacks. They’re also 22nd in tackles-for-loss, and Southern Miss knows only one way to play: downhill, all the time, which sometimes hurts their sportsbook chances.

Middle Tennessee State is 49th in total defense, coming in fourth in sacks while leading the nation in tackles-for-loss. The Blue Raiders haven’t given up more than 24 points in their last six games, and they’re equally adept against the pass as they are against the run.

Betting Edge: Middle Tennessee State

Southern Miss vs Middle Tennessee State betting odds breakdown: Notable Injuries
Fletcher has suffered lots of niggling injuries, but he’ll play in this game. Davis (foot), defensive end Roshaad Byrd (ankle) and defensive back Michael McGee (knee) are all out.

Middle Tennessee State should be completely healthy for this game.

Betting Edge: Middle Tennessee State

Southern Miss vs Middle Tennessee State betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Golden Eagles are a 3.5-point favorite in their first meeting with the Blue Raiders, who lost some staff members to Southern Miss, notably head coach Larry Fedora. The Blue Raiders have a head of steam coming into this game, while the Golden Eagles may be still stinging from a loss to East Carolina. Middle Tennessee’s defense is fundamentally sound, and if they can slow the Golden Eagles’ ground game, they’ll be in line for a college football betting upset.

TONY’S PICK: Middle Tennessee State +3.5

For more NCAA football picks throughout the bowl season, check out Tony’s picks in the Betting Edge at BetOnline. For more on the Southern Miss vs Middle Tennessee State betting matchup, our stats section has everything you need to make your sports betting picks.