Truth be told, on a neutral field, my numbers have MTSU as being a point better than the Niners, and Charlotte's homefield advantage at Jerry Richardson Stadium isn't worth four points in my book! MTSU has struggled to run the ball this season, but I expect they'll find more success against a Charlotte defense allowing 5.96 yards per carry so far this season, and that will keep them in the game.
In other words, while Charlotte's a solid team, this will be the easiest test the Blue Raiders have had since their opener, and I think they'll bounce back. This season, Virginia Tech could win the ACC Coastal, while UTSA should be considered the favorite to win Conference USA alongside Marshall. The Blue Raiders began the year with a 50-15 win over Monmouth but then lost their last two on the road against Virginia Tech and UTSA.
MTSU has had a much more difficult path to start the season. Since then, the 49ers got by Gardner-Webb 38-10 before falling on the road to Georgia State 20-9 last week. Duke is likely to be the worst team in the ACC this year. It's likely because Charlotte is 2-1 with a win over Duke, but Charlotte is getting too much credit for that win. The Pick: Middle Tennessee +3 (-110): I like what Will Healy has done with this Charlotte program in a short amount of time, but my numbers tell me this line is off a bit. 🏈 Middle Tennessee at Charlotte, 6:30 p.m. All times Eastern, and all odds via Caesars Sportsbook
