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The Middle Tenn. Blue Raiders and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are set to square off in a Conference USA matchup at 3 p.m. ET Nov. 5 at Joe Aillet Stadium. The Blue Raiders will be strutting in after a win while Louisiana Tech will be stumbling in from a loss.
It was all tied up 10-10 at the half for Middle Tenn. and the UTEP Miners on Saturday, but Middle Tenn. stepped up in the second half for a 24-13 victory. Middle Tenn. can attribute much of their success to WR Jaylin Lane, who caught seven passes for one TD and 147 yards, and QB Chase Cunningham, who passed for three TDs and 265 yards on 27 attempts. Cunningham's 75-yard touchdown toss to Lane in the fourth quarter made for one of the most memorable moments of the night.
Middle Tenn.'s defense was a presence as well, as it got past the Miners' offensive line to sack the quarterback five times for a total loss of 44 yards. It was a group effort with five guys contributing.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs fought the good fight in their overtime contest against the FIU Panthers on Friday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result, falling 42-34. Louisiana Tech's defeat came about despite a quality game from RB Marquis Crosby, who rushed for two TDs and 115 yards on 21 carries.
This next matchup is expected to be close, with the Blue Raiders going off at just a 2.5-point favorite. Those playing the odds have seen things go back and forth with Middle Tenn., who are 3-4 against the spread.
Louisiana Tech's defeat took them down to 2-6 while Middle Tenn.'s victory pulled them up to 4-4. Allowing an average of 39.63 points per game, the Bulldogs haven't exactly asserted themselves on the defensive end. We'll see if they can patch up the holes in their defense before their upcoming game.
