Duke vs Middle Tennessee (Week 4): Odds, Predictions & How to Watch

As we dive into Week 4 of college football, the Duke Blue Devils head to Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro to face the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in a game that might not be on everyone’s radar but still offers plenty of intrigue. This is just the second meeting between these two teams, with Duke taking the first game back in 2019. With Duke a solid favorite, let’s break down everything you need to know about this matchup, from the TV channel and kickoff time to betting odds, injury reports, and a detailed game analysis.

TV Channel & Kickoff Time for Duke vs Middle Tennessee

This Week 4 clash between Duke and Middle Tennessee is scheduled to kick off at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPNU. This national broadcast ensures that fans across the country will have a chance to tune in and watch what could be an intriguing battle between two programs at very different stages.

For those asking, “What channel is Duke vs Middle Tennessee on?” or “What time is Duke vs Middle Tennessee kickoff?”, be sure to mark your calendars for 4:00 p.m. ET on ESPNU. Whether you’re cheering for Duke or the Blue Raiders, it promises to be an interesting contest.

Betting Odds: Spread, Total, and Moneyline Explained

When it comes to betting on this Duke vs Middle Tennessee game, it’s important to understand the key elements of the betting lines:

• Spread: Duke is currently favored by 14.5 points. In this case, Duke must win by 15 points or more for Duke bettors to cover the spread. If Middle Tennessee can keep the margin within 14 points or win outright, bets on the Blue Raiders will pay off. Duke has struggled as a road favorite recently, going 1-5 against the spread (ATS) since 2020, which could make this line interesting.
• Total (Over/Under): The over/under is set at 52 points, meaning bettors can wager whether the total combined score of the game will be higher or lower than 52. Both teams have shown some inconsistencies on offense, which makes the under an appealing option for some experts. Given Duke’s strong defensive numbers and Middle Tennessee’s sluggish offense, this could be a lower-scoring affair.
• Moneyline: The moneyline for this game sees Duke at -700, meaning you’d need to bet $700 to win $100 if Duke wins outright. Meanwhile, Middle Tennessee is a significant underdog at +460, meaning a $100 bet on the Blue Raiders would return $460 if they manage to pull off the upset.

Implied Score Prediction

Based on the betting odds, the implied score for this game is Duke 33, Middle Tennessee 19. This suggests a comfortable win for Duke, though the game’s final margin could hinge on whether Duke’s offense can maintain consistency throughout the matchup.

Injury Report for Duke vs Middle Tennessee

At this time, both teams appear relatively healthy heading into Week 4. Duke will once again rely on their starting quarterback to manage the game, though they haven’t shown explosive playmaking on offense. Middle Tennessee, on the other hand, continues to deal with rebuilding under head coach Derek Mason, who’s had to completely revamp the team’s identity.

Game Analysis: Offense vs Defense

This matchup presents a fascinating battle between Duke’s solid defense and Middle Tennessee’s struggling offense. Duke comes into this game ranked 13th in PPA allowed per play and 8th in havoc rate, showcasing their ability to disrupt offenses and force mistakes. Middle Tennessee, however, ranks near the bottom in almost every key offensive metric, including 125th in offensive EPA per play. It’s safe to say that Middle Tennessee will face a daunting challenge in trying to move the ball effectively against this Duke defense.

Duke has been less impressive on offense, ranking 132nd in rushing success rate. Despite this, their ground game should see improvement against Middle Tennessee’s porous defense, which ranks 132nd in defensive EPA per play. Duke’s offensive line should provide enough protection to establish their run game and wear down the Blue Raiders over time.

One area of concern for Duke is their tendency to struggle on the road as a favorite. They are just 1-5 ATS as a road favorite since 2020, while Middle Tennessee has had little success as a home underdog, going 1-3 ATS in their last four games in that situation. However, Middle Tennessee’s defense has not shown much capability to stop anyone, which could give Duke’s offense a boost.

For Middle Tennessee, their offense is at a crossroads. They are clearly better at throwing the ball than running it, but the team’s offensive identity remains unclear. Their inability to run the ball effectively, averaging just 2.52 yards per carry, will likely be a major issue against Duke’s defense, which excels at limiting big plays and preventing opponents from generating any offensive rhythm.

Betting Prediction for Duke vs Middle Tennessee

With Duke favored by 14.5 points and the total sitting at 52, it’s clear that the oddsmakers believe this game will be lopsided. While Duke hasn’t been the most explosive offensive team, their defense should do enough to limit Middle Tennessee’s scoring opportunities. The under 52 points could be a smart play here, especially given Duke’s strong defensive numbers and Middle Tennessee’s struggles on both sides of the ball.

Given Duke’s defensive dominance and Middle Tennessee’s offensive woes, this game could stay relatively low-scoring. Although Duke hasn’t been great as a road favorite, Middle Tennessee’s weaknesses on both offense and defense make it difficult to imagine them keeping this game within two touchdowns.

Prediction: Duke 31, Middle Tennessee 14

Final Thoughts and How to Watch

To catch this game live, tune in to ESPNU at 4:00 p.m. ET on Saturday. As Duke continues its push for a strong season in the ACC, they’ll look to put away a Middle Tennessee team that’s still searching for answers. This game may not be the marquee matchup of the week, but it offers plenty of intrigue for fans and bettors alike.

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Quick Recap:

• Game: Duke vs Middle Tennessee
• Kickoff: 4:00 p.m. ET
• TV Channel: ESPNU
• Betting Odds: Duke -14.5, Over/Under 52
• Moneyline: Duke -700, Middle Tennessee +460
• Prediction: Duke 31, Middle Tennessee 14

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