Picks and Predictions for the Blue Raiders

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Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders History

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football program dates back to 1911 and has built a long-standing tradition within the college football landscape. Originally competing at the lower levels of the NCAA, the program transitioned to the FBS level in 1999, joining the Sun Belt Conference before moving to Conference USA in 2013. Throughout their time at the FBS level, the Blue Raiders have consistently fielded competitive teams and made frequent bowl appearances.

Under longtime head coach Rick Stockstill, who led the program from 2006 through 2023, Middle Tennessee experienced some of its most successful seasons. The team made 10 bowl appearances under Stockstill, including signature wins like their 2017 Camellia Bowl victory over Arkansas State and a dominant 2022 Hawaii Bowl win over San Diego State. His tenure brought consistency and respectability to a program that once struggled to gain national attention.

As the Blue Raiders enter a new era in 2025 under head coach Derek Mason, the program is looking to reestablish itself as a contender in C-USA. Known for his defensive expertise, Mason’s leadership is expected to bring a more physical identity to the team. With a mix of returning talent and new transfers, Middle Tennessee has the potential to outperform expectations—a factor savvy bettors will want to track closely.

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Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Timeline

1911 – Middle Tennessee fields its first football team.
1999 – The program transitions to the FBS level, joining the Sun Belt Conference.
2006 – Rick Stockstill is hired as head coach, marking the beginning of one of the program’s most stable and successful eras.
2009 – The Blue Raiders finish 10-3 and win the New Orleans Bowl, their first FBS bowl victory.
2013 – MTSU joins Conference USA, immediately becoming a competitive presence in the league.
2016 – The team posts an 8-5 record and appears in the Hawaii Bowl, showcasing a high-powered offense under Stockstill.
2018 – MTSU wins the C-USA East Division and plays in the conference championship game.
2022 – The Blue Raiders upset San Diego State in the Hawaii Bowl, finishing the season 8-5.
2023 – Rick Stockstill is let go after a 4-8 campaign; defensive-minded coach Derek Mason is hired to lead the program into a new era.
2024 – In Mason’s first season, MTSU finishes 6-6 and earns bowl eligibility, laying the groundwork for future growth.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Stats

Improve your Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders betting strategy this season by analyzing the following statistics to discover valuable opportunities.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Roster for 2025

The 2025 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders roster was filled with a mix of experienced and up-and-coming players, making them a predicted top contender in the nation.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Injury Report

Check out the latest injury report for the Ragin’s Cajuns:

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 2025 Betting Outlook and Trends

Those looking to wager on the Blue Raiders in 2025 should monitor key betting trends to improve their odds. You can also follow our best handicappers for more up-to-date betting insights as the season progresses.

ATS Rebound Potential

After finishing 3-9 ATS in 2024, Middle Tennessee may be undervalued by oddsmakers early in the 2025 season. New head coach Derek Mason brings a more disciplined, defense-first mindset, and with a reset in scheme and culture, bettors could find value backing the Blue Raiders, especially as underdogs in conference play.

Defensive Identity Under Derek Mason

With Mason’s background as a defensive coordinator and head coach at Vanderbilt, expect MTSU to emphasize tougher defensive play in 2025. This shift could lead to lower-scoring games and tighter contests, creating potential value on unders—especially in early-season matchups before totals adjust.

Opportunity in Conference USA Matchups

Despite their struggles in 2024, MTSU has traditionally been competitive in C-USA play. With a more structured approach under new leadership, they may return to form against familiar opponents. Bettors should keep an eye on MTSU in conference games, particularly when they’re getting points.

Inconsistencies Still a Factor in Totals

The Blue Raiders went 6-6 on over/unders last season, showing no clear trend. As the offense continues to find its footing in 2025, this inconsistency may remain. Totals bettors should evaluate each matchup individually—especially looking at how MTSU’s defense matches up against tempo-based or high-octane opponents.

Market Overcorrection Likely

After a down season, the betting market may fade MTSU too aggressively. This creates potential value early in the season—especially if returning players adapt quickly to the new system. Bettors who monitor MTSU’s performance in the first few weeks could capitalize before spreads begin to tighten.

Home Underdog Watchlist

Middle Tennessee struggled overall last year, but historically, they’ve been a tough out at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium. With more stability and fresh leadership, MTSU could once again be a sneaky home underdog in 2025. Watch for inflated lines when stronger teams visit Murfreesboro.

For even more matchup breakdowns, check out our NCAAF previews as new game lines are released each week.

Betting Trends from the 2024 Season

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders experienced a challenging 2024 season, finishing with a 3-9 record. This outcome impacted various betting aspects, including their performance against the spread (ATS) and totals (Over/Under).

These trends from the 2024 season provide insights into the Blue Raiders’ performance relative to betting expectations. Analyzing such patterns can assist bettors in making informed decisions for future matchups involving Middle Tennessee.

• Against the Spread (ATS) Record: The Blue Raiders posted a 3-9 ATS record in 2024, indicating difficulties in covering the spread throughout the season.
• Totals (Over/Under) Record: Middle Tennessee had a 6-6 record in Over/Under outcomes, suggesting that their games were evenly split between going over and under the projected point totals.
• Performance as Favorites: The Blue Raiders were listed as moneyline favorites in two games during the 2024 season, splitting these matchups with one win and one loss.

Key Players for Betting on the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

The 2025 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders roster includes several impactful players who are expected to have a significant impact on the team’s performance and betting outcomes this season.

Nicholas Vattiato – Quarterback
Senior quarterback Nicholas Vattiato returns as a pivotal figure for the Blue Raiders’ offense. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 203 pounds, Vattiato’s experience and leadership are expected to be instrumental in guiding the team’s offensive strategies. His performance will significantly influence point spreads and over/under totals throughout the season.

AJ Jones – Wide Receiver
Junior wide receiver AJ Jones, a transfer from Arizona, brings a dynamic presence to the Blue Raiders’ receiving corps. At 6’3″ and 208 pounds, Jones’ size and athleticism make him a significant threat in the passing game. His ability to stretch the field and make impactful plays could affect game totals and player-specific betting lines.

Juwon Gaston – Defensive Back
Senior defensive back Juwon Gaston, transferring from Houston, is expected to bolster Middle Tennessee’s secondary. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 187 pounds, Gaston’s experience and defensive skills will be crucial in limiting opposing offenses, potentially impacting betting lines related to opponent scoring and defensive turnovers.

EJ Harris – Offensive Lineman
Junior offensive lineman EJ Harris, a transfer from Auburn, adds significant strength to the Blue Raiders’ offensive line. At 6’5″ and 339 pounds, Harris’ presence is expected to enhance the team’s rushing and passing efficiency, which could influence betting considerations related to offensive production.

Alex Mitchell – Linebacker
Senior linebacker Alex Mitchell, transferring from Chattanooga, is anticipated to be a key leader on the defensive front. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 237 pounds, Mitchell’s tackling ability and defensive acumen will be vital in controlling the game’s pace and could affect betting strategies concerning defensive metrics and opponent rushing effectiveness.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Schedule

Don’t miss out on a Blue Raiders game this season:

Bet Smarter on the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders are entering a new era under head coach Derek Mason, and that means potential value for bettors willing to look beyond last year’s record. With a revamped coaching staff, a defensive-minded identity, and a core of experienced players and key transfers, MTSU is positioned to outperform expectations—especially early in the season when oddsmakers may still be adjusting to the new-look team.

While their 2024 campaign was rocky, the signs of a turnaround are there. Whether you’re eyeing them as an under-the-radar underdog, betting unders in tight defensive matchups, or looking for live value in conference play, there are sharp ways to approach betting on the Blue Raiders this season.

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