Delaware vs Middle Tennessee Prediction: A Must Win Game To Kick Things Off

It’s still early in the Conference USA title chase, but with both Delaware and Middle Tennessee losing their conference openers, a loss would be devastating.

This will be a good fight to kick off the second half of the college football season.

The Blue Raiders dropped the date at Jacksonville State 23-13 before getting trounced by Kansas 55-0. They’re playing better than the loss in Lawrence might make it seem, and now they have to show it against a Blue Hen team that was rocked 30-14 at home against Liberty.

Delaware vs Middle Tennessee Quick Hits

• Delaware starts a run of three road games over the next four weeks, with the lone home date against Missouri State coming up next.
• Middle Tennessee finally gets a few home games, with three in the next four weeks in Murfreesboro. It goes to FIU next week.
• Delaware won last year’s meeting 31-28 at home.

How To Watch Delaware vs Middle Tennessee

Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Location: Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium, Murfreesboro, TN 
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Why Delaware Will Win

Middle Tennessee is having a hard time moving the ball. The Blue Raider offensive line hasn’t been bad, but the offense is the third-worst in America on third downs. That’s where the Blue Hen defense has to dominate, with one of the nation’s best pass rushes to put pressure on and make the Blue Raider attack have to hurry even more.

On the other side, Middle Tennessee doesn’t bring a lick of pressure. Delaware needs the time to work because …

Why Middle Tennessee Will Win

Delaware star quarterback Nick Minicucci is still trying to get past a knee injury that kept him out of the last few games. He’s dynamic and dangerous, but if he can’t go, the Blue Hens will need to rely on a running game that hasn’t been able to generate much of a push so far.

Middle Tennessee doesn’t screw up. It has only turned it over once this season, and for the most part, penalties aren’t an issue. To pull this off, the Blue Raiders need to be at least +2 in turnover margin.

Delaware vs Middle Tennessee Prediction, Betting Lines

Delaware has more pop – with or without Minicucci – but it’s also giving the ball away. It’s 0-3 when turning the ball over twice, and Middle Tennessee will make it 0-4. There might not be any pressure coming from the Blue Raider line, but the defense will manage just enough stops late to pull this off.

Middle Tennessee 24, Delaware 23
Latest Consensus Line: Delaware -1.5, o/u: 47.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2.5

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.