Middle Tennessee vs Delaware prediction and analysis

Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders vs Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens Overview
This Week 9 matchup features the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders visiting the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens on October 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM EDT. Delaware enters the game with a 3-3 record, looking to improve their standing, while Middle Tennessee is struggling with a 1-5 mark this season. The Fightin’ Blue Hens are favored by 10 points with an over/under set at 54.5.
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Team Profiles and Key Player Impact
Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens: Led by quarterback Nick Minicucci, who has thrown for 7 touchdowns this year, Delaware’s offense relies on efficient quarterback play and opportunistic scoring. The Blue Hens’ special teams and defense have shown resilience, although the team has narrowly won several home games by slim margins, reflecting a need for consistent domination. Notably, Delaware has an outstanding 81.8% success rate on 4th down conversions, ranking 135th among FBS teams, indicating some challenges in critical situations.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: Middle Tennessee struggles offensively and has one of the lowest rushing yard averages (82.8 yards per game) in the FBS, ranking 133rd. The Blue Raiders also rank poorly in third quarter scoring, averaging just 2.5 points, which suggests halftime adjustments are lacking. Wide receiver Nahzae Cox remains a bright spot for the offense, leading Conference USA with four receiving touchdowns, but overall, the team’s offensive production is below par.
Matchup Analysis
- Offensive Efficiency: Delaware’s balanced offensive approach, powered by Minicucci’s ability to find the end zone, contrasts with Middle Tennessee’s struggling ground game and inconsistent scoring, especially after halftime.
- Defensive and Special Teams Edge: Delaware’s ability to convert on 4th downs, despite its national rank, is better than Middle Tennessee’s limited offensive production. This situational efficiency could make a difference in critical drives.
- Home Field Advantage: Delaware has a slight edge playing at home, and while their close wins show vulnerability, they have managed to hold onto narrow leads successfully before.
Prediction Summary
With Delaware’s superior offensive weapons, better situational execution, and home field advantage, they are poised to control this game against a struggling Middle Tennessee squad. The Blue Raiders’ limited rushing attack and poor third-quarter output further tip the scales in Delaware’s favor. Expect the Fightin’ Blue Hens to win by around two touchdowns, covering the 10-point spread comfortably.
Final Prediction
Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens -10