Missouri State vs. Middle Tennessee State:
Midweek college football rarely delivers a matchup worth getting excited about, but Wednesday offers a gem only a true degenerate could love. Middle Tennessee State hosts Missouri State in a clash of teams coming off losses and looking to rebound after their bye week. On paper, it is a battle of mediocrity: losing records, inconsistent offenses, and defenses that leave a lot to be desired. Yet for sharp bettors and prop players, this game is a goldmine.
Both teams share one glaring weakness: their rush defenses. Missouri State in particular has struggled mightily on the ground, ranking near the bottom of the FBS and giving up over 187 yards per game. That vulnerability opens the door for a breakout performance from Blue Raiders running back Jekail Middlebrook, whose weekly improvement and workload make him a prime candidate to dominate.
If you are looking for a midweek prop worth locking in, this is it.
Check out the latest odds at the best online sportsbooks. Plus, it’s not too late to add more futures to your portfolio so take some time to check out our Power Four Conference Previews below.
Write Up Transparency
Be sure to follow me on X/Twitter @ColbyMBets to get my full card every day! Picks are always FREE.
Week 6 Results: 4-3 (+0.7u)
2025 Season Record: 23-17 (+2.26u)
Missouri State vs. Middle Tennessee State Betting Odds
Can Jekail Middlebrook expose the Bears defense?
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks. Sign up today with Promo Code FREE250 for a 50% deposit bonus up to $250 as well as 100 Free Spins at the online casino.
Spread
- Missouri State: -2.5 (-115)
- Middle Tenn State: +2.5 (-105)
Moneyline
- Missouri State: -130
- Middle Tenn State: +110
Total
- Over 51 (-110)
- Under 51 (-110)
Missouri State vs. Middle Tennessee State – October 8
I have been itching for a midweek college football matchup that gives me a player prop worth locking in. Wednesday delivers a beautiful mess only a truly devoted degenerate could love: Middle Tennessee State hosts Missouri State. Both teams are coming off losses before their bye week, and neither has made much noise this season, sitting with losing records.
One glaring commonality: terrible rush defenses. Missouri State is the clear standout in futility, ranked 15th worst in rush yards allowed, giving up over 187 yards per game. That makes me absolutely in love with Blue Raiders running back Jekail Middlebrook. First, what a name for a guy at Middle Tennessee State. We can only hope he is also the middle child to match all the middles.
Middlebrook vs. Weak Rush Defenses
Middlebrook has improved every week this season, aside from a 27-yard outing against Wisconsin. He ran for 48 against Austin Peay, 67 versus Nevada, 89 versus Marshall, and 109 versus Kennesaw State. Four of those five games were double-digit losses for the Blue Raiders, but this matchup should be closer. A strong ground game will be critical for Middle Tennessee State if they hope to find success.
Missouri State’s defense does not inspire confidence. They allowed Western Kentucky’s running back to rush for over 90 yards in their most recent game-even against an Air Raid team that ranks 118th in rush attempts. Middlebrook has faced defenses ranked 50th, 83rd, and 93rd in rush yards allowed this season, but the Bears’ unit will be by far his toughest target yet.
I am very confident in Middlebrook surpassing 60 rushing yards Wednesday. Laddering this prop to over 100 yards is also worth consideration. Middle Tennessee State leans on the pass, but they will need to exploit Missouri State’s weak rush defense. After 20 carries against Kennesaw, I expect Middlebrook to see at least 15 touches in this spot.
Middlebrook is poised for a big game against a porous Missouri State rush defense. With steady weekly improvement and a workload likely exceeding 15 touches, he should easily surpass 60 rushing yards. Middle Tennessee State can lean on their ground game early against a defense giving up six yards per carry (#131). Expect the sophomore to exploit every gap, sustain drives, and provide the Blue Raiders with consistent offensive momentum, making him a key factor in keeping this game competitive from start to finish.
Best Bet: Jekail Middlebrook 60+ Rush yards (-118) odds via BetOnline
Interested in More Content?
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Follow me on X @ColbyMBets for all my picks and sports opinions. Follow Betting News on ‘X’ and Twitch and catch us on stream! Betting News is also on TikTok! Follow us for more picks and news every day!
In need of a sportsbook? Check out one of our favorites below among our best online sportsbooks and sign-up for a bonus!
