Check out our free Blue Raiders vs Aztecs pick and preview for NCAAF week 1 game in Honolulu. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this week’s NCAAF matchup.

Blue Raiders vs Aztecs Pick & Preview: NCAAF Week 1 Betting Odds

On Saturday, December 24th at 8:00 PM ET, the San Diego State Aztecs and Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, HI. ESPN will carry the TV coverage for the game. The Aztecs are the favorite to come away with the win, in this non-conference matchup. The over-under point total is currently set at 49.5.

Blue Raiders vs Aztecs Matchup at a Glance

  • Sport: NCAAF
  • Teams: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at San Diego State Aztecs
  • Where: Honolulu at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex
  • Date: Saturday, December 24th
  • Betting Odds:
  • SDST -7, MTNST +209 | SDST -267 O/U 49.5

Blue Raiders Preview:

The Blue Raiders take on the San Diego State Aztecs with a Conference USA record of 4-4 while going 7-5 overall.

Last week, Middle Tennessee beat Florida International by a score of 33-28. Leading into the matchup, the Blue Raiders were 19.5 point underdogs. The two team’s combined to score 61 points, surpassing the over-under betting line of 54.5. In the loss, the team’s defense gave up a total of 497 yards, with 83 coming on the ground. So far, the team is ranked 40th in rush yards allowed per game. Currently, Middle Tennessee is ranked 195th in passing yards allowed and is coming off a game in which they gave up 414 yards through the air.

Heading into this week’s action, Middle Tennessee has a tough matchup against a San Diego State defense performing well in many advanced statistics, including EPA in which they are 13th in college football. On paper, moving the ball could be tough for Middle Tennessee as they are generating explosive plays at a below average rate. One matchup to watch in this game, is if Middle Tennessee can generate some success in the run game. So far, the team is averaging 123.33 rush yards per game and have a matchup vs a San Diego State defense that is vulnerable up front. So far, the Blue Raiders are the 44th ranked team in pass yards per game, with an average of 267.17. This has come while throwing the ball an average of 39.08 times per contest, placing them 24th in the NCAA.

Aztecs Preview:

As the Aztecs travel to take on the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, they have an overall record of 7-5. This includes going 5-3 in Mountain West action.

San Diego State is coming off a 10 loss to Air Force by a score of 13-3. The Aztecs entered the game as 2.0 point road underdogs, making this an ATS loss. With their 16 combined points, the two teams remained below the over-under line of 43.5. In the win, the team’s defense gave up a total of 285 yards, with 271 coming on the ground. So far, the team is ranked 50th in rush yards allowed per game. Currently, San Diego State is ranked 45th in passing yards allowed and is coming off a game in which they gave up 14 yards through the air.

Coming into this week’s game, the San Diego State offense is averaging 21.33. So far, big plays have been hard to come by for the unit, as they rank poorly in explosive plays in both on the ground and through the air. However, they have an opportunity to put together an above average performance vs a Middle Tennessee defense ranked 26th in EPA. One matchup to watch in this game, is if San Diego State can generate some success in the run game. So far, the team is averaging 150.58 rush yards per game and have a matchup vs a Middle Tennessee defense that is vulnerable up front. Heading into the game, the Aztecs will be looking to turn things around in the passing game, as their per game average of 170.92 yards places them 161st in the NCAA. So far, they are the 187th ranked team in attempts per contest (25.0).

Odds & Free Betting Analysis for this NCAFF Game

In terms of betting, the Blue Raiders have an ATS record of 5-7-0. Their current over-under record sits at 7-5-0. Through their last 5 road contests, the Blue Raiders offense has averaged 28.0 points per game while allowing an average of 30.6. Middle Tennessee posted an overall record of 3-2-0 while going 2-3-0 ATS.

In terms of betting, the Aztecs have an ATS record of 5-7-0. Their current over-under record sits at 5-7-0. Across their last 5 home contests, San Diego State has been good against the spread posting a mark of 2-3-0. Their overall mark in these games was 4-1-0, while averaging 18.6 points per game.

Blue Raiders vs Aztecs Pick

Free Spread Prediction: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 7

Free Total Prediction: Over 49.5