In Week 9 of the 2025 regular season, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will travel to Delaware Stadium to challenge the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens. Scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM, this night game will air on ESPN2. The Blue Raiders currently hold a 1-5 record, including 1-2 on the road, while the Fightin’ Blue Hens stand at 3-3, with a 2-1 home record.
Middle Tennessee’s recent performances reflect a challenging season, having lost their last home game to Missouri State Bears 22-20. Despite accumulating impressive stats in certain areas, such as 267 passing yards against Missouri State, they’ve struggled to convert these into wins. Their lone victory came in Week 3 against Nevada, which ended 14-13.
Delaware, on the other hand, aims to bounce back from a 38-25 defeat to Jacksonville State in Week 8. The Fightin’ Blue Hens have shown potential, notably with a 422-yard passing display in their last game. Delaware holds a strong home advantage, winning two out of three games at Delaware Stadium this season.
Delaware vs Middle Tennessee At a Glance
- Game Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM (Night Game)
- Venue: Delaware Stadium in Newark, DE
- TV Channel: ESPN2
- Middle Tennessee Record: 1-5 overall, 0-2 in conference
- Delaware Record: 3-3 overall, 1-2 in conference
- Game Odds: Delaware -331, Middle Tennessee +264, Spread: Delaware -8.5
Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens Set to Confront Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Offensive Dynamics
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders’ offensive strategy has been characterized by its adaptability this season. Their ability to mix up passing and rushing plays allows them to keep opponents guessing. This versatility will be crucial as they aim to challenge the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens’ defense.
However, the Blue Raiders will need to pay attention to Delaware’s defense, particularly their interception capabilities, as Delaware ranks 5th in the league with four interceptions. Middle Tennessee’s quarterbacks must be mindful of their passes to avoid turnovers.
Defensive Stance
The Blue Raiders have emphasized a strong defensive front, aiming to disrupt the opposing team’s offensive rhythm. This approach will be tested against Delaware, which ranks 42nd in passing yards, showcasing their aerial proficiency.
Middle Tennessee’s defensive line will need to pressure Delaware’s quarterback to prevent him from finding his targets. A focused defensive effort will be vital to limiting Delaware’s offensive opportunities.
Recent Performances
Middle Tennessee has experienced a mixed bag of results in their recent games, demonstrating their potential but also highlighting areas needing improvement. Against Delaware, they must capitalize on their previous experiences to refine their game plan.
Consistency will be key for the Blue Raiders as they prepare for Delaware’s aggressive style. Their recent performances will serve as a learning experience to enhance their tactics against a challenging opponent.
Key Players to Watch
Middle Tennessee’s offensive lineup features players capable of turning the tide in critical moments. The spotlight will be on their quarterbacks and running backs to maintain a balanced attack against Delaware’s defense.
Defensively, the Blue Raiders’ linebackers and secondary players will play pivotal roles in countering Delaware’s offensive threats. Their performance could be decisive in the upcoming game.
Team Betting Trends
- Middle Tennessee has shown resilience in away games, often pushing opponents to their limits.
- They have a tendency to cover spreads when listed as underdogs, reflecting their capability to challenge stronger teams.
- Their games frequently go over the set total, indicating a potential for high-scoring affairs.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Prepare for Battle Against Delaware
Offensive Struggles
The Blue Raiders have faced challenges on offense this season, scoring just 102 points and ranking 94th nationally. Their passing game has not fared much better, with 1,415 yards placing them 91st in the country.
On the ground, the team has been less productive, accumulating only 510 rushing yards, ranking a lowly 126th. First downs have been slightly more promising, with Middle Tennessee achieving 111, ranked 61st.
Defensive Highlights
Defensively, Middle Tennessee has allowed 177 points, positioning them at 95th nationally. However, the defense has shown strength in other areas, notably their sack count of 13, which ranks 16th.
Interceptions and fumble recoveries have been bright spots, with three in each category, ranking them 4th and 7th respectively. This defensive prowess could be key in their upcoming game against Delaware.
Recent Game Performances
The Blue Raiders are coming off a narrow 22-20 loss to Missouri State, where they managed 22 first downs and 267 passing yards. Despite this, they struggled with two fumbles, which proved costly.
Earlier, they fell to Kennesaw State 24-16, despite a promising performance with 285 passing yards and 155 rushing yards. The team will be eager to rectify these errors in their next outing.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Nicholas Vattiato has been a standout for the Blue Raiders, passing for 1,399 yards and eight touchdowns. His performance will be crucial for the team’s offensive success.
Running back Jekail Middlebrook has been the primary ground weapon, with 433 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Nahzae Cox has also been pivotal, with 353 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Injury Concerns
The Blue Raiders are dealing with several injuries, including key players like Marcus Miller and John Howse IV, both listed as questionable. This could impact their depth and performance against Delaware.
Wide receiver Amorion Walker and running back Austin Clemons are also questionable, which could affect the team’s offensive options and flexibility.
Upcoming Challenges
Middle Tennessee will play Delaware away at Delaware Stadium. They are considered 8.5-point underdogs, with the game total set at 54.5.
Following this game, the Blue Raiders face Jacksonville State and Florida International at home, before heading away to Western Kentucky, which adds to their challenging schedule.
Middle Tennessee Top Betting Trends
- O/U – After Win: 11-4 (73.3%) in last 15 games (2022–2025)
- SU – As Favorite: 13-7 (65.0%) in last 20 games (2021–2025)
- O/U – As Favorite: 12-8-1 (57.1%) in last 21 games (2020–2025)
- O/U – Home Games: 14-11-1 (53.8%) in last 26 games (2020–2025)
- SU – Home Games: 13-12 (52.0%) in last 25 games (2021–2025)
Delaware vs Middle Tennessee Prediction: Delaware -8.5
Delaware is favored by 8.5 points, and their home record of 2-1 this season gives them a distinct advantage. The team has scored 173 points this season, ranking them 59th in points for, significantly better than Middle Tennessee’s rank of 94th with only 102 points.
Middle Tennessee’s defense has struggled, allowing 177 points, which ranks 95th. Delaware’s offensive capabilities, especially in passing yards where they rank 42nd, can exploit this weakness effectively.
Delaware has demonstrated a strong ability to rebound after losses, going 3-1 in such scenarios since 2022. Given Middle Tennessee’s road struggles and Delaware’s strong home performance, backing Delaware to cover the spread seems prudent.
We project Delaware to handle Middle Tennessee with a comfortable margin. With Delaware’s more robust offensive stats and Middle Tennessee’s defensive issues, expect the home team to dominate.
- Delaware vs Middle Tennessee Prediction: Delaware -8.5
- Delaware vs Middle Tennessee Score: Delaware 34 – Middle Tennessee 17
