Delaware vs Middle Tennessee Picks, Prediction & Odds for October 13, 2026
Two programs, two straight losses each and one shared goal of climbing out of an early Conference USA hole make this Tuesday night clash in Murfreesboro far more important than a pair of 2-3 records might suggest.
Our Delaware vs Middle Tennessee prediction breaks down a Week 7 matchup at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium, kicking off at 7:00 PM ET on October 13, 2026, on CBS Sports Network, where a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the Delaware quarterback position and a fully healthy Middle Tennessee roster looks to take advantage.
The Blue Hens are laying a short number on the road, but the betting market has offered some interesting clues about where the value may lie. Before locking in your wagers, check out our latest free college football predictions and see why the home underdog and the Under stand out in this conference battle.
Quick Picks and Prediction
- Moneyline Pick: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- Spread Pick: Middle Tennessee +1.5
- Total Pick: Under 47.5 points
- Projected Final Score: Middle Tennessee 23, Delaware 20
Odds and Line Movement for Delaware vs Middle Tennessee
The spread has bounced between Delaware -1.5 and Delaware -3 before settling back near its opening number, while the total has dipped a full point despite heavy public support for the Over. Keep tabs on every adjustment with our live odds before kickoff.
Opening Odds
| Market | Delaware Blue Hens | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | -1.5 (-115) | +1.5 (-105) |
| Total | Over 48.5 (-110) | Under 48.5 (-110) |
Current Odds
| Market | Delaware Blue Hens | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | -1.5 (-102) | +1.5 (-118) |
| Total | Over 47.5 (-115) | Under 47.5 (-105) |
Line Movement – Spread
| Date | Delaware | Middle Tennessee | Public ($, #) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/13 | -1.5 (-102) | +1.5 (-118) | DEL 82%, DEL 67% |
| 10/13 | -1.5 (-108) | +1.5 (-112) | DEL 75%, DEL 65% |
| 10/12 | -1.5 (-112) | +1.5 (-108) | MTU 64%, DEL 54% |
| 10/12 | -1.5 (-108) | +1.5 (-112) | MTU 64%, DEL 54% |
| 10/12 | -2.5 (-108) | +2.5 (-112) | MTU 64%, DEL 54% |
| 10/11 | -2.5 (-110) | +2.5 (-110) | DEL 72%, DEL 55% |
| 10/11 | -3 (-110) | +3 (-110) | DEL 72%, DEL 55% |
| 10/11 | -3 (-112) | +3 (-108) | DEL 72%, DEL 55% |
| 10/11 | -3 (-108) | +3 (-112) | DEL 72%, DEL 55% |
| 10/11 | -3 (-112) | +3 (-108) | DEL 72%, DEL 50% |
| 10/11 | -3 (-115) | +3 (-105) | DEL 72%, DEL 50% |
| 10/11 | -3 (-112) | +3 (-108) | DEL 72%, DEL 50% |
| 10/11 | -2.5 (-112) | +2.5 (-108) | DEL 72%, DEL 50% |
| 10/11 | -2.5 (-115) | +2.5 (-105) | DEL 72%, DEL 50% |
| 10/11 | -2.5 (-110) | +2.5 (-110) | DEL 72%, DEL 50% |
| 10/11 | -2.5 (-105) | +2.5 (-115) | DEL 52%, MTU 56% |
| 10/11 | -1.5 (-115) | +1.5 (-105) | DEL 52%, MTU 56% |
Line Movement – Total
| Date | Over | Under | Public ($, #) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/12 | 47.5 (-115) | 47.5 (-105) | OV 99%, OV 89% |
| 10/11 | 48.5 (-105) | 48.5 (-115) | OV 99%, OV 89% |
| 10/11 | 48.5 (-108) | 48.5 (-112) | OV 99%, OV 89% |
| 10/11 | 48.5 (-110) | 48.5 (-110) | OV 99%, OV 89% |
| 10/11 | 48.5 (-105) | 48.5 (-115) | OV 99%, OV 89% |
| 10/11 | 48.5 (-110) | 48.5 (-110) | OV 99%, OV 89% |
Delaware vs Middle Tennessee Key Matchups and Handicap
Delaware and Middle Tennessee both enter with 2-3 overall records and 0-1 marks in Conference USA play, making this a pivotal opportunity to gain ground in the standings. The Blue Hens opened as 1.5-point road favorites, rose as high as a field goal and have since drifted back to -1.5, while the total opened at 48.5 and dropped to 47.5. Delaware has averaged 21.4 points per game while allowing 25.6, compared to Middle Tennessee’s 20.8 points scored and 28.0 surrendered.
Quarterback Uncertainty Clouds Delaware
The biggest storyline for Delaware is the health of quarterback Nick Minicucci, who has thrown for 838 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. Minicucci suffered a knee injury against Virginia and missed the Liberty game, leaving his availability uncertain. If he cannot go, the Blue Hens would likely turn to backup E.J. Archield Jr., who completed 10 of 19 passes for 137 yards against Liberty.
Delaware’s recent form adds to the concern. The Blue Hens have dropped two straight, falling 42-3 at Virginia before suffering a 30-14 home loss to Liberty. Running back Jo Silver leads the team with 211 rushing yards, while receiver Sean Wilson has contributed 304 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Middle Tennessee Offense Built on Balance
Middle Tennessee counters with quarterback Roman Gagliano, who has thrown for 913 yards, eight touchdowns and just one interception. Running back Antonio Martin leads the Blue Raiders with 385 rushing yards, and receiver Cam’ron Lacy has posted 335 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
The Blue Raiders are also searching for a rebound after two straight losses, including a 23-13 defeat against Jacksonville State and a 55-0 shutout at Kansas. Gagliano’s ball security, with only one interception on the season, gives Middle Tennessee a steadier option under center than Delaware can currently guarantee.
MTU Run Defense Faces a Limited Ground Attack
Middle Tennessee has struggled against the run, surrendering 225 rushing yards per game. On paper, that is a major weakness, but Delaware’s limited ground production could prevent the visitors from fully exploiting it. The Blue Hens average just 98.8 rushing yards per game, and running back Greg Spiller has been ruled out for the season, further thinning their backfield.
Delaware Defense and Key Playmakers
Delaware linebacker Blake Matthews has been a disruptive force with 4.5 sacks, and he could test a Middle Tennessee offensive front protecting Gagliano. On the other side, Middle Tennessee linebacker Korey Smith leads his team with 47 tackles and will be central to slowing Silver and the Blue Hens’ rushing attack.
Blue Raiders Enter With a Clean Bill of Health
Middle Tennessee has no major injuries currently listed, providing a potential advantage in offensive continuity. Delaware, meanwhile, could also be without receiver Brandon Rehmann, who is dealing with an undisclosed injury. With Minicucci’s status uncertain, both offenses struggling recently and four of each team’s last five games finishing below 48 combined points, a lower-scoring contest appears likely.
DEL vs MTU Betting Trends
- Both teams enter on two-game losing streaks.
- Four of Delaware’s last five games finished below 48 combined points.
- Four of Middle Tennessee’s last five games finished below 48 combined points.
- Delaware opened at -1.5 (-115), moved as high as -3 and returned to -1.5 (-102).
- Public betting on the spread currently favors Delaware, with 82% of the money and 67% of tickets on the Blue Hens.
- Middle Tennessee briefly drew 64% of the spread money on 10/12 while Delaware held 54% of tickets.
- The total opened at 48.5 and dropped to 47.5 despite the Over drawing 99% of the money and 89% of tickets.
- Delaware averages 21.4 points per game while allowing 25.6; Middle Tennessee averages 20.8 while allowing 28.0.
DEL vs MTU Key Injuries and Notes
- Delaware Blue Hens: Nick Minicucci (QB, knee, uncertain), Brandon Rehmann (WR, undisclosed), Greg Spiller (RB, out for season)
- Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: No major injuries currently listed
- E.J. Archield Jr. completed 10 of 19 passes for 137 yards against Liberty in place of Minicucci.
- Delaware averages just 98.8 rushing yards per game.
- Middle Tennessee allows 225 rushing yards per game.
- The game will be televised on CBS Sports Network.
Delaware vs Middle Tennessee ATS and Total Picks
Middle Tennessee +1.5 offers value in a game that projects as a near coin flip. The Blue Raiders are at home, enter fully healthy and have a more reliable quarterback situation with Gagliano, who has thrown eight touchdowns against just one interception. Delaware’s uncertainty under center, the potential absence of Rehmann and the season-ending loss of Spiller all chip away at an offense that already struggles to run the ball.
On the total, Under 47.5 points fits the profile of this matchup. Both offenses have sputtered during their losing streaks, and four of each team’s last five games stayed below 48 combined points. The total also dropped from 48.5 to 47.5 even as the Over attracted nearly all of the public money, a sign that the market respects a lower-scoring outcome.
- Spread Pick: Middle Tennessee +1.5
- Total Pick: Under 47.5 points
Delaware vs Middle Tennessee Best Bets
- Best Bet: Middle Tennessee +1.5
- Best Bet: Under 47.5 points
- Moneyline Lean: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Final Score Prediction for Delaware vs Middle Tennessee
Expect a tight, grinding Conference USA battle in which quarterback stability and roster health make the difference. Middle Tennessee should lean on Gagliano and Martin just enough to edge a Delaware team still searching for answers on offense.
- Final Score Prediction: Middle Tennessee 23, Delaware 20
- Moneyline Pick: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
- Spread Pick: Middle Tennessee +1.5
- Total Pick: Under 47.5 points
