BYU vs. Middle Tennessee Complete Game Preview

Buried in a four-game losing streak, BYU travels to Middle Tennessee on Saturday. The two teams played last season in Provo, and the Cougars won, 37-10.

Wins have been hard to come by lately for BYU. Despite winning their first four games, the Cougs evened their record at 4-4 after a blowout loss at Boise State. Middle Tennessee, on the other hand, beat UAB last weekend to improve its record to 5-3.

With BYU struggling and MTSU on the rise, it will surely be a good game. Here is a complete preview.

Date: Saturday, November 1

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

Place: Floyd Stadium, Murfreesboro, TN

TV: CBS Sports Network

Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM)

Spread: BYU, -3.5 (via OddsShark.com)

Allow 30 Points or Less

BYU has given up 30 points or more in the past five games and, in turn, has lost the last four. MTSU has a dominant offense that averages over 36 points per game, but the Cougs will need to hold it to 30 or less.

BYU's offense—in the state that it is currently in—doesn't have the power to put up 40 points on the road. For BYU to win, the defense will need to step up and prevent MTSU from outplaying the Cougars offense.

Get the Rushing Offense Going

Boise State held BYU to only 63 rushing yards last week, which is an embarrassing number for any team. But considering that the Cougs averaged over 208 rushing yards per game before last week, to rush for less than 100 is ridiculous.

The coaching for this BYU offense needs to take a big step up. The play-calling did no favors for the rushing game, and Jamaal Williams, BYU's top running back (16 carries, 70 yards), didn't even enter the game until the second quarter.

There is not just a lack of execution from the Cougars backs but a lack of solid coaching. BYU will need to see improvement from both to get a win this weekend.

Attack BYU's Defensive Struggles

In the last two weeks, BYU has switched its defensive play-caller three times, given up 1,048 total yards and surrendered 97 points. There is no doubt that the Cougars defense's validity is in question, and unless things change, it may continue to give up huge numbers.

MTSU should take advantage of BYU's defensive woes and hang up as many points as possible. If this game turns into a shootout, the Blue Raiders have the upper hand; their offense is more talented.

Win the Time-of-Possession Battle

Boise State took advantage of BYU's fast-paced offense by turning it against BYU. The Broncos kept their offense on the field as much as possible and wore out BYU's defense.

Middle Tennessee should use the same strategy: Make BYU's defense tired, and hold on to the ball. If MTSU can win the time-of-possession battle, it may win the game as well.

Jamaal Williams (RB)

With an ankle injury no longer keeping him sidelined, Williams was the Cougars' leading rusher in his first game back last week. He will surely continue to be a focal point of the BYU offense and see more carries.

Christian Stewart (QB)

Stewart is definitely starting to find his groove as BYU's starting quarterback. In the past two games, he has completed over 60 percent of his passes for five touchdowns and only one interception.

Robertson Daniel (DB)

Despite not being a flashy, playmaking defensive back, Daniel has quietly cemented himself as one of BYU's top defenders. He is tied for fourth in the country in passes defended and has arguably been the top Cougars defensive back.

Austin Grammer (QB)

Grammer doesn't boast the best numbers for a quarterback, but his completion percentage is among the best in the country. With the struggles that BYU has defending the pass, Grammer may be poised for a breakout game.

Kevin Byard (CB)

Despite being overlooked by players from big-name schools, Byard may be one of the better defensive backs in the country. He already has picked off five passes on the season and is definitely looking to add another to his resume this Saturday.

BYU has not proved that it can go on the road and win without Taysom Hill. Especially after last week's loss, pulling off a win at Middle Tennessee will be a tough task.

Of course, it will be a close game, but I think BYU's defense won't be able to hold up. The Blue Raiders will run away with the upset victory.

Prediction: MTSU wins, 38-35