There is no question that Liberty’s offense can sustain itself at a healthy rate against Conference USA opponents.
After being held to 17 points through three quarters against Jacksonville State last week, the Flames busted the floodgates open for a pair of scoring drives in the final quarter and pulled away 31-13 to remain undefeated (6-0, 4-0).
They are posting 30.8 points in divisional play and 35.3 overall, which has them No. 16 in the nation.
The engine to this vehicle has been Jamey Chadwell’s explosive rush attack.
Quinton Cooley has had his way on the ground this season, cashing in for 98.6 scrimmage yards and contributing to what is the third-ranked rushing offense.
He has crossed the 100-yard mark in three consecutive games, and he is primed for another rewarding night Tuesday against Middle Tennessee.
Liberty vs. Middle Tennessee odds, prediction
(7 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network)
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MTSU (2-5, 1-2) is allowing an average of 105.8 yards and 34.2 attempts.
Then, there’s Kaidon Salter keeping things rolling under center. Liberty’s sophomore quarterback has amassed 20 scores to net college football’s second-highest touchdown percentage of 10.6.
The question is how Middle Tennessee can counter this production against a defense that has limited the opposition to 17.2 points.
Even in the Blue Raiders’ 31-23 victory against Louisiana Tech, they finished less productive in moving the football with 353 yards gained to the Bulldogs’ 419. Their success was in part due to their third-down efficiency — going 10-for-16.
Betting on College Football?
It’s a department they have converted well in as Nicholas Vattiato has led them to a 42.72 rate, but Liberty is in the top 20 percentile in shutting down third downs.
Middle Tennessee might not be quite as bad as its hungry win column suggests. However, it doesn’t have the gas to keep pace with Liberty and I expect the Flames to be obstinate in defending it.
THE PLAY: Liberty-Middle Tennessee Under 56.5 (-110, BetMGM Sportsbook)
