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Bahamas Bowl 2015, Western Michigan vs Middle Tennessee preview, predictions, odds and live stream info

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 27, 2015; Toledo, OH, USA; Western Michigan Broncos defensive lineman Cleveland Smith (8) waves their flag after the game against the Toledo Rockets at Glass Bowl. Broncos win 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Toledo, OH, USA; Western Michigan Broncos defensive lineman Cleveland Smith (8) waves their flag after the game against the Toledo Rockets at Glass Bowl. Broncos win 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Western Michigan Broncos vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

Last year’s Popeyes Bahamas Bowl did not disappoint. It was an absolute shootout and one of the most exciting games throughout all of bowl season. Western Michigan and Middle Tennessee definitely have the firepower to do the same and the two defenses are average.

This has all the makings of a high-scoring affair with Zach Terrell leading the Western Michigan offense at quarterback and Brent Stockstill leading the Middle Tennessee offense as the leader and gunslinger.

Both sides have 1,000-yard receivers and neither has a 1,000-yard rusher. The matchup is nearly perfect as the two squads are evenly matched and have the same style of play — pass-first offenses.

Let’s take a look at who will win the contest, the betting odds and the keys to victory for each side.

Details for Thursday’s Popeyes Bahamas Bowl game are below:

Date: Thursday, Dec. 24
Start Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Nassau, Bahamas
Stadium: Thomas Robinson Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: For Western Michigan radio affiliates, click here. For Middle Tennessee radio affiliates, click here.

Keys to Victory

Western Michigan Broncos

Western Michigan has two NFL-worthy receivers on the roster, Corey Davis and Daniel Braverman, so Terrell will need to take advantage of that and the fact that Middle Tennessee doesn’t have the best pass defense in college football.

Although the run game has been disappointing, getting guys like Jamauri Bogan, Jarvion Franklin and LeVante Bellamy going on the ground could go a long way in opening up the aerial attack.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

Western Michigan has one of the worst run defenses in the country, giving up about 186 yards per game, so Middle Tennessee, despite having basically no run game, needs to capitalize to also open up their passing attack.

The Broncos will likely key in on Richie James at receiver, so Stockstill will need to look for other targets like Ed’Marques Batties and Terry Pettis if they’re going to be able to move the ball.

Betting Odds

Point Spread:

Western Michigan -5

Moneyline:

Western Michigan -190, Middle Tennessee +165

O/U:

64

Predictions

Zach Terrell and Brent Stockstill have both played elite defenses this season and neither did awful. Now they will be facing average, at best, defenses which give up nearly 400 yards per game each, but the Broncos give up more on the ground. This will be more of a passing game for both sides and it will go down to the wire. Terrell will hit Corey Davis with a last-minute touchdown to go ahead for good and the Bahamas Bowl will live up to the high standards set by last year’s teams.

Final Score: Western Michigan 35, Middle Tennessee 31

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