Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Arkansas State Red Wolves

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (6-6) are at the Arkansas State Red Wolves (7-4) tonight at 8 p.m. E.T. for the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl. Middle Tennessee finished fifth in the Conference USA East with a 4-4 record. In their last five games, they were three-and-two. Arkansas State finished third in the Sun Belt Conference with a strong 6-2 league record. They too were three-and-two in their last five games. Our Middle Tennessee plays Arkansas State 2017 Camellia Bowl pick has the Red Wolves -3.0 and the over/under at 60.0.

Middle Tennessee Overview

Middle Tennessee is one of those teams that has a razor thin PF/PA differential, as they are scoring on average 23.8 PPG and allowing 23.4 PPG. The offense is run by junior QB Brent Stockstill (58.3 PPG, 14 TDs, 5 INTs) who will be looking to connect with sophomore WR Ty Lee (74 REC, 12.4 AVG, 5 TDs). Lee is by far the most talented, active, and skilled pass catcher on the team. LB Tavares Thomas has become one of Middle Tennessee’s most productive running backs, as he’s scored eight TDs and is averaging 5.9 YPA. On defense in his second season, CB/LB Khalil Brooks is a major performer. This season he has 6.5 sacks and 15.0 TFL. The pass D is sparse on this team.

Blue Raiders Summary

• PF/PA differential is exceptionally thin
• Offense is not as deep as they’d like
• Brent Stockstill has to play flawlessly

Arkansas State Overview

The Red Wolves are scoring 38.5 PPG. That’s a hefty amount. They are allowing opponents 24.9 PPG, giving them a PF/PA differential of close to 14 points. That should serve them well in this contest. QB Justice Hansen (63.7 COMP%, 34 TDs, 15 INTs) is a major force on offense. Along with passing for 3,630 yards, he’s rushed for another 388, scoring six TDs on the ground. Plus, RB Warren Wand, who also has six running touchdowns, is averaging 5.4 YPA. Five receivers each have 30 or more catches, and their TD receptions total 28. There’s a lot of offense power and potential on this team. On defense, senior end Ja’Von Rolland-Jones is too much for just about any team to handle. He comes to this game with three forced fumbles, 13 sacks, and 18.5 tackles for a loss.

Red Wolves Summary

• QB Justice Hansen is hard to stop
• Offense can put point on scoreboard quickly
• Ja’Von Rolland-Jones leads a fairly sound D

Three Raycom Media Camellia Bowl Takeaways

Here are our three takeaways for our Middle Tennessee plays Arkansas State 2017 Camellia Bowl pick-

1. QB edge goes to Arkansas State
2. Receiving edge goes to Red Wolves
3. In running game, Arkansas State eclipses Middle Tennessee

Our 2017 Camellia Bowl Picks

We especially like the spread in this game, which is at three points. We see the Red Wolves really opening up the field in this game and scoring a lot more points as they dominate the Blue Raiders. Our Middle Tennessee plays Arkansas State 2017 Camellia Bowl pick is the Red Wolves at -3.0 and the over at 60.0

Summary Middle Tennessee at Arkansas State Picks- Red Wolves at -3.0 and over 60.0