Duke vs Middle Tennessee Prediction & Betting Tips - September 21 | College Football Week 4

The Duke Blue Devils go on the road to play the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in Week 4 action. The game will take place on Saturday, with kick-off set for 4 p.m. ET. The game will be shown on ESPNU.

Duke is 3-0 and coming off a 26-21 win over UConn at home on Saturday. Meanwhile, Middle Tennessee is 1-2 and is coming off a 49-21 home loss to Western Kentucky.

Duke vs. Middle Tennessee Prediction

Duke is a 15-point road favorite to defeat Middle Tennessee on Saturday. The over/under for the game is set at 51.5 points.

The Blue Devils are off to an unbeaten start and have looked good. Transfer quarterback Maalik Murphy from Texas is playing well, as he's 78 for 122 for 801 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions.

The game against the Huskies was another comeback win from Duke, as the week prior, the Blue Devils rallied to win in overtime over Northwestern.

Saturday's matchup is also special for Duke coach Manny Diaz, as Middle Tennessee was his first coordinator job in college football, and he's eager to return.

"Yeah, four years at Middle Tennessee, four great years," Diaz said, via Duke's team website. "Not just myself, Justin Watts and Willie Simmons on our staff as well. I'm sure there will be some familiar faces that will be there, and some have already reached out.

"I'm excited to get back to that area, we loved living there. We had a great time there and the first four years of my defensive coordinator, it will always stand out. ... It'll be fun to get back into that Middle Tennessee area."

Duke also looks to start the year off 4-0 and become a legit threat to win the ACC.

On the other hand, Middle Tennessee has struggled this season as the Blue Raiders are coming off back-to-back blowout losses. Middle Tennessee's defense has been an issue, which will be a worry against Murphy, who has looked more comfortable every game at Duke.

However, the Blue Devils run game has been an issue as Duke averages 98 yards a game and 3.1 per carry. But Middle Tennessee is allowing an average of 42 points and 542 yards a game through three weeks.

The Blue Devils' defense has also allowed just 247 yards per game, including just 134 passing yards, so Duke should be able to limit Middle Tennessee's offense here.

Ultimately, the Blue Raiders' defense will struggle to get off the field here, as Maalik Murphy and Duke should be able to cruise to a double-digit lopsided win.

Prediction: Duke 37, Middle Tennessee 17

Duke vs. Middle Tennessee Betting Tips

Tip 1: Duke -15 (-108)

Tip 2: Over 51.5 (-112)

Tip 3: Duke first half -7.5 (-110)