WKU Football: MTSU Q&A with 100 Miles of Hate
For most Hilltopper fans, we all know what this week has in store. From the blood drive to the grind-iron, we all want to beat those pesky Blue Raiders.
To help us learn more about MTSU, we got one of the guys at the 100 Miles of Hate to answer some questions for us. Their Twitter account has been the online home of the rivalry so be sure to go give it a follow.
The Towel Rack: The 100 Miles of Hate has always been a fan favorite for both schools. To you, what makes this rivalry so fun and exciting?
100 Miles of Hate: This rivalry is a fan favorite due to the historical battles between these two schools. Both older fans and younger fans alike have seen a lot of close battles that come down to the final possession.
TTR: For all the WKU folks who haven’t kept up with the Blue Raiders that closely, how would you say this season has gone for them so far?
100MoH: It has been an up and down season for the Blue Raiders. They have shown the ability to score points, but consistency and having reliable playmakers has been there biggest concerns.
TTR: Both WKU and MTSU are sitting at .500 with 4–4 records. Do you think both or either of them are better than their records show?
100MoH: MTSU is about what their record shows. Just an average CFB team across the board. On the other side, WKU looks like on one the more dangerous teams in the conference. Their QB play is phenomenal and they have a stable of playmakers. And their defense is coming together after some early season struggles.
TTR: How do you see the Blue Raider defense matching up against Bailey Zappe and the Hilltopper offense?
100MoH: The Blue Raider defense is going to be tested all day. WKU executes by putting playmakers into space. Any blown coverages will result in a quick 6. WKU has seen tough defenses all season. I predict they’ll continue to do what they do on Saturday.
TTR: What do you think needs to happen for the Blue Raiders to spoil the Tops’ momentum at home and leave the Houch with a win?
100MoH: For MTSU to come out of this matchup with a win, they’ll need to apply constant pressure to Bailey Zappe and create some bad decisions and turnovers. And then offensively establishing the run to keep him on the sideline would be advantageous as well.
TTR: The last time we had the 100 Miles of Hate, WKU won a close contest 20–17 in Murfreesboro. Do you think this year’s matchup will be that close despite WKU currently being 16 point favorites?
100MoH: I’m not sure this years matchup will be as closely contested as a lot of the recent games have been. WKUs offense is top notch and their defense has really started to cause problems the last few games. That’s a recipe for disaster against MTSU, who will also be without their starting QB to make things even worse.
TTR: What is your personal prediction for the game?
100MoH: My prediction for this game is that WKU has too much firepower and a defense that is coming together at the right time. WKU wins 45–28.
The 100 Miles of Hate has always been a great rivalry and we’re excited to see how the next game will play out. Be sure to tweet and tag them with anything about the rivalry game!
