FACTS & STATS: Site: ASU Stadium (30,406) -- Jonesboro, Arkansas. Television: None. Home Record: MTU 1-2, ASU 1-1. Away Record: MTU 0-0, ASU 0-1. Neutral Record: MTU 0-0, ASU 0-0. Conference Record: MTU 0-1, ASU 0-0. Series Record: Middle Tennessee leads, 8-1.

GAME NOTES: The Arkansas State Red Wolves will open their Sun Belt Conference schedule when they host the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders this Saturday evening at ASU Stadium. The Blue Raiders have lost two of their first three games, with the lone win coming against Maryland, 24-14. This past weekend, MTU put up a fight against Kentucky, but by the final whistle the Blue Raiders were on the wrong end of a 20-14 decision. Next up for the Blue Raiders will be a home matchup against the Florida Atlantic Owls. As for the Red Wolves, they opened the 2008 campaign with back-to-back victories over Texas A&M (18-14) and Texas Southern (83-10). However, the team suffered its first loss last week, as ASU was defeated narrowly by Southern Mississippi, 27-24. Against the current members of the Sun Belt, the Red Wolves have been mediocre, posting a 52-51-1 ledger. The Blue Raiders have dominated the all- time series against ASU, winning eight of the nine meetings.

The Blue Raiders put forth an unbalanced attack against Kentucky this past weekend, as the team threw for 352 yards against the Wildcats, but rushed for just 31 yards on 23 carries. MTU collected just 13 first downs in the loss and converted just 5-of-15 third down attempts. Joe Craddock completed 21-of-37 passes in the contest, and finished the game with 352 yards and two touchdowns. Malcolm Beyah finished with five catches for 117 yards and one touchdown, while Desmond Gee collected just three receptions, but for 106 yards and one TD. With three games under his belt, Craddock has been sensational, throwing for 808 yards. The signal caller has completed 63.3 percent of his passes and has five touchdowns against two interceptions. Beyah has been the deep threat for Craddock early on, as the wideout has 11 receptions, 255 yards and three scores on the season.

The Blue Raiders' defensive play has been rather impressive despite the team being just 1-2 on the year. MTU is currently holding teams to a mediocre 337.7 ypg on the year, but more importantly the Blue Raiders have been a takeaway machine, and in three games have forced eight turnovers. MTU has not put much pressure on the QB, collecting just five sacks, but the team has been able to hold opponents on third down, limiting teams to just 37 percent on third down attempts. In the loss to Kentucky, the defense did not make many big plays, allowing the Wildcats to rack up 356 yards, while forcing just one turnover, and finishing the game with zero sacks. Jeremy Kellem led the way with 12 tackles in the contest, while Ivon Hickmon added 11 stops and one TFL.

The Red Wolves have been a dangerous pack offensively, as the team is currently averaging a whopping 510.7 total ypg. The main source of production has been the team's ground attack, which is averaging an outstanding 295.7 ypg on 7.2 ypc. Reggie Arnold and Derek Lawson have been terrifying in the backfield, as Arnold has rushed for 352 yards and three scores, while Lawson has rumbled for 311 yards and one TD. Not to be overlooked is the play of the quarterback, as Corey Leonard has thrown for 645 yards and seven touchdowns against one interception. ASU racked up 447 total yards against Southern Mississippi this past weekend, but it was not enough as the Red Wolves fell to the Golden Eagles, 27-24. Arnold scampered for 84 yards and one touchdown, while Lawson added 73 yards on just seven totes. Leonard only completed 17-of-34 passes, but the signal caller finished with 256 passing yards and two touchdowns.

The defense has been equally impressive, as the Red Wolves are limiting the opposition to just 291.3 ypg, including 119.0 rushing ypg on a mere 3.1 ypc. The Red Wolves have lived off of takeaways thus far, collecting 10 turnovers in just three games. The team has also collected eight sacks on the season. ASU surrendered 348 total yards in the loss to Southern Miss, but the defense was only able to force one turnover in the matchup, and collected just two sacks. Arkansas State also allowed the Golden Eagles to convert on 11-of-18 third down chances, and all four red zone attempts. M.D. Jennings had a huge game for the Red Wolves, collecting 13 tackles to go along with one TFL and one forced fumble.

Middle Tennessee has performed well defensively, but the Blue Raiders will have their hands full with the terrific backfield of ASU. Expect a close battle, but look for the Red Wolves to lean on the run en route to a tough victory.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Arkansas State 28, Middle Tennessee 24

Saturday, September 20th, 7:00 p.m. (et)