As we head into Christmas, the roster of college basketball teams is thin, but there is an all-state matchup between Middle Tennessee State and Tennessee on Monday night. Although I’m a big favorite, my MTSU Blue Raiders vs. Tennessee Volunteers prediction is that the Vols will cover -26.5. Despite the close proximity of these schools, MTSU and UT have not played in over a decade. When the Blue Raiders make the few hours’ drive across the plateau from Boro to Knoxville, they enter a raucous arena stinging from a football defeat and ready to take it out on any opponent with the faces of the No. 1 basketball team on them. While I think MTSU has a pretty good roster this year, they’re put in a bad situation against a red-hot team, and Tennessee has posted gigantic spreads several times this season.

The undefeated Vols have won 6 of their 11 games by 25 points or more, and more impressively, only Illinois has stayed within single digits. Although I don’t think this volunteer team is entirely good The Well, there’s no question that they’re playing at the peak of their careers. Until something changes, I will continue to support them. They have a talented and experienced point guard, another deadly shooter who came off the bench via the portal, and an all-around balanced roster. KenPom has them as the No. 2 defense (behind Duke), which is to be expected, but also has them as the No. 15 offense, which is a surprise. This is not a knock on MTSU. At 9-3, the Blue Raiders have been good so far this year and have enough talent to secure the Conference USA title. Anyway, traveling to Knoxville to face the No. 1 team in the country, who is on a roll? No thanks. Give me the Vols at -26.5.

Prediction for Middle Tennessee State vs. Tennessee: Tennessee -26.5 (-110) available at time of publication. Playable under this number.

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