The Picks are in

Here we go again with the GoMiddle staff picks.

This week the Blue Raiders host Florida International for an afternoon game on homecoming.

Here are the staff standings when it comes to the picks on the season

1. Rickey Fuquay: 6-1

2. Austin Lewis: 6-1

3. Garrett Hinners: 5-2

4. Matthew Dossett: 4-3

Let's now get cracking with the staff picks for MT/FIU

Redshirt Sophomore Quarterback Asher O'Hara led the way with 136 yards on 16-of-32 passing while Redshirt Sophomore Quarterback Chase Cunningham added 119 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 9-of-16 passing; however it wasn't enough as the Blue Raiders were sinked as time expired, losing to North Texas.

The Blue Raiders come into Homecoming having won six of the last meetings against the Florida International Panthers at Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium.

The key will be whether MT can overcome their offensive woes and consistently move the ball down the field against a FIU team who is third in Conference USA in points allowed (23.1) and fourth in total yards allowed (363.9).MT will find some rhythm on offense; however it won't be enough as FIU will find a way to win late in regulation on the ground courtesy of Redshirt Senior Running Back Anthony Jones.

Florida International 31, Middle Tennessee 28

Florida International visits Floyd Stadium looking to spoil Middle Tennessee’s homecoming date. Meanwhile, the struggling Blue Raiders (2-5) look to rebound against the Panthers (4-3) on Saturday.

The Blue Raiders inconsistent rushing attack will be their downfall in a game that forecasters say will be played in the middle of a monsoon. O’Hara - the star of the Blue Raiders offense this season - will need a sidekick to carry the Blue Raider offense. It’s way past time for Chaton Mobley or Anderson do more to help the offense this Saturday.

On defense, the Blue Raiders must slow down Florida International rushing attack led by running back Anthony Jones. And, after losing Reed Blankenship last week, the Middle Tennessee will struggle without their defensive star.

In the end, the Blue Raiders will lose to the Panthers 24-17.

FIU is another conference foe that is better than MTSU on paper. I think the main key in this game will be possession.

FIU runs the ball very well and I'm not sure MTSU will have enough series to come out on top. MTSU is also dealing with a huge injury on the defensive end with Reed Blankenship going down.

That's going to be a hard one to overcome for this team.We're going to see the Blue Raiders drop to 2-6 and this poor season will just continue. But, Coach Stockstill just received another contract extension that goes thru 2027. Not sure how the fans should feel about that one.

FIU 30 - MTSU 21

So, to be quite honest, I have waffled back and forth when it comes to my prediction for this contest.

This Middle Tennessee State squad can truly be an enigma at times. Florida International is certainly moral and a beatable opponent.

Like last week against North Texas, this game should be a whacky, nutty, crazy thriller. One of those games you grab your popcorn, kick back, and watch a roller coaster of a game.

On the GoMiddle message board, about four days ago, I picked FIU to win 35-30. I have backtracked and wavered on that very prediction.

Again, I think we need to expect the unexpected with this game. That means possible fake punts, faked field goals, inexplicable fumbles and other zany action.

Look for the Blue Raiders to get the homecoming victory...Barely.