MTSU chases first win over WKU since 2018 at homecoming

Middle Tennessee has not beaten Western Kentucky since 2018. The Hilltoppers have won the last seven meetings in the 100 Miles of Hate by an average of 16.8 points and lead the series 39-35-1 going into the 76th edition, which doubles as MTSU's homecoming at Floyd Stadium.

The records point the other way. MTSU is 4-4 and two wins from bowl eligibility. WKU is 3-5 and needs three wins from its last four to reach six. MTSU also beat Delaware 33-30 in October, the same Delaware side that won 35-21 in Bowling Green in WKU's most recent game. Even so, the market makes WKU a 56% favorite.

There is a sideline subplot too. Derek Mason fired offensive coordinator Bodie Reeder in December 2025 after a second straight 3-9 season, and Reeder is now WKU's offensive coordinator. MTSU's offense averages 23.9 points a game under Anthony Scelfo; WKU's averages 21.3. Hilltoppers quarterback Brock Glenn, who has rotated with Rodney Tisdale, threw for 224 yards and ran for 129 against Delaware.

For MTSU, much rests on quarterback Roman Gagliano. In the 2025 meeting he threw for 383 yards and ran for 117, and MTSU still lost 42-26. On 28 October he had the first multi-interception game of his career in a 44-28 home loss to Kennesaw State. The Daily News Journal's Cecil Joyce predicts MTSU 31-28.

Is a seven-game streak enough to make the 3-5 road side the favorite, or does MTSU finally get one?