The Hilltoppers and Blue Raiders were picked to finish first and second, respectively, this year in Conference USA’s East Division. The November meeting between the two rivals was supposed to factor heavily into determining the C-USA race.
MTSU and WKU are instead both eliminated from the conference title chase. Both teams have been up-and-down and now stand at 5-5 overall and 3-3 in C-USA play.
The winner of the programs’ annual matchup Friday can add some silver lining to its season by securing a sixth win, thus making itself bowl eligible. The loser will go into the final weekend of the regular season still needing a victory to likely make a bowl.