Cumberland TN's schedule edge looms large over Cumberlands KY

Strength of schedule is where these two Mid-South teams really separate. Cumberland TN carries a schedule rank of 4 in the NAIA, while Cumberlands KY sits at 69, and that gap helps explain why Versus likes the Bulldogs by 17 points even though the win-loss records favor the Patriots.

Cumberland TN enters with an A overall grade and ranks 14th in both power and offense, backed by a defense graded A that sits 10th in the NAIA. The Bulldogs climbed as high as No. 10 in the Versus NAIA rankings in Week 7, their best mark since 2014, and have now posted a winning record in three straight seasons.

Cumberlands KY has been competitive, winning 5 of its last 7 games and dropping both of its losses to teams with winning records. Graded B overall with a B+ offense, the Patriots rank 30th in offense and 41st on defense, respectable but short of Cumberland TN's marks. The series has swung Cumberland TN's way recently too, with the Bulldogs riding a four-game streak against Cumberlands KY, who have not beaten them since October 2021.

The game counts in the Mid-South Conference standings, and Versus projects Cumberland TN to win 37-20, giving the Bulldogs an 84 percent chance to cover the result.