The UAB Blazers (4-2, 2-1 C-USA) and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4-3, 2-1) meet Friday at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Ky. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UAB vs. Western Kentucky odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
UAB has bounced back from a 28-24 loss at Rice to open October, posting conference victories over Middle Tennessee (41-14) and Charlotte (34-20). The Blazers have alternated covers in their 6 games, while the Under is 4-2.
Western Kentucky suffered consecutive losses to Troy (34-27) and UTSA (31-28) to kick off October, but it roughed up Middle Tennessee 35-17 last time out to remain in the picture for the Conference USA title. However, both the Blazers and Hilltoppers cannot afford a second league loss with North Texas and UTSA beaten in conference play.
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UAB at Western Kentucky odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 9:09 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): UAB +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | Western Kentucky -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): UAB +1.5 (-110) | Western Kentucky -1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 57.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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UAB at Western Kentucky picks and predictions
Prediction
UAB 33, Western Kentucky 29
Moneyline
UAB (+102) is a solid value as a short ‘dog on the road. The Blazers are a fantastic running team, posting 244.0 yards per game on the ground to rank 8th in the nation. RB DeWayne McBride has been a star, posting 5 consecutive 100-yard games with at least 1 touchdown (11 total).
Western Kentucky has the offense to hang with UAB, and this should be an entertaining game. In the end, the run game of the Blazers will be the difference, however. The Hilltoppers rank 77th overall in the run game.
Against the spread
UAB +1.5 (-110) isn’t nearly as good of a value as playing it straight up. There is some risk here, as Western Kentucky is an impressive 5-2 ATS overall this season, but the Blazers have the more complete offense.
Over/Under
OVER 57.5 (-110) seems like a gift, really. Western Kentucky is averaging 40.0 PPG this season, ranking 19th, and can pass with the best of them. We covered UAB’s prowess in the run game, and it averages 34.5 PPG (37th).
Both of these defenses will be pushed to the limits in a rather high-scoring affair.
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