Western Kentucky Hilltoppers betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

C-USA Championship Game: Western Kentucky at Jacksonville State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Western Kentucky at Jacksonville State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-4, 6-2 C-USA) visit the Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8-4, 7-1) Friday in the Conference USA championship game. Kickoff from AmFirst Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network / Fubo). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Western Kentucky vs. Jacksonville State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Western Kentucky snapped a 2-game winning streak with a 19-17 win over Jacksonville State Saturday as a 1-point home favorite. QB Caden Veltkamp was 28-of-47 passing for 301 yards with a TD while RB Elijah Young carried the ball 19 times for 91 yards.

Jacksonville State snapped an 8-game winning streak with Saturday’s loss. The Gamecocks carried the ball 43 times for 229 yards and 2 TDs on the ground.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Western Kentucky at Jacksonville State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 9:39 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Western Kentucky +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Jacksonville State -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Kentucky +4.5 (-110) | Jacksonville State -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 58.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Western Kentucky at Jacksonville State picks and predictions

Prediction

Jacksonville State 27, Western Kentucky 21

Moneyline

PASS.

There is minimal value on Jacksonville State (-190), which is 5-1 at home this season.

Against the spread

LEAN JACKSONVILLE STATE -4.5 (-110).

The Gamecocks struggled against the Hilltoppers on the road last week, but were still able to keep the game close, even though they had already locked up their spot in the championship. They are 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games, while 7 of their last 8 wins have been by at least 7 points.

Western Kentucky is just 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 58.5 (-110).

Western Kentucky has hit the Under in 6 of its last 9 games. It has scored 21 or fewer points in 3 straight games and allowed 21 or fewer in 8 of its last 10.

Jacksonville State has hit the Under in back-to-back games and allowed 24 or fewer points in 7 of its last 9.

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Western Kentucky at Kentucky odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Western Kentucky at Kentucky odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3-2) and No. 8 Kentucky Wildcats (5-0) meet at the BBN Invitational Tuesday. Tip-off from Rupp Arena is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Western Kentucky vs. Kentucky odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Kentucky, which is No. 8 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, has yet to lose this season. It has closed as a favorite of 20 or more points in 4 of its 5 games, but does have a 77-72 win over the No. 10 Duke Blue Devils (Nov. 12 in Atlanta) on its resume. The Wildcats are coming off a 108-59 victory over the Jackson State Tigers Friday, closing as 35.5-point home favorites.

The Hilltoppers beat the Tigers 79-62 Wednesday, closing as 14.5-point favorites. They lost their first 2 games of the season, both as underdogs, going 1-1 against the spread (ATS). Western Kentucky has bounced back well, winning 3 in a row. It is led by G Don McHenry, who is averaging 17.2 points per game (PPG) this season.

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Western Kentucky at Kentucky odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds Lines last updated at 11:05 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Western Kentucky +1750 (bet $100 to win $1,750) | Kentucky -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread: Western Kentucky +22.5 (-110) | Kentucky -22.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 163.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Western Kentucky at Kentucky picks and predictions

Prediction

Kentucky 97, Western Kentucky 70

Moneyline

PASS.

There’s no reason to take a moneyline favorite of this size. Kentucky, at home, should come out on top with ease, but has better value on the spread.

Against the spread

BET KENTUCKY -22.5 (-110).

The Hilltoppers have not played an opponent of this caliber yet and should struggle to keep pace. Western Kentucky has scored just over 70 PPG in its 3 games that were on the board.

Meanwhile, Kentucky has scored 100 or more points in 3 of its 4 games as a favorite of 21 or more this season, going 3-0-1 ATS.

Considering those trends, back KENTUCKY -22.5 (-110).

Over/Under

BET OVER 163.5 (-110).

The Wildcats have gone Over in 4 of 5 games and abused weaker opponents at home. They put up 108 points on Jackson State Friday and have scored at least 97 in 4 of 5 games, with the lone exception being against top-25 Duke Nov. 12.

The Hilltoppers are 1-3 O/U, but should keep up the pace. They’ve scored at least 66 points in all 5 games and at least 72 in 4 of the 5. With that in mind, back OVER 163.5 (-115).

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Western Kentucky at Sam Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Western Kentucky at Sam Houston odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4-2, 2-0 Sun Belt) visit the Sam Houston Bearkats (5-1, 2-0) Wednesday at Elliot T. Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Western Kentucky vs. Sam Houston odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Hilltoppers got the job done in a mid-week game against UTEP last Thursday, winning 44-17 as an 18.5-point favorite as the Over (56) cashed. The Over-Under is 3-3, but Western Kentucky is a healthy 5-0 against the spread (ATS) in the past 5 games since getting walloped by the Alabama Crimson Tide in the opener on Aug. 31.

The Bearkats also got the job done in a 41-21 win at UTEP on Oct. 3 prior to the bye. The Sam Houston State offense has scored 31 or more points in 4 in a row, including a wild 40-39 win at AT&T Stadium in Arlington against Texas State on Sept. 28. The Bearkats have covered 4 in a row, and 5 of the 6 outings this season. The Over has hit in the past 2 outings.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Western Kentucky at Sam Houston odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Tuesday at 7:01 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Western Kentucky +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Sam Houston -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
Against the spread: Western Kentucky +2.5 (-105) | Sam Houston -2.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 55.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Western Kentucky at Sam Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Sam Houston 36, Western Kentucky 31

Moneyline

All eyes will be on Huntsville on Wednesday night, as SAM HOUSTON (-145) gets a primetime game in its place. That hasn’t happened a lot over the history of Bearkats football, so you can expect the place to be wild.

Western Kentucky (+120) comes in on a winning streak, too, so this won’t be easy. These teams are vying for the top spot in the Sun Belt, and this should be an excellent football game, unlike the undercard of SBC games on Tuesday.

Western Kentucky has posted a 1-2 SU mark in 3 road games, but 2 of those losses came at Alabama and at Boston College, and the loss to the Eagles was by a single point.

Sam Houston has won 4 in a row, including 2 victories at home. The Bearkats are averaging 31.0 PPG at home, while allowing just 12.0 PPG.

Against the spread

SAM HOUSTON -2.5 (-115) is a better play than the moneyline, unless you strongly believe Western Kentucky +2.5 (-105) will lose, but only by 1 or 2 points. It isn’t a terrible thought, as both of these teams are explosive, and it could very well come down to a 2-point conversion at the end.

Sam has covered 4 in a row, WKU has covered 5 straight, so it’s a tough call either way. But, again, the Bearkats are hosting a nationally-televised game in front of a raucous crowd in a reasonably important game. Expect the Bearkats to show out.

Over/Under

OVER 55.5 (-105) is easily the best play on the board.

Western Kentucky’s offense has been a little choppy at times, but it seems to have found its stride against UTEP. Of course, everyone seems to abuse the Miners these days. Anyway, Western is good for 26 or more points in 4 of the past 5 games, while allowing 21 or more points in 3 of the previous 4 outings.

For Sam Houston, it keeps it foot on the gas for the full 60. It has averaged 40.5 PPG in the past 2 Sun Belt games, while allowing 30.0 PPG. The Bearkats are good for 31 or more points in 4 straight, and 5 of 6 outings this season.

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Western Kentucky at Alabama odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Western Kentucky at Alabama odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Alabama Crimson Tide open their seasons at Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Western Kentucky vs. Alabama odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Western Kentucky finished 8-5 (5-3 Conference USA) last year, wrapping up the season with a cover as a 4.5-point underdog in a 38-35 OT win over Old Dominion in the Famous Toastery Bowl with the Over (49.5) hitting.

The Hilltoppers have brought in Texas State transfer QB TJ Finley (24 TDs, 8 INTs in 2023) to lead an offense that was 16th in the nation (1st in C-USA) with 292.7 passing yards per game last season.

The Crimson Tide went 12-2 (8-0 SEC) in 2023 and made the College Football Playoff ahead of Florida State in what many viewed as a controversial decision. Alabama lost 27-20 in OT as a 2-point underdog to Michigan — the eventual national champion — in the Rose Bowl as the Over (46) barely cashed.

Alabama, which is No. 5 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, signed former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer in January to take over the team following Nick Saban’s retirement.

– US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Western Kentucky at Alabama odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 4:08 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Off the board
Against the spread (ATS): Western Kentucky +31.5 (-110) | Alabama -31.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 59.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Western Kentucky at Alabama picks and predictions

Prediction

Alabama 48, Western Kentucky 14

Moneyline

The ML is off the board at BetMGM. The best price in the market is Alabama -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100), and that’s obviously not a bet I would recommend.

PASS. Bet the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

While DeBoer’s success at Washington — going 14-1 straight up and making it to the National Championship game — can’t be directly translated into guaranteed covers for Alabama, it shows that there won’t be much of a coaching drop-off, if any, after Saban’s retirement.

The Crimson Tide were just 2-point underdogs to the eventual national champs in the Rose Bowl, and while they didn’t cover, it showed that the best available information in the market had Alabama less than a field goal worse than the best team in the country.

QB Jalen Milroe was mediocre in the Rose Bowl, finishing 16-of-23 passing for 116 yards with no TDs. However, in his 4th season, he should take another step forward after a breakout year in 2023 with 23 TDs and 6 INTs. Milroe is tied with Texas QB Quinn Ewers for the 3rd-shortest odds to win the Heisman Trophy this year (+1000 at BetMGM Sportsbook).

Let’s not overreact to a coaching change or an OT loss to last year’s national champs.

BET ALABAMA -31.5 (-110).

Over/Under

The Over went 8-1-1 in Alabama’s final 10 games last season. When the Crimson Tide were favored by double digits last year, the Over went 5-1-1, with Alabama averaging 39.9 points per game.

BET OVER 59.5 (-115).

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March Madness: Western Kentucky vs. Marquette odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Western Kentucky vs. Marquette odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (22-11) clash with the Marquette Golden Eagles (25-9) Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Western Kentucky vs. Marquette odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The 15-seed Western Kentucky beat UTEP 78-71 Saturday to win the Conference USA title. They were just 8-8 in conference play and were on a 4-game losing streak before winning the conference tournament. Junior G Don McHenry leads the team with 15.2 PPG, and he shot 37.1% from downtown. They didn’t face a ranked team this year.

Marquette, No. 8 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, fell to No. 2 UConn in the Big East title game Saturday 73-57. The 2nd-seeded Golden Eagles were 14-6 in conference play. They were 4-5 against ranked opponents this season, and they are battle tested. Junior G Kam Jones leads them with 16.8 PPG, and he’s shooting a career-high 41.1% from distance. He averaged 18 PPG in 3 Big East Tournament games.

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Western Kentucky vs. Marquette odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:26 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Western Kentucky +850 (bet $100 to win $850) | Marquette -1600 (bet $1,600 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Kentucky +14.5 (-110) | Marquette -14.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 158.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Western Kentucky vs. Marquette picks and predictions

Prediction

Marquette 79, Western Kentucky 71

Moneyline

The Hilltoppers are no slouch as they’re tied for 30th in the nation with 80.6 PPG, and they play at the highest pace in the country at 75.0. They are OK at 3-point shooting (tied for 181st at 34%), but not great. They play solid defense as well as they tied for 24th with a 98.7 defensive rating.

Having said all that, Marquette has the shooters and the moxie, which should be enough to continue dancing. There is no play here on the ML, and I don’t see a prop that stands out.

PASS.

Against the spread

Take WKU here. As mentioned, they get up and down the floor. They were 6-4 in their last 10 games, and they were 7-3 ATS. Marquette is a much-different monster, but while they lack the outside scoring, they shoot 46.8% from the floor.

Take WESTERN KENTUCKY +14.5 (-110).

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Over/Under

This is a big number, and I don’t think we get close to it. Marquette was 5-5 O/U over the last 10, and WKU was 6-4.

Take the UNDER 158.5 (-115).

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Conference USA Tournament: UTEP vs. Western Kentucky odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UTEP vs. Western Kentucky odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The UTEP Miners (18-15) and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (21-11) meet in the Conference USA Tournament Championship Game Saturday at the Propst Arena in Huntsville, Ala. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (CBSSN). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the UTEP vs. Western Kentucky odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The 5th-seeded Miners have won 5 in a row, tying a season. UTEP also won 5 straight to opener the season from Nov. 6-21. The Miners have covered 4 of those games, including tournament wins against Liberty and top-seeded Sam Houston State.

The 3rd-seeded Hilltoppers have crushed all comers in the CUSA Tournament, beating New Mexico State by 20 Thursday, and topping Middle Tennessee Friday by 31 points. Western Kentucky has covered 3 in a row, and it is 7-3 against the spread (ATS) in the past 10 games.

Western Kentucky has won 8 of the past 9 meetings, although the teams split the regular-season series this year. UTEP won 93-87 in El Paso as a 1.5-point favorite on Jan. 20, while Western Kentucky won 90-80 as a 7-point favorite on Feb. 15. The Over cashed in each regular-season meeting, and the total has gone high in 5 straight in the series.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

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UTEP vs. Western Kentucky odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:40 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): UTEP +134 (bet $100 to win $134) | Western Kentucky -162 (bet $162 to win $100)
Against the spread: UTEP +2.5 (-102) | Western Kentucky -2.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -106 | U: -114)

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UTEP vs. Western Kentucky picks and predictions

Prediction

Western Kentucky 87, UTEP 80

Moneyline

WESTERN KENTUCKY (-162) isn’t priced out of line as a moderate favorite, if you just want to pick a winner in this Conference USA title bout, and you don’t want to fiddle around with the points.

The Hilltoppers won the most recent meeting by 10 points, and they’ve taken 8 of the past 9 in the series, too.

Against the spread

WESTERN KENTUCKY -2.5 (-120) is a decent play laying the points. The Hilltoppers are on a 7-3 ATS run, including the most recent meeting with UTEP +2.5 (-102).

The Miners are looking to get back to the Big Dance for the first time since 2010, but they’ll have to wait a little while longer.

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Over/Under

OVER 145.5 (-106) is a strong play in this title game.

In the 2 regular-season meetings, Western Kentucky averaged 88.5 PPG against the Miners, while UTEP was good for 86.5 PPG in the 2 meetings with the ‘Toppers. The Over has cashed in 5 straight in the series, too.

While UTEP has hit the Under in the 2 tourney games in Huntsville, WKU has cashed the Over in 4 of the past 5 games, while going for 83 or more points in 4 of those outings, too. Go high, and feel confidently in doing so.

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Liberty at Western Kentucky odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Liberty at Western Kentucky odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Liberty Flames (7-0, 5-0 CUSA) and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4-3, 2-1) meet Tuesday at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Ky. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Liberty vs. Western Kentucky odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Flames have won all 7 games so far, including an impressive 5-0 straight up (SU) and 3-2 against the spread (ATS) mark inside Conference USA. Liberty has done its best work on the road, going 3-0 SU/ATS, including a 31-13 win at 7-point favorites at Jacksonville State in the most recent road game Oct. 10. The Under is 3-1 in the past 4 games for Liberty.

The Hilltoppers are coming off a 20-17 loss at Jax State last Tuesday, losing outright as a 7.5-point favorite as the Under (60.5) connected. WKU returns home for the 1st time since a 31-10 win over Middle Tennessee on Sept. 28, cashing as a 6.5-point favorite. The ‘Toppers are 2-0 SU/ATS in 2 home games against FBS opponents this season.

Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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Liberty at Western Kentucky odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:42 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Liberty -210 (bet $210 to win $100) | Western Kentucky +170 (bet $100 to win $170)
Against the spread (ATS): Liberty -5 (-110) | Western Kentucky +5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 61.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Liberty at Western Kentucky picks and predictions

Prediction

Liberty 45, Western Kentucky 24

Moneyline

Liberty (-210) will set you back more than 2 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not nearly enough reward.

While the Flames have won all 3 of the previous meetings in this series, including 30-24 on Sept. 19, 2020 in Bowling Green, it’s still just a little too expensive for my liking.

PASS.

Against the spread

LIBERTY -5 (-110) is a strong play on the road. While the Flames have, well, flamed out, in the past 3 games, going 1-2 ATS, it is still 5-2 ATS overall. And the Flames offense has been on point, going for 487.9 total yards per game, with 274.6 rushing yards per contest. That number makes the Flames No. 2 in the country on ground. In addition, Liberty hoists up 36.3 PPG, ranking No. 15 overall.

Conversely, Western Kentucky +5 (-110) allows 203.7 rushing yards per game, which ranks 129th in the country. That’s a bad recipe for success against a Flames team that undoubtedly will try to run the ball down the throats of the ‘Toppers.

Over/Under

OVER 61.5 (-110) is a pretty big number, but the way Liberty piles up points, and the way Western Kentucky allows rushing yardage, the Flames could take care of a good chunk of the Over on their own.

While Western Kentucky has been much better defensively against the likes of Jacksonville State and Middle Tennessee in the past 3 games, it hasn’t faced a powerful offense like Liberty since the Ohio State loss.

Liberty has scored 31 or more points in 6 of 7 games this season, and it should get well into the 40’s in this one, needing little help from WKU to get the Over across the finish line.

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Western Kentucky at Jacksonville State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Western Kentucky at Jacksonville State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4-2, 2-0 CUSA) and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks (5-2, 3-1) meet Tuesday at Burgess-Snow Field in Jacksonville, Ala. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Western Kentucky vs. Jacksonville State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Hilltoppers picked up a 35-28 road win against Louisiana Tech last time out on Oct. 5, covering a 6-point spread as the Over (59) cashed. WKU has covered the past 3 games, while the Over snapped a 2-game Under run. Western Kentucky has covered the past 2 games on the road, while the Over is 2-1 in 3 away games this season.

Rich Rodriguez’s Gamecocks have already won 5 games, and normally 6 wins are needed for bowl eligibility. Jacksonville State won the Division II National Championship in 1992, but it just accepted an invitation to Conference USA and a spot in the FBS this season. So it is ineligible for a conference championship or bowl game in 2023, likely having to wait until 2024 to make program history.

Jax State was humbled by Liberty last time out by a 31-13 score as 7-point underdogs as the Under (59.5) cashed. That snapped a 3-game win streak, and 2-0-1 ATS run. The Under is 5-2 overall for the Gamecocks.

Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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Western Kentucky at Jacksonville State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:06 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Western Kentucky -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Jacksonville +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Kentucky -7.5 (-110) | Jacksonville State +7.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 59.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Western Kentucky at Jacksonville State picks and predictions

Prediction

Western Kentucky 33, Jacksonville State 22

Moneyline

Western Kentucky (-300) will cost you 3 times your potential return for this mid-week road test. That’s a little expensive considering the fact Jacksonville State (+240) has been playing good football most of the season. You can’t risk that kind of money, especially on a road team, even if the ‘Toppers are on a roll.

PASS.

Against the spread

WESTERN KENTUCKY -7.5 (-110) is a decent play on the road laying the points, although I’d feel a lot more confident if this was a flat 7, or better yet, 6.5.

Even so, Western Kentucky has covered 3 in a row, including a road win at Louisiana Tech, and a narrow 3-point loss at Troy. The offense has averaged 30.0 PPG in the past 3 games, and will be more than a handful for the Jacksonville State +7.5 (-110) defense to handle.

Over/Under

UNDER 59.5 (-105) is the lean, but don’t get carried away betting too much.

The Over has split 3-3 in 6 games for Western Kentucky this season, going 2-1 on the road. For Jax State, though, the Under is 5-2 overall, including 4-0 at home. The defense has allowed 12.0 PPG in 4 home games, with 31 of 48 total points scored by a good Liberty team last time out.

Proceed cautiously, but the lean is to the Under.

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Western Kentucky at Louisiana Tech odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Western Kentucky at Louisiana Tech odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3-2, 1-0 CUSA) and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (3-3, 2-0) meet Thursday at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, La., for a Conference USA tilt. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Western Kentucky vs. Louisiana Tech odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Hilltoppers picked up a 31-10 victory against Middle Tennessee last Thursday in their CUSA opener as they bounced back from consecutive road losses at Ohio State and Troy. Western Kentucky cashed as a 6.5-point favorite as the Under (60.5) connected. and has covered the past 2 games to improve to 3-2 against the spread (ATS) overall.

The Bulldogs halted a 2-game skid with a 24-10 win at UTEP last Friday, its 2nd win in as many tries in conference play. Louisiana Tech has covered 2 in a row, and 3 of the past 4 games overall, while cashing the Under in the past 2 outings. The Under is 4-2 in the past 6 games overall, too.

Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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Western Kentucky at Louisiana Tech odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Western Kentucky -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Louisiana Tech +202 (bet $100 to win $202)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Kentucky -6.5 (-105) | Louisiana Tech +6.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 59.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Western Kentucky at Louisiana Tech picks and predictions

Prediction

Western Kentucky 36, Louisiana Tech 25

Moneyline

Western Kentucky (-250) will cost you 2 1/2 times your potential return, which is too much risk and not enough reward for a road team in a conference battle.

The Hilltoppers have dropped both of their games on the road this season while Louisiana Tech is 2-1 SU in 3 games at home this season, although it lost against North Texas in Ruston in the most recent home contest.

AVOID.

Against the spread

WESTERN KENTUCKY -6.5 (-105) is worth a look in this road game, especially if it remains under 7. The road team has cashed the past 2 meetings in this series.

The Hilltoppers have cashed in 2 straight games (at Troy, vs. Middle Tennessee) while going 3-1 ATS in 4 games against FBS opponents. The only non-cover for WKU is a road game against Ohio State. Back the ‘Toppers.

Over/Under

OVER 59.5 (-110) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most.

The Under has cashed in each of the past 2 games for Western Kentucky, although this offense averages 284.6 passing yards per contest while racking up 31.6 PPG. On the flip side, the Hilltoppers defense struggles with 472.8 total yards per game, and 205.2 rushing yards per contest, both ranked 125th or lower in FBS.

WKU has coughed up 29.2 PPG too, so there is the opportunity for Louisiana Tech to flourish.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
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Western Kentucky at Ohio State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Western Kentucky at Ohio State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2-0) and the Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0) meet Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Western Kentucky vs. Ohio State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Hilltoppers racked up a 41-24 victory in Bowling Green against South Florida, covering a 13-point number as the Under (71.5) cashed. WKU then took care of Houston Christian of the FCS by a 52-22 score as the Over (63.5) cashed, failing to cover as 42.5-point favorites.

The Buckeyes scraped by Indiana in the opener 23-3, but never threatened to cover the 30-point spread as the Under (59.5) cashed. Ohio State bounced Youngstown State of the FCS by a 35-7 score, again failing to cover as a 44.5-point favorite as the Under (57.5) easily connected.

Ohio State is No. 4 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

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Western Kentucky at Ohio State odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:41 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Western Kentucky +1600 (bet $100 to win $1,600) | Ohio State -4500 (bet $4,500 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Kentucky +29.5 (-110) | Ohio State -29.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 64.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Western Kentucky at Ohio State picks and predictions

Prediction

Ohio State 41, Western Kentucky 27

Moneyline

Ohio State (-4500) is way too expensive, and it is never a good idea to bet such a heavy favorite, straight up or in a multi-team parlay.

And the way the Buckeyes have played, particularly on offense, makes Western Kentucky (+1600) look like an attractive play for a potential upset.

However, the Hilltoppers will come up short, mainly because the Ohio State defense has been suffocating, and WKU won’t have nearly the same kind of success on offense as it did against USF and HCU.

PASS.

Against the spread

WESTERN KENTUCKY +29.5 (-110) is a great play catching 4 TDs in its first visit to “The Shoe”.

The Hilltoppers are averaging 449.0 total yards per game on offense, including 327.0 passing yards per outing. The latter ranks 12th in the nation, and WKU is 14th overall with 46.5 points per game (PPG). The Hilltoppers will score points Saturday, and it will put a scare into Ohio State -29.5 (-105).

Over/Under

OVER 64.5 (-115) is a solid play in this non-conference battle.

While Ohio State has been sharp on the defensive side of the football, it hasn’t met a pass-happy team and high-octane offense like Western Kentucky. Don’t laugh. Indiana and Youngstown State aren’t exactly a murderer’s row. The defense has handled its business, and can only play the teams in front of them. But the Hilltoppers are a fast, up-tempo offense, and it will be the biggest test to date for the Buckeyes. Expect plenty of points on both sides.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire

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