Tag: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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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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.

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New Orleans Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. South Alabama odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Western Kentucky vs. South Alabama odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-5) and South Alabama Jaguars (10-2) meet in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Wednesday at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Western Kentucky vs. South Alabama odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Hilltoppers have received the good news that leading tackler LB JaQues Evans has withdrawn from the transfer portal. He posted 101 tackles and 8 sacks this season.

Western Kentucky’s offense has been powerful, scoring 27 or more points in 3 of the past 4 games, and 10 of 13 games overall. The Hilltoppers were good for 35.8 PPG to rank 18th in the nation while posting 483.6 total yards per game (10th) and 339.2 passing yards per game (2nd).

South Alabama finished the season on a 5-game win streak, going 3-1-1 against the spread (ATS) during the span. It can hold its own, too, posting 27 or more points in each game during the win streak.

The Jaguars’ defense allowed just 19.4 PPG (14th) while yielding just 303.4 total yards per game (11th) and 87.6 rushing yards per game (4th). USA averaged 31.9 PPG on offense and has no notable opt-outs from that unit.

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Western Kentucky vs. South Alabama odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Western Kentucky +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | South Alabama -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Western Kentucky +3.5 (-104) | South Alabama -3.5 (-116)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 56 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Western Kentucky vs. South Alabama picks and predictions

Prediction

South Alabama 32, Western Kentucky 29

Moneyline

South Alabama (-190) is a little too expensive on the money line, costing nearly 2 times your potential return.

This should be a very close game between 2 teams with powerful offenses. While USA has a much strong defense than Western Kentucky, and it could be the difference in the game, expect it to go right down to the very end in NOLA.

PASS.

Against the spread

WESTERN KENTUCKY +3.5 (-104) is worth a look catching 3 and a hook. I like the fact Evans should be able to play as he was a tackle machine for the ‘Toppers. Even if he remains sidelined, I think Western has enough on offense to hang right with South Alabama in a very close and entertaining bowl game.

Over/Under

OVER 56 (-110) is the play in the Big Easy.

The Over has cashed in 9 of the past 11 non-conference games for the Hilltoppers while going 5-2 in the previous 7 bowl contests. The Over is 7-2 in the past 9 neutral-site battles for WKU, too.

The Over is 3-0-1 in the past 4 games for the Jaguars, while hitting at a 5-1 clip in the past 6 non-conference battles.

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UAB at Western Kentucky odds, picks and predictions

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

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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Boca Raton Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. Appalachian State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Appalachian State Mountaineers Boca Raton Bowl odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-5) take on the Appalachian State Mountaineers (10-3) Saturday in the RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium. Kickoff in South Florida is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET. Below, we look at the Western Kentucky vs. Appalachian State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Hilltoppers were insane on offense, going for 41 or more points in each of the past six games, including a 49-41 loss to No. 25 UTSA in the Conference USA title game. WKU enters 5-1 ATS across its past six games.

App State came up short in the Sun Belt title game, losing 24-16 at No. 17 Louisiana. They Mountaineers are 6-1 SU/5-2 ATS in their previous seven games. They’re a solid defensive squad, allowing just 10.3 points per game across the final four games.

Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Western Kentucky vs. Appalachian State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:38 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Western Kentucky +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Appalachian State -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Western Kentucky +2.5 (-105) | Appalachian State -2.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 66.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Western Kentucky vs. Appalachian State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Western Kentucky 45, Appalachian State 40

Money line

WESTERN KENTUCKY (+115) is a value play in this bowl game at plus-money.

The key matchup will be Appalachian State’s passing defense against Western Kentucky’s air attack, which ranks first in the country with 434.6 yards per game

The Hilltoppers, led by QB Bailey Zappe (69.2 comp%, 5,545 yards, 56 TD), can score with the best of them. The Mountaineers are going to be under a full blitzkrieg the entire afternoon. WKU has two receivers with at least 1,299 receiving yards and at least 12 touchdowns in Jerreth Sterns and Mitchell Tinsley.

Appalachian State was a solid defensive unit this season, ranking in the top 20 in nearly every category. It allowed 206.6 passing yards per game to rank 31st in the nation.

Against the spread

WESTERN KENTUCKY +2.5 (-105) is a little less attractive at this price. If you like the Hilltoppers, just take them straight up for plus-money. The chances of a 1- or 2-point win by App State, and a WKU cover, are slight.

Over/Under

The OVER 66.5 (-112) is the play. App State will want to force its will on WKU, and will try to slow the ‘Toppers down. But nobody has been able to do that this season.

Western Kentucky scored 43.1 PPG to rank second in the nation, while allowing 28.7 PPG. The Hilltoppers even put up 31 apiece in a pair of losses at Michigan State and Indiana earlier in the season.

Play the OVER and enjoy.

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Western Kentucky at UTSA odds, picks and prediction

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

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-4, 7-1 C-USA) and UTSA Roadrunners (11-1,7-1) are lined up for Friday’s Conference USA Championship Game. Kickoff from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, is slated for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Western Kentucky vs. UTSA odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Western Kentucky went 1-4 over its first five games and has won seven consecutive games since.  One of those four losses was a 52-46 setback against this UTSA squad Oct. 9. The Hilltoppers have averaged a robust 48.0 points per game over their last five wins. The WKU offense averages 43.3 PPG and 525.1 yards per contest; both figures rank second in the nation.

The Roadrunners were tripped up by North Texas last week. Texas-San Antonio toted an unblemished record into that game but was undone but costly turnovers, solid UNT defense, and a big run game that saw the Mean Green pile up 340 yards on the ground. That performance was against a UTSA defense that ranks 19th nationally against the run (121.3 yards per game allowed).

Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Western Kentucky at UTSA odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Western Kentucky -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | UTSA +130 (bet $100 to win $130)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Western Kentucky -3.5 (-102) | UTSA +3.5 (-122)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 72.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Western Kentucky at UTSA odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Western Kentucky 38, UTSA 31

Money line

The Hilltoppers are a lean here, but PASS unless you can get price of -155 or better.

Against the spread

Western Kentucky is 5-0 ATS across its last five games.

The Hilltoppers have made some defensive adjustments and have played better football over the last couple months. Some of that was WKU getting thru the Army-Indiana-Michigan State-UTSA portion of its schedule. However, in yards-per-play and available-yards comparisons, the ‘Toppers have made some incremental improvements.

Five-thousand-yard man QB Bailey Zappe — okay, the Western Kentucky quarterback has only thrown for 4,968 yards — directs a pass-first (and nearly pass-only) offense that has been clicking of late. Zappe has thrown 52 touchdown passes.

UTSA’s defense does well to create havoc but more so on running plays, and the Roadrunners have given up more than their share of explosive plays through the air. The UTSA offense is also a tad more likely to get stifled between the 40s.

TAKE WESTERN KENTUCKY -3.5 (-102) on a tight lean. A straight 3 points would be nice, but the discounted juice softens the protest.

Over/Under

The Oct. 9 meeting between these two produced 98 points and over 1,200 total yards. Figure this game being managed a bit differently and that the improvements made by the Western Kentucky defense since that first matchup help keep this one dialed back.

TAKE THE UNDER 72.5 (-108).

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