Western Kentucky Hilltoppers betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets – Page 2

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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Western Kentucky at Memphis odds, picks and prediction

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

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1-2) visit the No. 16 Memphis Tigers (3-0) Friday for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off at FedExForum. Below, we look at the Western Kentucky vs. Memphis odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Western Kentucky is coming off losses to Minnesota and South Carolina. The Hilltoppers’ season-opening win was over Alabama State by a disappointing five-point margin (79-74). WKU heads to Memphis with an 0-3 mark against the spread. On defense, WKU has yielded 10.0 3-pointers per game, and foes have shot 37.5% from beyond the arc.

The Tigers close out a stretch of four straight home games to open the 2021-22 season. Memphis enters this game off a Tuesday triumph over St. Louis. The Tigers covered a 10.5-point spread in a 90-74 win and are thus far 2-1 against the spread. Memphis has scored 89, 90 and 90 points over its first three games.

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

Western Kentucky at Memphis odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:24 a.m. ET.

Money line: Western Kentucky +750 (bet $100 to win $750) | Memphis -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Kentucky +13.5 (-103) | Memphis -13.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Western Kentucky at Memphis odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Memphis 83, Western Kentucky 67

Money line

Memphis has three freshmen doing great things early. As a three-headed monster, the trio of F Emoni Bates, C Jalen Duren, G Josh Minott is averaging 38.0 points and 15.3 rebounds per game. Western Kentucky was a solid road team last year, but the Tigers are the right side in this one. You won’t find enough value here on a juice-filled money line, though. PASS.

Against the spread

The Tigers have the decisive advantage inside and outside the arc and in the paint. WKU is 0-3 ATS, and two of the Hilltoppers’ setbacks (vs. Alabama State, Minnesota) involved late-game surges — the case can be made Western wasn’t as close in either loss as the final score would indicate.

The Tigers can be a little loose with the basketball but look for any losses in the turnover battle to be made up for on the offensive glass. UM’s ability to haul down offensive rebounds and create second-chance points and trips to the free-throw line makes for a significant advantage.

The lean here doesn’t make for a lot of cushion. A Memphis win in the 13-to-21-point range covers a lot of territory in an expected bell curve of possible outcomes. A lean toward the upper end is significant enough to warrant the TIGERS -13.5 (-120) as a play in some partial-unit action.

Over/Under

The Over is a combined 5-1 across the six games these squads have played so far this season. Look for a fast-paced Tigers side to drag the number up here and a Hilltoppers team that’s up for the game to not be left 30 points behind. TAKE THE OVER 145.5 (-115).

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Western Kentucky at Michigan State odds, picks and prediction

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

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1-2) and No. 16 Michigan State Spartans (4-0) meet for a Saturday night non-conference tilt at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Western Kentucky vs. Michigan State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA Today Sports AFCA Coaches Poll .

Western Kentucky heads to East Lansing off back-to-back losses, but they were setbacks by a combined 5 points. A week ago, WKU battled back from a 20-7 deficit late in the first half to twice get within two of the host Indiana Hoosiers. IU would win the game, 33-31, in an offensive tussle that featured 965 total yards (458 for the Hilltoppers).

The Spartans defeated Nebraska, 23-20, last week compiling three straight multi-score-margin wins the first three weeks of the season. The Cornhuskers led last week’s game, 20-13, with 7:29 remaining. Michigan State scored a touchdown to tie the game in regulation and then won the home contest on a field goal. MSU was outgained, 442 yards to 254.

Western Kentucky at Michigan State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:50 a.m. ET.

Money line: Western Kentucky +300 (bet $100 to win $300) | Michigan State -400 (bet $400 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Kentucky +10.5 (-108) | Michigan State -10.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 65.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Western Kentucky at Michigan State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Michigan State 35, Western Kentucky 17

Money line

PASS: shoot for more leverage against the number.

Against the spread

The way this line lays gives the impression the public is too taken with Western Kentucky’s offense. Looking at what the Hilltoppers have done and against whom, pegging them within two touchdowns of Michigan State opens up profit potential in taking the home side.

The ‘Toppers scored 14 points or less in six of their last nine games in 2020. Their 31 points and 458 total yards against Indiana last week stand out, but this MSU defense is a level (or two up). Analytic assessments will figure Michigan State as being overrated at No. 16 nationally, but the Spartans have a big-boy defense.

Look for MSU to defend its home turf in a night game. And a three-score game seems more likely than a one-score game. BACK THE SPARTANS -10.5 (-112).

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Over/Under

The Spartans ran the ball for 190-plus yards in each of their first three games. Look for some second-half game control with a couple extra MSU scores in the bank. Weather-wise, a bit of a breeze and enough of a chance of rain mix in to make the Under a solid-leverage play.

TAKE THE UNDER 65.5 (-108).

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Lending Tree Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. Georgia State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Georgia State Panthers sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5-6) will tangle with the Georgia State Panthers (5-4) in the Mobile, Alabama-based Lending Tree Bowl on Saturday afternoon (3:30 p.m. ET, Ladd-Peebles Stadium). Below, we analyze the Western Kentucky-Georgia State college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Western Kentucky vs. Georgia State: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 4:25 p.m. ET.

Money line: Western Kentucky +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Georgia State -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Western Kentucky +3.5 (-105) | Georgia State -3.5 (-115)
Over/Under: 51.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Western Kentucky vs. Georgia State: Three things to know

The Hilltoppers opened the 2020 season by going just 1-4 straight up (0-5 ATS) over their first five games. But early losses included solid efforts against Louisville and Liberty (WKU would also lose to BYU later in the fall), and Western Kentucky would eventually right the ship and start to look like it did when it went 9-4 with a bowl win in 2019. WKU covered in the BYU game (Oct. 31) and in three others over its last five. The Hilltoppers have gone 3-0 SU since Nov. 14.
Georgia State’s season includes a 2-3 mark in five games decided by one score. The Panthers head into their third bowl in four years having won three of their last four games. But GSU hasn’t played a game since Nov. 28. Georgia State won its first bowl game, with the Panthers defeating these Hilltoppers, 27-17, in the 2017 Cure Bowl in Orlando.
The Panthers are averaging 32.7 points per game and going against a Hilltoppers defense yielding just 24.1 PPG. WKU led Conference USA in pass defense, allowing just 170.1 yards per game

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Western Kentucky vs. Georgia State: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Western Kentucky 28, Georgia State 20

Money line (ML)

The Hilltoppers have put together some exceptional defensive performances over their last month of games. A bit of regression in the third-down numbers for the WKU offense and in the red-zone numbers for the GSU defense play in the Hilltoppers’ favor. So does Georgia State’s layoff. TAKE WESTERN KENTUCKY (+155).

Against the spread (ATS)

The Panthers are 1-4 ATS in their last five games played in December. The Hilltoppers are 5-1-1 ATS such games.

BACK THE HILLTOPPERS +3.5 (-105) in a game with a likable Under.

Over/Under (O/U)

The most value in this bowl game can be found on the WKU sides, but there is a solid chance the contest plays out in 20-something-20-something fashion. TAG THIS ONE WITH A SLIGHT LEAN ON THE UNDER 51.5 (-120).

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Southern Mississippi at Western Kentucky odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (2-5 overall, 1-2 CUSA) travel to Bowling Green, Ky., to take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2-6, 1-3) in a Saturday matinee at 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Southern Mississippi-Western Kentucky college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Southern Mississippi at Western Kentucky: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3:15 p.m. ET.

Money line: Southern Mississippi +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Western Kentucky -334 (bet $334 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Southern Mississippi +7.5 (-106) | Western Kentucky -7.5 (-115)
Over/Under: 45.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Southern Mississippi at Western Kentucky: Three things to know

Western Kentucky has scuffled on offense and is averaging just 15.2 points per game (114th FBS). Only five teams have cranked out fewer yards per game than the Hilltoppers’ 272.8.
WKU defeated USM 28-10 last fall (Nov. 23). The Hilltoppers benefited from a trio of Golden Eagles turnovers. The victory marked Western Kentucky’s third in as many all-time meetings against USM.
Led by freshman RB Frank Gore, Jr., Southern Mississippi piled up a season-high 245 rushing yards in its last game. The Golden Eagles have run for 200-plus yards in three of their last four games. Gore leads USM with 461 rushing yards (5.4 yards per carry) on the season.

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Southern Mississippi at Western Kentucky: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Western Kentucky 31, Southern Mississippi 17

Money line (ML)

Western Kentucky is the lean but PASS on the straight up odds. Better value is available in taking the Hilltoppers on the spread.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Eagles’ recent FBS losses have exposed some deficiencies on both sides of the ball. USM has also developed an injury problem at quarterback. Starter Jack Abraham (concussion) is expected to miss the rest of the season and backup QB Tate Whatley is also in the concussion protocol. Whatley’s status for Saturday is up in the air.

WKU isn’t without its own issues, especially on offense, but look for the ‘Toppers to do just enough on pass defense and in running the ball on offense to be able to get a 10-point lead and protect it. The USM defense doesn’t apply much backfield pressure, and that helps. BACK WESTERN KENTUCKY -7.5 (-115).

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 45.5 (-110) has a lean, but the scoring picture is muddied on the USM side. Consider a pass or a small-unit play at best.

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Western Kentucky at FAU odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at FAU Owls sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2-5, 1-2 C-USA) and FAU Owls (2-1, 2-1) meet in Boca Raton, Fla., for a 6 p.m. ET kickoff Saturday. Below, we analyze the Western Kentucky-FAU college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Western Kentucky at FAU: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 5:25 p.m. ET.

Money line: Western Kentucky +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | FAU -278 (bet $278 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Western Kentucky +6.5 (-106) | FAU -6.5 (-115)
Over/Under: 39.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Western Kentucky at FAU: Three things to know

Western Kentucky has stumbled through the first seven games on its schedule, winning just twice. WKU topped Middle Tennessee by 3 points (20-17) on Oct. 3, and FCS Chattanooga by 3 points (13-10) on Oct. 24. In its other five games, they have lost by an average of 18.4 points.
Last week’s cover by the Hilltoppers (+31.5) at BYU was their first of the season against six non-covers, and they covered by just a half-point, losing 41-10.
Florida Atlantic has covered each of its past two games since a non-cover (by 1 point) in the opener against Charlotte. The Owls are averaging just 18.0 PPG, as there has been a power outage since head coach Lane Kiffin left town. However, the defense has stepped up, allowing just 13.3 PPG to rank 10th in the country.

Western Kentucky at FAU: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

FAU 34, Western Kentucky 13

Money line (ML)

FAU (-278) has had difficulty moving the ball on offense this season, as new QB Nick Tronti has had some growing pains in his first full season under center. While the Owls “should” be able to get well against a poor Hilltoppers (+220) side, you can’t risk nearly three times your return on a struggling offense. AVOID.

Against the spread (ATS)

FAU -6.5 (-115) has covered each of its past two, while Western Kentucky is just 1-6 ATS, and that lone cover was just by a half-point in a 31-point loss. The Owls should get rolling against the struggling Hilltoppers, and FAU is particularly attractive since this line is on the favorable side of a flat 7.

Over/Under (O/U)

A total in the 30’s in college football in this day and age is very irregular. It’s like going back to the 1990’s. However, playing OVER 39.5 (-110) is the way to go. The Owls will be able to get cooking against a defense allowing 29.7 PPG. RBs Malcolm Davidson, the team’s leading rusher, and James Charles should be leaned upon heavily to dent a WKU defense allowing 185.7 yards per game on the ground, 81st in the nation

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