It hasn’t always been easy, but after a double-digit loss at Toledo earlier this season, Western Kentucky has successfully bounced back.
The Hilltoppers are 5-1 and 3-0 in Conference USA play. They beat Sam Houston 41-24 in Week 0, but their other two league wins have been close. Most recently, they beat Missouri State 27-22 and Delaware 27-24.
Still, that’s been enough for WKU to climb up to the No. 9 spot in this week’s HERO Sports Group of Five Top 25 media poll.
Now WKU will take on FIU, which is 2-3 and 0-1 against CUSA teams. The Panthers have lost their last two games against Delaware and UConn after defeating FAU 38-28 a few weeks ago.
FIU vs. Western Kentucky Betting Odds
Western Kentucky is a -10 college football betting odds favorite against FIU, with the Over/Under being 55.5 as of this writing.
The moneyline for FIU is +290, while it’s -375 for Western Kentucky.
FIU vs. Western Kentucky On TV
The matchup between FIU and Western Kentucky will be televised on ESPNU.
The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Oct. 14. The contest is taking place at Houchens Industries-LT Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
FIU vs. Western Kentucky Prediction
I predict Western Kentucky will win but FIU will cover the 10-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 55.5 total points.
Especially at home, I think Western Kentucky should have the talent to win this game. And that’s because of what the Hilltoppers are capable of on offense.
Maverick McIvor is playing like one of the best quarterbacks in CUSA. He’s thrown for 1,704 yards, 12 touchdowns, and two interceptions while completing 68% of his passes. He’s also spread the ball around, as seven WKU players have at least 13 catches and 120 yards through the air.
Matthew Henry leads the Hilltoppers with 377 yards and three touchdowns receiving on 21 catches. KD Hutchinson has a team-high 26 catches and has recorded 304 yards and three touchdowns through the air. Wide receiver Moussa Barry (16 catches for 247 yards) and tight end Noah Meyers (16 catches for 189 yards and one TD) are players to watch as well. And WKU running back La’Vell Wright, who has a team-best 203 yards and five touchdowns rushing while averaging 5.5 yards per carry, can make some plays out of the backfield as well.
And now WKU is going up against an FIU defense that has allowed 89 points in its last two contests and has given up at least 28 points in each of its last four outings.
Because WKU’s last two games have been close, I think this one will be as well. But I still think the Hilltoppers will pull off a win at home.
