Western Kentucky is 4-1 overall and 2-0 against Conference USA teams. But it hasn’t always been pretty.
The Hilltoppers started the year off strong with a 41-21 win over Sam Houston at home in Week 0. In fact, they defeated three of their first four opponents – including North Alabama and Nevada – by at least two possessions.
Also during that stretch, WKU lost at Toledo 45-21. Then in the Hilltoppers’ most recent contest, they won at first-year FBS program Missouri State by five points.
Now they’re taking on another program in its first year in the FBS, but one that has looked pretty solid all things considered.
Delaware is 3-1 with a 1-0 mark in the CUSA standings having defeated FIU 38-16. The Blue Hens have only lost against Colorado on the road. They also beat Delaware State 35-17 to begin the year and pulled off a 44-41 overtime victory over a good UConn squad.
Now the two teams will face off in a contest between programs that are ranked in the HERO Sports Group of Five Top 25 – WKU is at No. 15 this week while Delaware is No. 19.
Western Kentucky vs. Delaware Betting Odds
Delaware is a -2.5 college football betting odds favorite against Western Kentucky, with the Over/Under being 61.5 as of this writing.
The moneyline for Western Kentucky is +120, while it’s -145 for Delaware.
Western Kentucky vs. Delaware On TV
The matchup between Western Kentucky and Delaware will be televised on CBSSN.
The game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 3. The contest is taking place at Delaware Stadium in Newark, Delaware.
Western Kentucky vs. Delaware Prediction
I predict Western Kentucky will win and therefore cover the 2.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 61.5 total points.
I think this is a matchup where WKU will prove just how great it is in the landscape of Conference USA.
The Hilltoppers have had moments of weakness, including in what ended up being a lopsided loss at Toledo. But I think their defense, led by linebacker Jaylen Wester, is going to be good enough to compete with basically anyone in CUSA, including Delaware.
But I especially think WKU’s offense is going to thrive. The Hilltoppers have the best scoring offense in CUSA, averaging 35 points per game, and the best total offense with 447.8 yards per game.
Now, Delaware’s offense has been pretty impressive as well, as the Blue Hens rank second in both of those categories at 31 points and 421.8 yards per contest. That’s why I like the Over.
But with Maverick McIvor at quarterback and Matthew Henry, KD Hutchinson, and Moussa Barry at wide receiver – who all have at least 230 yards receiving thus far – I think WKU’s offense leads the Hilltoppers to a league win.
