The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5-2, 3-1 Conference USA) and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (4-2, 2-1) meet Tuesday at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, Louisiana. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NCAA football odds around the Western Kentucky vs. Louisiana Tech odds and make our expert college football picks and predictions for the best bets.
Louisiana Tech leads the all-time series 6-5, including a 12-7 upset victory as a 12-point underdog in Bowling Green Nov. 16, 2024, as the Under (52.5) cashed. The Under has cashed in 3 of the past 4 meetings.
Western Kentucky is looking to rebound after a 25-6 loss as a 10-point home favorite against FIU Oct. 14 as the Under (55.5) cashed. The ‘Topper had 116 rushing yards and 225 passing yards, but QB Maverick McIvor tossed 3 INTs in a nightmare outing. WKU entered last week’s game with a 5-1 straight-up and against-the-spread (ATS) mark in its first 6 contests, and the Under has cashed in 4 straight outings.
Louisiana Tech also had a 3-game win streak ruined at Kennesaw State in a 35-7 loss as a 4.5-point favorite Oct. 9 as the Under (46.5) hit. RB Omiri Wiggins had 67 rushing yards and a TD, and the Bulldogs took a 7-0 lead until midway through the second quarter. However, La. Tech could do nothing else, while the defense allowed 4 passing TDs. Louisiana Tech had scored 30 or more points in the 3 prior outings, and the Bulldogs opened 5-0 ATS before the loss to the Owls. The Under is 3-0 in the past 3 games and 5-1 overall.
– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports
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Western Kentucky at Louisiana Tech odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:29 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Western Kentucky +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Louisiana Tech -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Western Kentucky +3.5 (-110) | Louisiana Tech -3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Western Kentucky at Louisiana Tech picks and predictions
Prediction
Western Kentucky 26, Louisiana Tech 21
WESTERN KENTUCKY (+145) is a strong play as a moderate underedog on the moneyline.
The Hilltoppers were unbeaten in Conference USA play before the stunning loss to FIU. Western Kentucky buried itself with the mistakes. Prior to last week, the Hilltoppers had scored 21 or more points in all 6 games and had won 5 of their first 6, including a 27-24 victory at Delaware in their first C-USA road game.
WESTERN KENTUCKY +3.5 (-110) is a strong play if you want a little bit of wiggle room. We have 2 conference contenders who are going to be angry after embarrassing losses last week, and somebody is heading home with a second straight loss. Look for this to be a tight affair, and expect WKU to clean things up after a super sloppy game. Plus, the Hilltoppers have revenge on their minds after a loss at home to the Bulldogs last season, serving as extra motivation.
UNDER 50.5 (-105) is a great option in this C-USA battle.
Weather looked like it might be an issue here, but showers will pull out early. By kickoff, we’ll have comfortable temperatures, clear skies and virtually no wind to speak of.
The defenses will rain on each other, though. The Under has cashed in 4 straight games for Western Kentucky, including 3 straight inside the league. For Louisiana Tech, the total has gone low in 3 straight games and 5 of 6 outings. The Bulldogs have allowed 23 or fewer points in 5 of 6 games. Let’s go low, and feel confident in doing so.
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