Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-5 Last Season) vs. Alabama Crimson Tide (12-2 Last Season)
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide August 31 2024 – Week one of the NCAAF season has exciting college football action to offer when the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, whose last season ended at 8-5, take on the much-hyped up last season’s 12-2 Alabama Crimson Tide. This clash is scheduled for Saturday, which will surely excite football lovers who have been starved of new college football action after the last regular season of football. This game features an aspect of NCAAF previews today, which has been very popular lately, providing clues to how well the teams will perform during the season and how well they are currently fitted.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide August 31 2024 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Bryant-Denny Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Western Kentucky | +2578 | +32.5 (-110) | 60.5 over (-112) |
| Alabama | -11992 | -32.5 (-110) | 60.5 under (-110) |
The odds starkly favor the Alabama Crimson Tide, highlighted by the daunting -11992 on the moneyline, suggesting a near-certain victory in the eyes of oddsmakers. The spread set at -32.5 points underlines the expected dominance of Alabama over Western Kentucky. Meanwhile, the over/under total at 60.5 points projects a high-scoring affair, which could tilt either way based on the teams’ offensive outputs.
Caden Veltkamp QB vs. Jalen Milroe QB
Last year, the Western Kentucky quarterback Caden Veltkamp displayed good potential, having a completion rate of 75.9% from 387 passing yards. Such security in the throwing game, with only one interception being allowed, maybe a sign of a capable order who is looking to step up even more on the field. Adjusting to practices, Veltkamp’s test will come in the form of trying to defeat a normal tough Alabama defense that has a tendency to frustrate even good quarterbacks.
On the other hand, looking at the depth chart for Alabama, they also have Jalen Milroe, who comes in with an eye-popping portfolio comprising 2834 passing yards and a completion rate of 65.8% in the last season. For every 23 touchdowns he threw, only 6 interceptions came in which shows a signal caller who takes the team deep but takes measured risks to do so. The 172.2 passer rating speaks to the efficiency and the big play-making ability, which will certainly be a big headache for the Hilltoppers’ defense.
Western Kentucky’s Strategy
Western Kentucky’s offense boasts a balanced threat in running back Elijah Young and wide receiver Dalvin Smith. Young’s agility and ability to churn out yards after contact (4.6 yards per carry) complements Smith’s receiving prowess, who tallied 513 yards last season. This duo’s versatility in both rushing and receiving dimensions will be crucial in diversifying the Hilltoppers’ attack, attempting to puncture the Crimson Tide’s defense.
Alabama’s Offensive Might
Alabama counters with their own dynamic duo: running back Jam Miller and wide receiver Kobe Prentice. Miller’s rushing efficiency (4.9 yards per attempt) paired with Prentice’s deep-threat capability (17.4 yards per reception) outlines an offensive that can swiftly switch gears between ground and aerial assaults. This adaptability not only pressures defenses but also opens up play-action opportunities, a staple in Alabama’s tactical playbook.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Trends
Western Kentucky are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Western Kentucky’s last 6 games.
Western Kentucky are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
Hilltoppers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against an opponent in the Southeastern conference.
Western Kentucky are 10-2 SU in their last 12 games played in week 1.
Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Trends
Alabama are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Alabama’s last 7 games.
Alabama are 11-1 SU in their last 12 games.
Crimson Tide are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home.
Alabama are 15-0 SU in their last 15 games against an opponent in the Conference USA conference.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Previews
In light of the statistics and the past performance, Alabama looks set to win handily. On the other hand, the wide spread rather warns against such betting to the maximum extent possible. The Hilltoppers have shown heart and may be able to make the score close enough to cover thus are a good underdog play.
In light of the trends and match quality, it is reasonable to advise on taking Alabama to win but to keep in mind Western Kentucky to cover the spread if their historical week 1 strength is applied. On over-under bets, the same trend also suggests that this will be a high scoring match which both teams are capable of achieving. Major USA Betting Websites will list various prop betting opportunities that may be profitable in connection with the performance metrics of particular players in question.
Score Prediction: Alabama 45, Western Kentucky 17.
