Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 10/5/2023 – An exhilarating midweek matchup that promises to deliver gridiron excitement. The spotlight shifts to Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, Louisiana, where the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are set to clash with the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on Thursday night. Let’s analyze key players and scrutinize pivotal statistics that could influence the outcome of this Conference USA (C-USA) showdown. The free college football betting apps are leaning towards the Hilltoppers to secure a victory in this game.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 10/5/2023 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, October 5, 2023 |
| Time: | 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Joe Aillet Stadium |
Tyson Helton vs Sonny Cumbie
Western Kentucky enters this contest with a commendable 3-2 overall record and a promising 1-0 start in Conference USA play. Their recent 31-10 victory over Middle Tennessee showcased their prowess, amassing 444 yards of total offense. While they were efficient on the offensive end, the Hilltoppers also excelled defensively, allowing Middle Tennessee just 373 yards of total offense. Western Kentucky’s ability to force turnovers proved pivotal, as they secured three takeaways while committing only one.
Quarterback Austin Reed has been a standout performer, amassing 1,368 passing yards, accompanied by an impressive 11 touchdowns and a mere two interceptions. L.T. Sanders leads the rushing attack with 117 yards, while Malachi Corley shines as the leading receiver with 331 yards and two touchdown receptions. On the defensive front, linebacker Jaques Evans spearheads the team with 28 tackles. Western Kentucky’s defense has been particularly effective in pressuring opposing quarterbacks, amassing 13 quarterback sacks and securing six interceptions.
On the other side of the field, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs enter this showdown with a 3-3 overall record, demonstrating their resilience. They’ve carved a 2-0 path in Conference USA play, most recently claiming a 24-10 victory on the road against the UTEP Miners. While the Bulldogs amassed 294 yards, it was a dynamic 67-yard punt return for a touchdown by Smoke Harris that ignited their triumph. Quarterback Jack Turner played a pivotal role, passing for 152 yards and a touchdown.
Louisiana Tech boasts a dynamic quarterback duo, with Hank Bachmeier accumulating 756 passing yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Jack Turner has contributed 590 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Bulldogs’ ground game is led by Tyre Shelton, who has gained 318 yards and notched three touchdowns. Smoke Harris serves as the leading receiver with 368 yards and three touchdown receptions. Defensively, Louisiana Tech has showcased its ability to disrupt opposing offenses, securing 11 quarterback sacks and four interceptions.
Western Kentucky’s offensive prowess is evident, averaging 31.6 points per game. They’ve been particularly effective in the passing game, generating an average of 284.6 yards per game, ranking 26th nationally. However, they face a Louisiana Tech secondary that allows only 152.0 passing yards per game. Nevertheless, the Bulldogs have struggled against the run, conceding an average of 225.5 rushing yards per game, ranking 129th in the nation. This sets the stage for an intriguing offensive battle.
NCAAF Latest Odds: WKU -7 ; O/U 60
Taking a closer look at both teams, Western Kentucky’s offensive output has propelled them to an average of 31.6 points per game. They accumulate an average of 382.8 total yards per game, with 286 passing yards (26th) and 96.8 rushing yards (212th). Defensively, they permit an average of 29.2 points per game, conceding 472.8 total yards (130th), with 267.6 passing yards (116th) and 205.2 rushing yards (125th).
In contrast, Louisiana Tech’s offense averages 27 points per game, supported by 376.3 total yards (81st), including 224.3 passing yards (79th) and 152 rushing yards (70th). Their defense yields an average of 25.7 points (76th) and allows 377.5 total yards (76th), with a meager 152 passing yards (6th) but a concerning 225.5 rushing yards (132nd).
Western Kentucky Betting Trends
Western Kentucky are 12-6 ATS in their last 18 games.
Hilltoppers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games.
Western Kentucky are 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games on the road.
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Western Kentucky’s last 8 games against an opponent in the Conference USA conference.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Western Kentucky’s last 5 games against an opponent in the West Division.
Western Kentucky are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games played in October.
Western Kentucky are 5-11 SU in their last 16 games played in week 6.
Louisiana Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Louisiana Tech’s last 9 games.
Louisiana Tech are 6-14 SU in their last 20 games.
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Louisiana Tech’s last 11 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Louisiana Tech’s last 15 games against an opponent in the Conference USA conference.
Louisiana Tech are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games against an opponent in the East Division.
Louisiana Tech are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games played in October.
Bulldogs are 9-2 SU in their last 11 games played in week 6.
Louisiana Tech are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games played on a Thursday.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Betting Pick
Both teams face the challenge of managing injuries. Western Kentucky has notable names like Blue Smith, Trevor Borland, and Rex Robich listed as day-to-day. Louisiana Tech, meanwhile, contends with injuries to key players, including Hank Bachmeier, Marquis Crosby, Koby Duru, and a suspension for Brevin Randle.
In summary, Thursday night’s clash between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs is poised to deliver a thrilling C-USA showdown. Western Kentucky’s potent offense will aim to navigate Louisiana Tech’s formidable secondary, while the Bulldogs will seek to exploit their opponent’s defensive vulnerabilities against the run. Take the Hilltoppers to win and cover the spread with the Week 6 college predictions on their side on an offshore sportsbooks.
Score Prediction: Hilltoppers 33, Bulldogs 23.
