In this article we will formulate an Alabama vs WKU prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, August 31st at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this non-conference matchup.
Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Preview
The Alabama Crimson Tide went 12-2 (9-0) last year and they finished first in the SEC West Division. Alabama defeated MTSU by a score of 56-7 in their opener last year, but they did lose to Texas by a score of 34-24 in their second game. Alabama followed that loss up with 10 wins to close the regular season, which included a wild win over Auburn in the finale. Alabama defeated Georgia by a score of 27-24 in the SEC Title game, but they lost to Michigan by a score of 27-20 in overtime in the CFP Semifinal. Alabama had a great 2023 season, but losing Nick Saban is a massive loss.
Alabama does return Jalen Milroe at quarterback, who threw for 2,834 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions last season, while adding 531 rushing yards and 12 scores. Milroe is going to be the focal point of the offense, but I do have concerns about the running game. Alabama wasn’t great at running the football last year and Washington struggled to run the ball as well, so we will see if DeBoer can figure the ground game out.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Preview
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers were 8-5 (5-3) last season and they finished fourth in the C-USA standings. Western Kentucky opened the season 2-0 with wins over South Florida and Houston Christian, but they were throttled by a score of 63-10 against Ohio State. Western Kentucky went 3-4 over the next seven games, but they did beat Sam Houston and FIU to close out the regular season. The Hilltoppers defeated Old Dominion in overtime by a score of 38-35 in the Famous Toastery Bowl to end the season.
Western Kentucky had a very good passing attack last season and while they did lose their quarterback, they have two very good options to continue slinging the ball around. The running game doesn’t produce much for this team, as the emphasis is on throwing the ball, but the offensive line should be solid. Defensively, Western Kentucky is going to struggle against a team like Alabama, but they should hold up decently well against C-USA competition.
Why Alabama will beat WKU
- Alabama has won each of its last 56 games against non-AP-ranked teams at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
- Western Kentucky has lost five of its last six games against opponents from the Southeastern Conference.
- Alabama has covered the spread in eight of its last nine season openers.
- Western Kentucky has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight games against opponents from the Southeastern Conference.
- Alabama has won the first half in 32 of its last 39 games against non-conference opponents.
- Alabama has won the first quarter in 26 of its last 34 games against non-conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of Alabama’s last eight games as a favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
- Eleven of Western Kentucky’s last 13 games as an underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Alabama ranked T4th among FBS teams for Q4 win percentage last season (.714).
- Alabama was one of only eight FBS teams to win 4+ games when trailing after Q1 last season.
- Western Kentucky ranked 8th among FBS teams for Q1 points per game last season (10.1).
- Western Kentucky ranked T15th among FBS teams for Q1 win percentage last season (.615).
Alabama vs WKU Prediction
Alabama comes into this game as a pretty big favorite and they are poised for another very good season. The Crimson Tide opened up the 2023 season with a 56-7 win over MTSU and we could see something similar here. Western Kentucky’s passing attack is very solid, but they will struggle to sustain drives against this Alabama defense.
Alabama should have no issues moving the ball, but I do think we could see an emphasis on the run game, as that area needs to improve. I don’t love this game, but I will take Alabama to cover the big spread, as I think they will shut down WKU’s passing attack.