The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the UTEP Miners meet Saturday in college football action from the Sun Bowl. Western Kentucky had an early game on Tuesday of last week. The Hilltoppers sit at 4-4 overall following a loss to Liberty in that matchup. As for UTEP, they’re coming off some extra rest as well. The 3-6 Miners eked out a road victory versus Sam Houston last Wednesday. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 

Western Kentucky managed to win four of their first six games, but they’ve since recorded loses to Jacksonville State 20-17 and Liberty 42-29. The Hilltoppers offense hasn’t been too bad overall—if a bit one-sided. Western Kentucky is averaging 29.9 points per game with 21 passing touchdowns (and six interceptions). Rushing-wise the Hilltoppers have a tepid 821 yards so far with eight scores. 

In their last appearance back on October 24, the Hilltoppers went into the second half with a 14-10 deficit. WKU’s comeback chances were thwarted with 21 fourth-quarter points allowed, though. QB Austin Reed ended up with 365 yards, four scores and a pick. Elijah Young was the lead rusher on 61 yards and Dalvin Smith added 79 yards off eight catches. 

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Team Facts

• Western Kentucky has won each of its last 11 November games as a favorite.
• Western Kentucky has covered the spread in seven of its last eight November games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Western Kentucky has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against conference opponents.
• Western Kentucky has won the first half in four of its last five road games against conference opponents.
• Three of Western Kentucky’s last four November games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

UTEP Miners 

Over on the UTEP side, it’s been a rollercoaster season thus far after a 1-4 start (beating Incarnate Word) and a 2-1 record over the last three games (beating FIU and Sam Houston). The Miners aren’t scoring so well with just 18.7 points per game and 21 total touchdowns. The rush has been solid but the passing game is suffering with just nine touchdowns versus nine interceptions overall. 

UTEP took on Sam Houston last Wednesday. In that one the Miners held a 21-13 lead at the break and held on for the win 37-34. QB Cade McConnell bagged 206 yards, one TD and one interception. Deion Hankins was tops in rushing with 117 yards and a score, and Kelly Akharaiyi finished with 126 yards receiving with a TD and six catches.

UTEP Miners Team Facts

• UTEP has lost each of its last 18 November games as an underdog.
• UTEP has failed to cover the spread in 16 of its last 18 November games as an underdog.
• Each of UTEP’s last six home games against conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Western Kentucky has suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of five points or less of any FBS team this season (2).
• Western Kentucky has suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of three points or less of any FBS team this season (2). 

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably stay with Western Kentucky here. This seems like a good spot for the Hilltoppers to halt a potential losing streak. WKU played pretty well overall versus a great Liberty team in their most recent outing—up until the fourth quarter or so, that is. The Hilltoppers managed 484 total yards (365 passing) in that one with 24 first downs. That makes 29 or more points scored in three of the last four games, which should be more than enough to get a win/cover in this one. 

As for UTEP, they’re playing better over the last three games but they really need to keep that passing attack going in order to keep defenses off balance. The Miners have 206 passing yards or more in each of their last two victories. They’ll need to hit that number at a minimum in order to have a cover chance against the Hilltoppers. I don’t think UTEP will quite get there.