LA Tech Bulldogs (3-5) vs. WKU Hilltoppers (6-2)
November 16, 2024 12:00 pm EDT
The Line: WKU Hilltoppers -13 / LA Tech Bulldogs +13; Over/Under: +51
(Get latest betting odds)
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will meet Saturday in college football action from Houchens Industries-LT Smith Stadium. Here’s a Western Kentucky vs LA Tech Prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Western Kentucky vs LA Tech pick.
LA Tech Bulldogs Betting Preview
The Bulldogs kicked off their year with a 2-4 run, beating only Nicholls and Middle Tennessee alongside losses to NC State, Tulsa, FIU, and New Mexico State. Louisiana Tech would then beat UTEP before another loss to Sam Houston 9-3.
Matched up against Jacksonville State last weekend, the Bulldogs pushed the Gamecocks to overtime but eventually fell 44-37. Evan Bullock posted 266 yards with three TDs and an interception. Tru Edwards was tops in receiving with six grabs for 142 yards and two scores.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Preview
Over on the Western Kentucky side, they lost to Alabama in their opener before wins over Eastern Kentucky, Middle Tennessee, and Toledo. After a loss to Boston College, the Hilltoppers beat UTEP, Sam Houston, and Kennesaw State.
In their game against New Mexico State on Saturday, the Hilltoppers put up double-digit points in three of four quarters along the way to a 41-28 win. Caden Veltkamp bagged 246 pass yards, two scores, and two picks alongside a pair of rush TDs. Kisean Johnson caught five balls for 88 yards and a score to lead the receivers.
Why the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will win
- Louisiana Tech has lost each of its last 10 road games in November.
- Western Kentucky has won each of its last seven games against conference opponents.
- Louisiana Tech has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six November road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Western Kentucky has covered the spread in eight of its last 10 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Western Kentucky has won the first quarter in each of its last eight games against conference opponents.
- Western Kentucky has won the first half in each of its last eight games against conference opponents.
Why the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will win
- The underdog has won four of the last six games between Louisiana Tech and Western Kentucky.
- The underdog has covered the spread in seven of Louisiana Tech’s last eight games.
- Western Kentucky has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven November games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Louisiana Tech’s last five November games against non-AP-ranked teams has gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of Western Kentucky’s last five home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Western Kentucky vs LA Tech Prediction
I’m leaning toward WKU. The Hilltoppers really need to clean up the rush defense, though. Western Kentucky gave up a whopping 331 yards on the ground in their win over New Mexico State. That said, the defense also came up with five takeaways, which killed a lot of Aggies’ momentum in the victory.
As for LA Tech, they mustered 410 yards (144 rushing), 20 first downs, two turnovers, and a 5-of-13 effort on third-down conversions in their OT loss to Jacksonville State. Their defense did well on three takeaways but also gave up 28 first downs and 9-of-16 on third-down tries. WKU should have control here if they can avoid mistakes.
