The Liberty Flames and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers meet Tuesday in college football action from Houchens Industries-LT Smith Stadium. Liberty is sitting at a nice 7-0 overall this year. The Flames last won versus Middle Tennessee back on October 17. As for Western Kentucky, they’re currently 4-3 overall and coming off a tough three-point loss to Jacksonville State. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place. 

Liberty Flames 

The Flames have had a few relatively close calls so far this year, but no blemishes in the record column yet. Liberty has rattled off wins over Bowling Green 34-24, New Mexico State 33-17, Buffalo 55-27, FIU 38-6, Sam Houston 21-16, Jacksonville State 31-13 and Middle Tennessee 42-35 in their first seven games. 

In the win over Middle Tennessee back on October 17, the Flames had a 35-35 tie going into the fourth quarter. Liberty managed a TD in the final frame to take the victory. QB Kaidon Salter finished with 140 yards, two scores and a pick while also rushing for 160 yards on 16 carries. Quinton Cooley went off for 134 yards and three rush scores on 24 carries as well. 

Liberty Flames Team Facts

• Liberty has won each of its last nine games in October.
• The road team has covered the spread in each of Liberty’s last five games.
• Four of Liberty’s last five October games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Over on the Hilltoppers’ side, it’s been a mixed bag so far. The good news is that Western Kentucky started out pretty well on a 4-2 run through their first six games, falling to only Ohio State 63-10 and Troy 27-24. The wins in that time were versus South Florida 41-24, Houston Christian 52-22, Middle Tennessee 31-10 and Louisiana Tech 35-28. 

Western Kentucky couldn’t add to their win total in their last outing versus Jacksonville State. The Hilltoppers were up 17-10 going into the fourth quarter but ultimately ended up losing 20-17. Austin Reed threw for 250 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Elijah Young led the rush with 39 yards, and KD Hutchinson was tops in receiving with four catches for 52 yards. 

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Team Facts

• Western Kentucky has won seven of its last eight home games against conference opponents.
• Western Kentucky has covered the spread in seven of its last eight home games against conference opponents.
• Western Kentucky has won the first half in five of its last six games against conference opponents.
• Western Kentucky has won the first quarter in five of its last six games against conference opponents.
• Each of Western Kentucky’s last four home games against conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Western Kentucky are one of only six FBS teams undefeated in home games this season ([z-0]).
• Western Kentucky has suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of five points or less of any FBS team this season (2).
• The Flames are one of only two FBS teams undefeated in road games this season ([z-0]).
• The Flames are one of only six FBS teams undefeated in home games this season ([z-0]).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably stay with the Flames in this one. After the close win over Middle Tennessee however, I’m not quite as high on the team as I once was. Liberty posted 541 yards of offense in that one (401 rushing) with 33 first downs but also had a pair of turnovers and eight penalties. Defensively the Flames came up with three takeaways but also coughed up 428 total yards (332 passing) and 6.8 yards per play. That said, Liberty has been below 31 points just once this year and should score well in this matchup. Western Kentucky gave up 484 yards (262 rushing) to Jacksonville State in their last outing, so we can expect a lot of ground and pound here.