- Western Kentucky is a 24-point home favorite over Kennesaw State in Week 10 College Football action on Wednesday, Oct. 30
- The Hilltoppers have covered the spread in six straight games
- Keep reading for the Kennesaw State vs Western Kentucky odds, pick and prediction
Fresh off one of the biggest upsets of the season, Kennesaw State (1-6, 1-2 CUSA) eyes a repeat performance Wednesday night versus Western Kentucky (5-2, 3-0 CUSA). Unfortunately for the Owls, online sportsbooks aren’t expecting lightning to strike twice per the College Football odds.
Kennesaw State vs Western Kentucky Odds
Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Kennesaw State Owls | +24 (-108) | +1100 | O 50.5 (-110) |
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers | -24 (-112) | -2100 | U 50.5 (-110) |
The Hilltoppers are massive 24-point home favorites, in a contest with a total of 50.5. The early spread ticket count actually favors Kennesaw State by a wide margin, but money talks. Western Kentucky is currently drawing 41% of the handle, despite accounting for only 22% of the bets, according to the College Football public betting trends.
As far as the total goes, it’s already seen a ton of line movement. The 50.5-point over/under is up four points from its opener, and it could continue to grow. That’s because 89% of the wagers and 81% of the money is banking on this contest exceeding offensive expectations.
Kickoff for this Conference USA clash is set for 7:30 pm ET in Bowling Green, KY, with ESPN2 providing the broadcast coverage.
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Kennesaw State Defies the Odds
The Owls shocked the College Football world last week, taking down previously unbeaten Liberty 27-24. It was Kennesaw State’s first-ever win over an FBS program, and it marked the Flames’ first regular season loss in 18 games.
The victory was also Kennesaw State’s first this season, and it came as a 26.5-point underdog. It was the first win in 23 years by an 0-5 team versus a 5-0 team, and it would be asking a lot of the Owls to pull off a second consecutive stunner.
History made in Kennesaw! pic.twitter.com/1uIgu3RyI4
— Kennesaw State (@kennesawstate) October 28, 2024
Kennesaw State’s performance last week was a true outlier. They were outgained by 63 yards, and were helped out by nine Liberty penalties that cost the Flames 100 yards. The Owls generated the only turnover, converted 50% of their third downs, and turned three red zone trips into 17 points, including two touchdowns.
For comparison, Kennesaw State is converting only 40% of their third down chances this season, and rank 70th in red zone conversion rate. They scored 12 more points than their season average, while yielding eight fewer. It was just the second time they’ve exceeded 16 points all campaign, and the third time they’ve surrendered less than 28.
Now they have to face arguably the best team in the conference, and one that can expose their biggest defensive weakness. The Owls rank outside the top-100 in opponent completion percentage, and get virtually no pressure on enemy quarterbacks.
Western Kentucky Will Launch an Aerial Assault
Western Kentucky enters play winners of five of their last six games, with an undefeated Conference USA record. Even if they run the table, they’ll fall short of an automatic bid into the College Football Playoff odds, but a conference title and high-profile Bowl Game are still within reach.
The Hilltoppers love nothing more than throwing the ball. Luckily for them, this game sets up perfectly for that strategy. QB Caden Veltkamp leads Conference USA in passer efficiency rating, completion percentage and touchdowns, while number one target Kisean Johnson is top-five in yards, catches and TD.
Caden Veltkamp Davey O’Brien QB Class of 2024
Veltkamp is one of 35 quarterbacks selected and is officially a candidate for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award.@WKUFootball | @daveyobrien | #NoLimitsOnUs pic.twitter.com/leYbPDPC7m
— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) October 29, 2024
Western Kentucky has found its groove after an up-and-down non-conference schedule. They’ve won each of their three conference games by double-digits, posting an average margin of victory of 24 points. They’re fresh off trouncing a 6-2 Sam Houston team 31-14, led by four total TDs from Veltkamp.
The Hilltoppers offense steals all the headlines, but their defense has taken the next step during conference play. They’ve held their conference opponents to an average of 17 points per outing, while racking up nine sacks and four turnovers.
Kennesaw State vs Western Kentucky Prediction
The high-powered offense and stingy defense have propelled them to the top of the conference standings and one of the nation’s top cover rates. Western Kentucky is a perfect 6-0 against the spread in its last six outings, covering three times as a favorite and three times as a ‘dog.
Covering large, double-digit numbers also hasn’t been an issue. Twice in the last month, they’ve been favored by at least 19.5 points and each time, they covered easily.
Kennesaw State vs Western Kentucky ATS Comparison
Team | ATS Record | ATS +/- |
---|---|---|
Kennesaw State Owls | 2-5 | -16.1 |
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers | 6-1 | +6.1 |
The Hilltoppers haven’t allowed more than 21 points since opening week, and are coming off extended rest. They’ll feast on a poor Kennesaw State secondary that’s only produced two picks all season. Expect another impressive game from Veltkamp and Co., leading to another lopsided Western Kentucky victory.
- Western Kentucky -24 (-112)
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