The Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers (5-4, 3-2 CUSA) and their powerful passing offense are on the road to face the University of North Carolina Charlotte 49ers (2-7, 1-4 CUSA), one of the country’s softest aerial defenses, at Jerry Richardson Stadium on Saturday.
The Hilltoppers are 16-point favorites, and the total is 72. Western Kentucky is coming off a one-sided 40-13 loss to North Texas at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium last Saturday. Austin Reed was 29 of 49 for 320 yards with a touchdown and an interception. L.T. Sanders ran 13 times for 76 yards.
Malachi Corley caught eight passes for 97 yards. Charlotte beat Rice 56-23 at Rice Stadium last Saturday. Chris Reynolds threw for 275 yards and five touchdowns. Shadrick Byrd carried 13 times for 83 yards and a touchdown and added three catches for 58 yards. Elijah Spencer added three touchdowns of his own. He caught five receptions for 84 yards.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Hilltoppers won the only meeting between the teams last season, a 45-13 victory in October, their third straight win against Charlotte. Bailey Zappe threw four touchdowns for Western Kentucky.
TALE OF THE TAPE
The Hilltoppers are averaging 34.8 points per game for the season, 30th in FBS, and they are facing a 49ers defense that has surrendered 41.0 PPG (131st). Meanwhile, Charlotte has scored 27.3 points a game this season, 76th in the country, and Western Kentucky is allowing 24.0 PPG (51st).
The Hilltoppers rank as one of the nation’s top teams in passing yards per game (317.7, 12th), while they are 64th in rushing yards (153.4). They have an advantageous matchup through the air, as the 49ers are 117th in the country in passing yards allowed per game (273.3). Against the run, Charlotte is 129th (233.1).
Charlotte has been one of the country’s least successful rushing teams, averaging 108.9 yards per game (112th), while ranking 33rd in passing yards (276.0). The Hilltoppers are allowing 237.0 passing yards (76th) and 140.8 rushing yards per game (65th).
TOP PERFORMERS
Through nine games, Austin Reed has thrown for 22 touchdowns (6 INT) and 306.9 yards per game to lead Western Kentucky in passing. In four away games this season, he has nine TDs (3 INT) and an average of 312.8 yards passing.
Kye Robichaux leads the team in rushing with an average of 65.4 yards a game over seven games. He has three touchdowns on the ground. Malachi Corley is the Hilltoppers’ leading receiver with 77.9 yards a game and six TDs.
Chris Reynolds has 19 passing touchdowns (9 INT) with 257.0 yards per game through seven games to lead Charlotte. In two home games this season, he has thrown for four TDs (4 INT) and an average of 295.5 yards.
Shadrick Byrd has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 48.6 yards a game through nine games. He has five total touchdowns, four rushing and one receiving. Elijah Spencer has been a key target in the 49ers’ aerial attack. He has seven touchdowns and an 89.1 yard per game average through nine appearances.
HOME AND AWAY
Charlotte is looking to win at home for the first time this season.
SportsTips’ College Football Pick:
WKU (-700)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
