The Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers (5-3, 3-1 CUSA) and their explosive passing offense play host to the University of North Texas Mean Green (4-4, 3-1 CUSA), one of the nation’s softest aerial defenses, at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium on Saturday.
The Hilltoppers are 10-point favorites, and the total is 70.North Texas is coming off a 31-27 loss to UTSA at Alamodome last Saturday. Austin Aune was 15 of 31 for 325 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Oscar Adaway III ran 10 times for 20 yards. Roderic Burns caught six passes for 139 yards.
Western Kentucky beat UAB 20-17 at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium last Friday. Austin Reed threw for 128 yards. L.T. Sanders carried 16 times for 120 yards. Malachi Corley caught five receptions for 77 yards.
TALE OF THE TAPE
The Mean Green are averaging 35.0 points per game for the season, 30th in FBS, and they are facing a Hilltoppers defense that has surrendered 22.0 PPG (38th). Meanwhile, Western Kentucky has scored 37.5 points a game this season, 18th in the country, and North Texas is allowing 34.5 PPG (120th).
The Mean Green rank as one of the country’s top teams in rushing yards per game (222.6, 13th), while they are 48th in passing yards (261.6). The Hilltoppers are 64th in passing yards allowed per game (224.1) and 52nd against the run (133.9).
Western Kentucky has been one of the nation’s top passing teams, averaging 317.4 passing yards per game (11th), while ranking 69th in rushing yards (154.4). North Texas’ defense has been vulnerable through the air, as the Mean Green are 123rd in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (283.4). Against the run, the Mean Green are 114th (188.5).
TOP PERFORMERS
Through eight games, Austin Aune has thrown for 20 touchdowns (9 INT) and 252.1 yards per game to lead North Texas in passing. In four away games this season, he has 11 TDs (5 INT) and an average of 309.2 yards passing. Ayo Adeyi leads the team in rushing with an average of 69.9 yards a game over eight games. He has two touchdowns on the ground and one through the air.
Roderic Burns is the Mean Green’s leading receiver with 77.3 yards a game and one TD. Austin Reed has 21 passing touchdowns (5 INT) with 305.2 yards per game through eight games to lead Western Kentucky. In four home games this season, he has thrown for 12 TDs (2 INT) and an average of 297.8 yards. Kye Robichaux has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 65.4 yards a game through seven games. He has three touchdowns. Daewood Davis has been a key target in the Hilltoppers’ aerial attack. He has five touchdowns and a 79.5 yard per game average through eight appearances.
SportsTips’ College Football Pick:
Western Kentucky (-375)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
