Tuesday College Football Picks & Predictions for Western Kentucky vs LA Tech
By Danny Burke in College Football
Published:

- LA Tech hosts Western Kentucky on Tuesday Night
- Both the Hilltoppers and Bulldogs are coming off a loss last week
- See our Tuesday College Football Picks & Predictions for Western Kentucky vs LA Tech
Both Conference USA teams saw their three-game winning streaks snapped last week, and now they’ll meet in Ruston, Louisiana, where Louisiana Tech hosts Western Kentucky at Joe Aillet Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, with CBS carrying the broadcast.
The Hilltoppers enter this game with a 5-2 record straight up and against the spread. The Bulldogs sit at 4-2 and have covered in all but one game this season. When these teams met last year, it ended in a forgettable 12-7 Louisiana Tech victory. Can Western Kentucky return the favor this time around – and should we expect to see more scoring in the rematch?
Let’s dive into our Tuesday college football picks and predictions for Western Kentucky vs. Louisiana Tech.
Western Kentucky vs LA Tech Picks
- Western Kentucky vs LA Tech Under 50.5 (-110)
- Hilltoppers +3.5 (-110) vs Bulldogs
Hilltoppers vs Bulldogs Predictions
Louisiana Tech is a peculiar team. In their four wins, they’ve averaged 33.3 points per game, but in their two losses, they’ve managed just seven points each time. Statistically, their offense has been one of the least efficient in the country, ranking 132nd in EPA per play and 100th in success rate.
Their success this season has largely come from the defensive side. The Bulldogs rank ninth nationally in defensive success rate and 35th in EPA per play allowed, holding opponents to just 17.2 points per game. That includes an impressive showing against LSU, when they limited the Tigers to only 23 points in a 23-7 loss.
However, their most recent loss was far less encouraging – a 35-7 defeat at the hands of Kennesaw State.
If Louisiana Tech’s defense can’t contain Western Kentucky’s balanced attack, it’s difficult to imagine their offense keeping them competitive. The Hilltoppers have leaned heavily on the run, logging 246 carries to just 147 pass attempts, and if LA Tech fails to set the tempo early, they could find themselves out of it quickly. A limited passing attack leaves them with little chance to rally if the game doesn’t start in their favor.
Western Kentucky also boasts a strong defense, ranking 22nd in success rate and 28th in EPA per play. Offensively, they’ve been more efficient than their opponent, sitting 44th in success rate and 65th in EPA per play. Their ground game has been particularly effective, with their top three running backs combining for 644 yards on 134 carries (4.8 yards per attempt).
Quarterback Maverick McIvor has shown poise under pressure, completing 67% of his passes for 1,863 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Although, three of those picks came last week in a 25-6 loss to Florida International – their second defeat of the year. His numbers have been dwindling after what appeared to be a promising start to his season.
Oddsmakers opened Louisiana Tech as 2-point favorites, and that number has since climbed as high as -3.5. The move is somewhat puzzling given Western Kentucky’s clear offensive edge and comparable defense. Being able to get over a key number of +3 with arguably the better team is too good to pass up, and will lead me to taking the points with the Hilltoppers.
The total opened at 50.5 and hasn’t moved, which is also a bit shocking to me. This matchup profiles as a slow, defensive struggle. Louisiana Tech’s defense is its backbone, and Western Kentucky’s defense should have no problem disrupting one of the least productive offenses in college football.
Expect a scrappy, low-scoring affair when these two Conference USA teams square off Tuesday night.
Western Kentucky vs Louisiana Tech Odds
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Danny Burke brings nearly a decade of experience in sports media and betting, beginning at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he called Huskers games, developed the betting section of the local ESPN affiliate’s website, and co-hosted on its radio station. He later hosted national programs wit