Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CFB Picks, CFB Free Picks, CFB Predictions 10/21/25
- rbowe7447
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
WESTERN KENTUCKY @ LOUISIANA TECH (LT -3, 50.5)
Western Kentucky travelS to play the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in a midweek football game tonight. Both Conference USA programs will be looking to win down in the bayou after losses the last time out.
Last Tuesday, Western Kentucky lost as a 10-point favorite, falling to FIU 25-6 at home. On October 9, Louisiana Tech lost their last game as a 4.5-point favorite, losing 35-7 on the road to Kennesaw State. Last week, the Bulldogs had a bye. The Bulldogs have a 6-5 lead in the teams' all-time series, including a 12-7 victory on the road in their most recent meeting on November 16, 2024.
In their last game, Western Kentucky lost to FIU at home last week, ending their three-game winning streak. The Hilltoppers are now 3-1 in Conference USA play this season and have dropped to 5-2 overall. Western Kentucky never took the lead against FIU, falling behind 6-0 before scoring to fall behind 6-3 after one quarter. Before kicking a field goal on the last play of the first half, the Hilltoppers trailed 19-3 after giving up 13 straight points. Western Kentucky failed to score again. The Hilltoppers lost the time of possession battle 34:38 to 25:22, gave up 21 first downs while gaining 18, turned the ball over three times without recording a takeaway, and were out-gained 453-341 in total offense.
WKU throws for 294.6 yards per game which ranks 14th in the nation. The Hilltoppers rank 54th in the FBS in terms of scoring defense, giving up 23.1 points per game, while they rank 62nd in terms of scoring offense, averaging 29.7 points per game.
WKU QB Maverick MacIvor is 171 of 254 passing for 1,863 yards and 12 touchdowns against five interceptions. Both La'Vell Wright (40 carries, 207 yards, five touchdowns) and George Hart III (38 carries, 179 yards, two touchdowns) have performed well in the backfield for WKU. K.D. Hutchinson leads all WKU receivers with 30 catches and 330 yards. Parrish (26 catches, 159 yards, TD),
Following a bye week last week, Louisiana Tech looks to bounce back from their crushing defeat at the hands of Kennesaw State on October 9. The Bulldogs are now 2-1 in Conference USA play this season and 4-2 overall. Louisiana Tech was shut down for the remainder of the game against Kennesaw State, despite having a 7-0 lead after the first quarter. The Bulldogs gave up 35 consecutive points. The Bulldogs turned the ball over twice without recording a takeaway and was out-gained 400-305 in total offense.
The Bulldogs focus more on the run on offense, averaging 146.5 yards per game. The Louisiana Tech passing game ranks 120th in the nation with an average of 164.5 yards per game. The defense is solid, ranking 17th in the country giving up just 17.2 points per game.
Louisiana Tech QB Blake Baker is 50 of 82 passing for 649 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He is actually listed as doubtful for tonight's game. One of the reasons the Bulldogs got beat so badly by Kennesaw State was an injury to Bullock. LT had to use three quarterbacks in that game.
At this stage of the season, both teams are still in the thick of the Conference USA race despite suffering lopsided losses in their last game. Western Kentucky is 2-1 on the road this season. With five of their six opponents held to 23 points or less this season, Louisiana Tech has proven to be a formidable defensive team. While Louisiana Tech's defense has produced 13 takeaways this season, the Hilltoppers have turned the ball over ten times. This season, Louisiana Tech has an undefeated home record.
The Under has cashed in four of seven games for WKU. Two of their three road games went Under. Louisiana Tech has allowed 20 points or less in four of the last six games. The Under has cashed in five of their six games.
TONIGHT'S FREE PICK: MAVERICK MCIVOR OVER 257.5 PASSING YARDS
The Louisiana Tech pass defense ranks 110th in the nation. They allow an average of 249 yards per game. McIvor had a horrible game last time out. He didn't reach 200 yards passing and he threw three interceptions. McIvor averages 266 passing yards per game and the Bulldogs defense could be the perfect opponent to get him back on track.
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