Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs predictions and odds:
Can the Hilltoppers’ strong passing attack continue to be strong against the 3-3 Bulldogs?

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3-2) will visit the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (3-3) on Thursday night. Western Kentucky defeated the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 31-10 last Thursday. The Hilltoppers’ defense only allowed 10 points despite allowing 373 yards of offense. Meanwhile, Louisiana Tech defeated the UTEP Miners 24-10. Special teams played a key role for the Bulldogs, with Smoke Harris completing a punt 67 yards to the end zone. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs match odds and details
Hilltops of Western Kentucky
Western Kentucky is home to one of the best passing attacks in C-USA. Quarterback Austin Reed has been excellent, throwing for 1,368 yards and 11 touchdowns against two interceptions in his team’s first five games. He also scored three more points on the field. However, the Hilltoppers finished in the bottom third in rushing yards per game, rushing attempts per game and rushing yards per attempt. They also sit in the middle of the pack in terms of revenue committed per match.

Western Kentucky’s defense has been brutal in 2023. It is second only to Middle Tennessee State in most points allowed per game (29), while opposing quarterbacks are throwing for 268 passing yards per game with a completion rate of 61%. The rush defense was equally poor, allowing 5.0 yards per attempt on 41 attempts per game. They easily allow the most yards in the conference but force nearly three turnovers per game.

Despite averaging just 224 passing yards per game, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are completing nearly 66% of their passes. However, starting quarterback Hank Backmeier is questionable for Thursday’s win after missing last week with a shoulder injury. Jack Turner, who is 48-for-80 with three touchdowns against two picks, will start if Backmeier is out. The Bulldogs are in the middle of the conference in most team rushing statistics. Louisiana Tech allows 26 points per game but has an elite secondary. Opposing passers are completing 49% of their passes, a C-USA low, for just 152 yards per game. However, the front seven players were attacked by the opposing defenders. The Bulldogs are allowing a conference-best 226 rushing yards per game at a whopping 5.2 yards per attempt. They also only force one turnover per game.

Game prediction
I’m looking for Louisiana Tech’s Hank Bachmeier to take part in this midweek contest. He has been absent for the past two weeks with a shoulder injury, but according to multiple sources, he will practice this week in preparation for competition. Although head coach Sonny Cumbie did not declare him the starter, the practice before the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers was a good sign that Bachmeier was ready. If Bachmeier takes advantage of his opportunity and Louisiana Tech’s pass defense remains strong, I like the Bulldogs to cover the spread on Thursday.