Western Kentucky vs. Alabama Crimson Tide 8/31/24 – The opposing teams in this game will be Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Alabama Crimson Tide. This contest, played during the first week of college football, is expected to be tough and very entertaining. As the two teams prepare for their first game of the season the weekend, the fans are looking out for college football winning predictions. Each week, from Saturday contest between the two will be played at the Bryant-Denny Stadium, which will be telecast on ESPN.
Western Kentucky vs. Alabama Crimson Tide 8/31/24
| When: | Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Bryant-Denny Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilltoppers | +32.5 (-110) | 60.5 over (-112) | +2578 |  |
| Crimson Tide | -32.5 (-110) | 60.5 under (-110) | -11992 | |
| ||||
HILLTOPPER NATION, IT'S GAME WEEK‼️ pic.twitter.com/39YDDSABCZ
— WKU Football (@WKUFootball) August 26, 2024
The betting odds indicate a strong favor towards Alabama, reflective of their dominant past performance and the strength of their roster. The Crimson Tide’s overwhelming -11992 moneyline suggests a perceived mismatch against the Hilltoppers, who enter with a moneyline of +2578. The spread set at 32.5 points underscores expectations for a lopsided game.
Caden Veltkamp QB vs. Jalen Milroe QB
Recent performances of Caden Veltkamp, Western Kentucky’s quarterback, gave good completion percentages as he completed 75.9 percent of the passes thrown and recorded 387 yards last season. Caden Veltkamp will need to maintain composure to complete passes, as Alabama will certainly apply the pressure.
On the other hand, Jalen Milroe from Alabama topped that with a passer rating of 172.2. He threw over 2800 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. Created to get the job done, he has the composure and experience to aim for long, deep defensive throws, which will be a problem for the Hilltoppers’ defense.
Both quarterbacks seem to have their plus-minus as far as the game is concerned. Veltkamp’s stability is needed to keep in check the explosive offensive potential of Milroe. The clash of these quarterbacks will have a great impact on the pace of the match and the course of its tactical development.
Western Kentucky’s Ground and Air Attack
Western Kentucky’s offensive strategy leans heavily on the dual threat posed by Elijah Young in the running game and Dalvin Smith in the receiving corps. Young’s agility and ability to break away for long runs, paired with Smith’s knack for securing receptions and finding the end zone, form a versatile attack that could potentially stretch the Alabama defense. Their performances in early games often set the tempo for the Hilltoppers’ offensive rhythm.
Alabama’s Offensive Playmakers
Alabama counters with Jam Miller, who, despite fewer attempts, maintains a high average of 4.9 yards per carry, suggesting explosive potential on each play. Kobe Prentice complements this with an impressive average of 17.4 yards per reception, turning routine plays into significant gains. This duo’s ability to capitalize on small openings will be critical for Alabama as it looks to exploit any lapses in the Hilltoppers’ defensive alignment.
Trends
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Trends
Western Kentucky is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Western Kentucky’s last 6 games.
Western Kentucky is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
Hilltoppers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against an opponent in the Southeastern Conference.
Western Kentucky is 10-2 SU in their last 12 games played in week 1.
Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Trends
Alabama is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Alabama’s last 7 games.
Alabama is 11-1 SU in their last 12 games.
Crimson Tide are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home.
Alabama is 15-0 SU in their last 15 games against an opponent in the Conference USA conference.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Prediction
Given the strength and historical performance of Alabama going into this matchup, it is easy to see how they will most probably win, hence making them a good pick for punters in terms of moneyline and spread wagers. However, the total of 60.5 points may probably favor the under because of Western Kentucky’s inability to score much against Alabama’s defense.
Ultimately, Alabama is a better team, most likely even on the field. For sports betting fans, the other side of the coin would be going with a top-tier sportsbook online as there may be more pertinent information as the game approaches, mostly for proposition wagers or changes in the spread or total.
Score Prediction: Alabama 46, Western Kentucky 11.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: August 29, 2024
Last updated: March 25, 2025