Western Kentucky vs. Old Dominion 12/18/23 – At the NCAAF Famous Toastery Bowl on Monday, December 18, 2023, an epic showdown is sure to unfold between Western Kentucky Hilltoppers’ 7-5 record and 6-6 Old Dominion Monarchs. Set for battle on Monday this highly-anticipated contest promises not only intense competition among talented teams, but also an insightful display of gridiron strategy and skill from both squads eager to close their season on a successful note; fans and oddsmakers are eagerly searching for free NCAAF bowl picks today in order to gain an edge on who will emerge victorious in what will certainly be an epic battle!
Western Kentucky vs. Old Dominion 12/18/23
| When: | Monday, December 18, 2023 at 2:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Jerry Richardson Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Kentucky | +5 -110 | o51.5 -110 | +175 |  |
| Old Dominion | -5 -110 | u51.5 -110 | -205 | |
| ||||
feelin' toasty ♨️🍞
See you tomorrow, @FamousToastery_!
Details: https://t.co/UsXl22kbn6 pic.twitter.com/DVqUijYjpE
— WKU Football (@WKUFootball) December 14, 2023
Austin Reed QB vs. Grant Wilson QB
Austin Reed has been the power behind Western Kentucky’s air raid offense this season, posting astounding statistics in just 470 pass attempts: 61% completion percentage and an outstanding 7.1 yards per attempt average – an outstanding accomplishment considering pressure can force interceptions out of him; when given time in the pocket though, Reed can utilize quick decisions and field vision to dissect defenses; protecting their playmaker is essential against Old Dominion.
Grant Wilson of the Monarchs brings unique skills to his position. Wilson completed 165 of 290 attempts for 2,026 yards at 56% completion rate and averaged 7 yards an attempt en route to connecting on a 78-yard long shot, showing plenty of arm strength. However, being sacked 51 times for 304 lost yards was clearly an area of weakness for Wilson; to overcome Western Kentucky he will need to use his resilience and adaptability while keeping an eye on defensive pressure as handling pressure may be a weakness of his.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: Paving the Way
Spearheading the Hilltoppers’ rushing attack are running back Elijah Young and receiver Malachi Corley. Young has amassed 464 yards on 96 carries this season, good for a 4.8 yard average per attempt. His longest run went for 64 yards, one of his three visits to the endzone. Corley has been a dynamic threat, catching 75 passes for 958 yards (12.8 yards per reception) and finding paydirt 11 times, providing Austin Reed with a reliable red zone target.
Old Dominion Monarchs: Multi-Faceted Playmakers
Complementing Grant Wilson’s passing prowess for the Monarchs are running back Kadarius Calloway and wideout Reymello Murphy. Calloway has made the most of his 78 rushes this season, accumulating nearly eight yards every time he touches the ball for an explosive scoring threat. Murphy’s big play ability shines through in his 18.3 yards per catch average, taking 27 receptions for 495 yards. His field-stretching presence will look to exploit the Hilltoppers secondary. With versatile talents supporting their quarterback, Old Dominion boasts a strategic and balanced offensive attack.
NCAAF Betting Odds: Old Dominion Monarchs -160, Over/Under: 54
Heading into the Famous Toastery Bowl as slight favorites, the Old Dominion Monarchs hold a -160 moneyline over the underdog Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. With the over/under set at 54 total points, oddsmakers foresee a tight clash between two closely-matched teams. The betting lines indicate the Monarchs may have a slim advantage that could push them over the top in what expects to be a highly competitive battle that could come down to the final possession.
Trends
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Betting Trends
Western Kentucky are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games.
Kentucky are 13-7 SU in their last 20 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Western Kentucky’s last 7 games against Old Dominion.
Total has gone OVER in 4 of Western Kentucky’s last 5 games against an opponent in the Sun Belt conference.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Western Kentucky’s last 5 games played in December.
Western Kentucky are 1-10 SU in their last 11 games when playing as the underdog.
Old Dominion Monarchs Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Old Dominion’s last 7 games.
Old Dominion are 6-12 SU in their last 18 games.
Old Dominion are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games against Western Kentucky.
The Old Dominion are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games against Western Kentucky.
Old Dominion are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games against an opponent in the Conference USA conference.
Old Dominion are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games against an opponent in the East Division division.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Old Dominion Monarchs Betting Picks
This Famous Toastery Bowl matchup between Western Kentucky and Old Dominion shapes up to be a thrillingly close contest based on analysis of the two squads. The Monarchs’ superior 6-6 record and performance against common opponents this season gives them a slight advantage in the betting lines. However, the Hilltoppers’ explosiveness can ignite at any time, especially in a bowl setting.
As always when wagering, utilize top sportsbooks for safe and responsible betting. This hotly-anticipated NCAAF clash promises to deliver action and drama right up until the final whistle.
Score Prediction: Old Dominion 30, Western Kentucky 27
