Western Kentucky vs. Old Dominion Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can WKU Shine at Famous Toastery Bowl?
Western Kentucky faces Old Dominion at the Famous Toastery Bowl this afternoon. Can WKU shine at Famous Toastery Bowl without Austin Reed? Jason Radowitz provides his Western Kentucky vs. Old Dominion prediction, pick, and the latest odds ahead of the game.
Jason Radowitz - December 18, 2023, 10:08 AM EST
5 minWestern Kentucky vs. Old Dominion Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can WKU Shine at Famous Toastery Bowl?
It's confirmed. Western Kentucky's Austin Reed will not play quarterback for the Hilltoppers for tonight's Famous Toastery Bowl.
Instead, it'll likely be Tanner Helton at quarterback. He played 21 snaps this season as the third-stringer. With Reed out and second-stringer Caden Veltkamp in the portal, Helton should get the reps as a freshman.
He's thrown eight attempts and has completed eight passes against Holy Cross and FIU. But he'll go up against a much more difficult opponent in the Old Dominion Monarchs.
The Monarchs don't have as many players in the transfer portal. So, despite finishing the season 6-6, the Monarchs should be well prepared against a depleted Western Kentucky team.
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for today's matchup between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Old Dominion Monarchs.
Western Kentucky vs. Old Dominion Date, Start Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: December 18, 2023
- Game Time: 2:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
Western Kentucky vs. Old Dominion Odds
- Spread: Western Kentucky +4.5 (-110), Old Dominion -4.5 (-110)
- Total: Over 51.5 (-110), Under 51.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Western Kentucky (+165), Old Dominion (-200)
Western Kentucky vs. Old Dominion Injury Report
Western Kentucky
Out: WR Michael Mathison (Hip)
Old Dominion
Questionable: RB Kadarius Calloway (Undisclosed)
Western Kentucky vs. Old Dominion Prediction
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are significantly depleted heading into this game.
They'll be without star quarterback Austin Reed, who just threw for 3,340 yards with 31 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
However, they'll also likely be without their starting left guard, center, and right tackle, along with their backup quarterback, Caden Veltkamp. All those players and five significant defensive players have entered the transfer portal.
However, it sounds like Malachi Corley, who is an NFL prospect at wide receiver, will play in this game instead of opting out.
If anything, Western Kentucky typically does a great job at developing quarterbacks. Helton hasn't had many reps. However, he completed all eight attempts in his career, which counts for something, even against subpar competition.
Western Kentucky has an offense that is built to score points. They've added nearly 30 points per game this season and have had plenty of success in other seasons offensively.
Meanwhile, Old Dominion has allowed 26.25 points per game, including nearly 230 yards in the air and another 147.92 yards on the ground.
The Hilltoppers aren't super run-happy. But they might have to run more frequently in this game behind Elijah Young. Young has earned 4.8 yards per carry but didn't even get 100 carries this season.
Therefore, Western Kentucky might just put it on the freshman's shoulder and let him sling the football around.
Old Dominion tackles consistently and is typically very good against the run despite the 148 yards per game on the ground defensively this season. The Monarchs are also very good in the secondary. It's just that they have a weak pass rush.
On the other hand, Western Kentucky has allowed 188.42 yards per game on the ground, while Old Dominion has averaged 150 yards rushing per game.
Old Dominion has an excellent run game and will take on a depleted Western Kentucky defense that has so many players out.
Don't be shocked if Helton performs at a high level. We don't know enough about him at the college level yet. However, the one sure thing is that Old Dominion will run the ball very effectively, whether Kadarius Calloway plays or doesn't. This team has a bunch of significant runners that can do damage.
Take Old Dominion at -4.5.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Old Dominion Monarchs Pick
- PICK: Old Dominion -4.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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