The Missouri State Bears will take on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Thursday night as both teams attempt to turn around their fortunes following non-conference play. Both teams scheduled themselves some difficult tests early on in the season. Missouri State's early season losses include a 50-0 loss to Texas A&M and 34-24 defeat against SMU. Western Kentucky did not fare any better in a 70-20 loss to Georgia and 38-0 loss to Indiana. Something concerning for Western Kentucky is they also suffered similar 20+ point losses already this season against Nevada and Conference USA opponent, New Mexico State. Western Kentucky will be hoping that they can return to a level competitiveness in a home conference game.
These teams played each other last season. Western Kentucky squeezed out a close contest on the road 27-22. Missouri State should be well motivated following last season's loss with the understanding that Western Kentucky is likely not as bad as their record shows. The Hilltoppers have a had a lot of recent success under head coach Tyson Helton, finishing the season with 8 or more wins in all of the teams last 5 seasons. A home game at L.T. Stadium may be exactly what Western Kentucky needs. All four of the Hilltopper's losses came on the road this season. They will be returning to their home field where they have won 30 of their last 42 games. The Hilltoppers will need to fix their concerning team statistical rankings if they want to beat Missouri State. Western Kentucky currently ranks last in the conference in points allowed per game with 39.8 points, and they rank second to last in points scored per game with 19.8 points. The team gets a pass for it's losses to Georgia and Indiana, but Hilltoppers fan may have expected a better showing against Nevada and New Mexico State. In their losses to Nevada and New Mexico State, Western Kentucky surrendered 9 sacks, contributing to their conference worst 13 sacks allowed this season. Missouri State is catching Western Kentucky at a low point in their season and will be looking to take advantage. The Bears love to establish the run in their offense. Against SMU, Missouri State only managed to run for 68 yards on 28 attempts, but they should be able to turn their fortunes against a Western Kentucky defense that surrendered 220 rushing yards in their last game against New Mexico State and an average of 187 yards per game. Western Kentucky started 1-4 in 2021, but still managed to finish 9-5. Unlike that team, this team has not shown enough to back them in this spot. I have Missouri State avenging last season's loss.
Missouri State +2.5 is available at the time of publishing. Playable at the ML.
