In Week 9 of the 2025 regular season, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will visit the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, LA. This Tuesday night game, set to kick off at 7:30 PM, will be broadcast on CBSS. Both teams are part of Conference USA and are looking to improve their standings. The Hilltoppers enter the game with a 5-2 overall record, including a 2-1 mark on the road and a conference record of 3-1. In their last outing, they stumbled at home, losing 25-6 to the Florida International Panthers. Despite this setback, Western Kentucky has shown resilience this season, notably with close victories over Delaware and Missouri State on the road. Louisiana Tech holds a 4-2 record and remains undefeated at home with a 3-0 record in Ruston. They last played two weeks ago, suffering a 35-7 defeat at the hands of Kennesaw State. As they return to the familiar confines of Joe Aillet Stadium, the Bulldogs aim to capitalize on their home-field advantage to secure a conference win.
Louisiana Tech vs Western Kentucky At a Glance
- Game Week: Week 9 of the 2025 Regular Season
- Venue: Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, LA
- TV Broadcast: CBSS at 7:30 PM
- Current Records: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 5-2, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 4-2
- Moneyline Odds: Western Kentucky +145, Louisiana Tech -172
- Weather: Outdoor conditions at Joe Aillet Stadium
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: Gearing Up for a Challenging Contest
Offensive Overview
Louisiana Tech’s offense has put up 147 points this season, ranking them 72nd nationally. Their passing game has struggled, with just 971 yards, placing them at 124th. However, their rushing attack has been more effective, accumulating 901 yards and ranking 92nd.
The Bulldogs’ offense aims to improve its efficiency as they prepare for their next game. A key focus will be on converting first downs, where they currently stand 65th with 102 first downs gained.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, Louisiana Tech has allowed 103 points, securing the 51st rank in points against. The defense has been a bright spot with 11 sacks, ranking 18th, and 11 interceptions, which is 12th nationally. This formidable defensive unit will look to maintain its strong performance.
The Bulldogs’ ability to recover fumbles has been another defensive strength, ranking 8th with two recoveries. This opportunistic defense is crucial to their success as they seek to control the game tempo.
Quarterback Performance
Blake Baker has been the standout quarterback for Louisiana Tech, with 626 passing yards in five games. His performance ranks him 132nd nationally, highlighting a need for improvement in the passing game. Baker’s three touchdown passes are not where the Bulldogs would like them to be, requiring a boost in production.
Behind Baker, Trey Kukuk has contributed with 238 passing yards in four games. His two touchdowns and two interceptions reflect a mixed performance, leaving room for development and consistency.
Running Backs and Receivers
In the backfield, Clay Thevenin leads with 261 rushing yards and three touchdowns, ranking 213th nationally. Omiri Wiggins follows closely with 233 rushing yards, providing depth and reliability. Both backs have been pivotal in the Bulldogs’ ground game.
At wide receiver, Devin Gandy leads with 178 receiving yards and one touchdown, ranking 406th nationally. Marques Singleton Jr. and Marlion Jackson have also been key contributors in the passing game.
Betting Trends
- ATS – As Underdog: Last 6 Games (2024–2025) → 6-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – All Games: Last 11 Games (2024–2025) → 10-1 (90.9%)
- ATS – Home Games: Last 5 Games (2024–2025) → 5-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – As Underdog: Last 29 Games (2020–2025) → 21-7-1 (72.4%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 4 Games (2024–2025) → 4-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – After Loss: Last 4 Games (2024–2025) → 4-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: Last 4 Games (2024–2025) → 4-0 (100.0%)
- SU – After Loss: Last 3 Games (2024–2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: Last 3 Games (2024–2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: Analyzing Their Season and Upcoming Game
Offensive Strengths
Western Kentucky’s offensive prowess is evident in their passing game, ranking 13th nationally with 2,062 passing yards. Their ability to move the ball through the air has been a key factor in their offensive strategy this season. Despite facing challenges on the ground, the Hilltoppers rely on their aerial attack to generate scoring opportunities.
Quarterback Maverick McIvor has been instrumental in their offensive success, leading the team with 1,863 passing yards. His performance places him 15th in the league, showcasing his capability to distribute the ball effectively to his receivers.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, Western Kentucky is ranked 85th in points allowed, showing room for improvement in keeping opponents at bay. However, their pass rush has been effective, accumulating six sacks to date, which ranks them 23rd nationally. The defense’s ability to create turnovers has been a bright spot, with five interceptions ranking them 6th.
The Hilltoppers’ defense also ranks 7th in fumbles recovered, indicating their knack for capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes. This opportunistic play has been a crucial element in their defensive scheme.
Recent Performance
Western Kentucky is coming off a disappointing 25-6 loss against Florida International, a game where their offense struggled to find rhythm. Despite outgaining their opponents in passing yards, turnovers, including three interceptions, hampered their chances. Their rushing defense also struggled, allowing 249 yards on the ground.
Prior to the recent setback, the Hilltoppers secured wins against Delaware and Missouri State, showcasing their potential in close encounters. These performances highlight their ability to compete in tight games, relying on their passing game to make decisive plays.
Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 20-4 (83.3%) over the last 24 games
- SU – Home Games: 19-6 (76.0%) over the last 25 games
- SU – After Loss: 14-4 (77.8%) over the last 18 games
- ATS – After Loss: 3-0 (100.0%) over the last 3 games
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: 14-6 (70.0%) over the last 20 games
- ATS – As Favorite: 5-1 (83.3%) over the last 6 games
- SU – All Games: 15-7 (68.2%) over the last 22 games
- ATS – Home Games: 18-11 (62.1%) over the last 29 games
- O/U – As Underdog: 15-9 (62.5%) over the last 24 games
- ATS – Away Games: 17-11 (60.7%) over the last 28 games
Upcoming Challenges
The Hilltoppers face the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs next, entering the game as 3.5-point underdogs. This away game will test their resilience, especially after their recent defeat. With a total set at 50.5, it’s crucial for Western Kentucky to address their offensive struggles and capitalize on their passing strengths.
As they prepare for this matchup, the Hilltoppers will aim to leverage their betting trends, particularly their success following a loss. Their performance in high-total games has also been promising, offering a potential edge as they look to rebound on the road.
Louisiana Tech vs Western Kentucky Prediction: Over 50.0
Louisiana Tech’s offensive stats show a solid rushing attack, ranking 92nd with 901 yards, while Western Kentucky’s passing game is ranked 13th with 2062 yards. This balance of offensive strengths suggests potential for a high-scoring game. Additionally, Western Kentucky has scored 208 points this season, which demonstrates their capability to put up points.
The defensive stats reveal vulnerabilities that both teams can exploit. Western Kentucky ranks 85th in points against, while Louisiana Tech stands at 51st. With both defenses allowing a fair number of points, the game is likely to exceed the 50-point total set by oddsmakers.
Historical data supports an over pick, as Louisiana Tech’s betting trends indicate a favorable record for overs in games with totals of 50 or more. Similarly, Western Kentucky’s offensive prowess has been evident throughout the season, further implying a high-scoring outcome.
The projected score, taking into account both teams’ offensive capabilities and defensive weaknesses, suggests a final score of Western Kentucky 31 – Louisiana Tech 28. This score supports the over 50.0 total points prediction.
- Louisiana Tech vs Western Kentucky Prediction: Over 50.0
- Louisiana Tech vs Western Kentucky Score: Western Kentucky 31 – Louisiana Tech 28
