First Responder Bowl Prediction
Which Western squad will pick up a needed bowl victory today when Western Michigan squares off with Western Kentucky in the ServPro First Responder Bowl at 12:30PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
ServPro First Responder Bowl
245 Western Michigan vs. 246 Western Kentucky
Monday, December 30, 2019
12:30PM ET – Gerald J. Ford Stadium
TV: ESPN
Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new NCAAF Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Western Kentucky is the slight favorite in this game, as the Hilltoppers are getting odds of -3 points against the Broncos. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 54.5 points. The public betting currently has 56 percent going on Western Kentucky as the favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Broncos let title chance slip
Western Michigan had a chance to compete for the MAC Championship this season, but suffered a 17-14 loss at Northern Illinois to end its regular season and spoil its title chance. The Broncos are 7-5 on the season, 6-6 against the spread and 7-4-1 with the under.
WMU has been strong on offense this season, averaging 34.2 points and 457.3 yards per contest. Defensively, the Broncos have struggled, allowing 26.2 points and 414.6 yards per contest. The offense has been led by LeVante Bellamy, who has rushed for 1,412 yards and 23 touchdowns. However, he is questionable with a knee injury. Jon Wassink has thrown for 2,904 yards and 19 touchdowns with just seven interceptions. Skyy Moore is the leading receiver with 47 catches for 734 yards and three touchdowns.
Hilltoppers on a win streak
The Western Kentucky football team won its last three games to end the regular season, including a 31-26 win over Middle Tennessee. The Hilltoppers are 8-4 on the season, 8-4 against the spread and 6-6 with the over/under total.
WKU has been a strong defensive team this season, allowing just 20.1 points and 337.8 yards per game. Offensively, the Hilltoppers are putting up 25.6 points and 380 yards per contest. Ty Storey has thrown for 2,209 yards and 12 touchdowns while also rushing for 246 yards and seven touchdowns. Gaej Walker is the leading rusher with 1,115 yards and eight scores, while Lucky Jackson is the top receiver with 77 catches for 985 yards and three touchdowns. DeAngelo Malone is leading the defense with 91 tackles and 11.5 sacks.
College Football Betting Trends
Western Michigan
Western Michigan has covered in five straight following a loss, but are just 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games as an underdog.
Western Kentucky
The Hilltoppers have covered the spread in five of their last six against a winning team and in four of their last five games in December.
Prediction:
Western Michigan certainly needs Bellamy in this game. He is a touchdown machine and the catalyst of the offense. Keep an eye on his status leading to kickoff. I will expect him to play as of this writing, which should help this game provide some entertainment. I see both offenses being successful against the other. The problem for WKU is, it isn’t used to winning with offense. The Broncos have scored on most everyone they have played and I think WKU is comparable to a MAC opponent. I am not sure the Hilltoppers have the weapons to go score-to-score with the Broncos in this one.
First Responder Bowl Prediction: Western Michigan +3
Related: First Responder Bowl Total Prediction