First Responder Bowl Total Prediction
Can we expect much offense when Western Michigan and Western Kentucky do battle in the ServPro First Responder Bowl on Monday 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
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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 is split down the middle, 50-50. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
WKU riding 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.
Broncos upset in finale
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.
College Football Betting Trends
Western Kentucky
The Hilltoppers have hit the over in five of their last six on a neutral field and in seven of their last nine games as a favorite.
Western Michigan
Western Michigan has hit the over in six of its last seven as an underdog and in four of its last five bowl games.
Prediction:
Western Michigan had a low-scoring battle to end the season, but the weather was awful in that game. I don’t think that is a concern for this game. The Broncos have shown they can score consistently, but the Broncos have also shown that their defense will give up points on the road. WKU has good defensive numbers, but I think the Hilltoppers will allow some scoring to the Broncos. WKU should be able to answer those scores with touchdowns of their own against a weak WMU defense.
First Responder Bowl Prediction: Western Kentucky/Western Michigan Over 54.5