The NCAAF season continues with Week 8 on Friday, October 21, and this conference tilt, so here you can check out the best Blazers vs. Hilltoppers betting pick and odds.

UAB is hoping for the third win in a row when they visit Western Kentucky at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. The Hilltoppers are -2.5 favorites on BetOnline Sportsbook, while the total is set at 57.5 points. These conference rivals haven’t met since 2020, when UAB beat Western Kentucky 37-14 in Birmingham, AL.

Blazers beat the 49ers for the fourth home win

The UAB Blazers (4-2, 3-3 ATS) defeated the Charlotte 49ers 34-20, which was their second straight win and fourth at home out of four games. Although they were 14-10 downs at halftime, the Blazers switched to a higher gear offensively in the second half. They dominated the total yards (510-327), first downs (27-12), and possession (36:01-23:59), while the Blazers forced three turnovers and committed only one in return.

Dylan Hopkins completed 15 of 23 passes for 231 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Tejhaun Palmer was on the receiving end of that TD pass, but TJ Jones led the team in receiving yards with 59 on two catches. On the ground, the Blazers were much more effective and collected 279 yards with three touchdowns on 53 carries. DeWayne McBride had 137 yards and two scores on 29 attempts, while QB Hopkins chipped in 103 yards and a TD on ten carries. Noah Wilder was excellent on defense with 11 total tackles.

WR Ryan Davis will miss the rest of the 2022 season with a hip injury.

Hilltoppers returned to winning ways against the Blue Raiders

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4-3, 5-2 ATS) were on a two-game losing streak but managed to avoid the third loss in a row with a strong road display and a 35-17 victory over the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. The hosts did take a 7-0 lead early on, but that was all from them in this one as the Hilltoppers controlled the game since and scored 35 points in three quarters. Western Kentucky committed even four turnovers and forced two on the other end, one of which was a 42-yard interception return for a TD by Darius Thomas.

Austin Reed completed 32 of 49 passes for 278 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Malachi Corley, who caught one pass for a TD, also led all the receivers with 100 yards on ten receptions. Kye Robichaux and Austin Reed combined for 117 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while JaQues Evans led the Hilltoppers on defense with nine tackles.

Trends:

UAB:

  • 2-5 ATS in the last seven Friday games

Western Kentucky:

  • 5-1 ATS in the last six games overall
  • 7-2 ATS in the last nine games following an ATS win
  • 8-1 ATS in the last nine conference games

UAB Blazers vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Pick  

Western Kentucky has a top 25 offense in the county that is scoring 40.4 ppg and the 6th best pass offense that averages 345.0 yards per game. The Blazers do have a solid defense that allows 17.3 ppg, but it’s going to be hard for the visitors to contain the Hilltoppers’ high-flying offense. UAB lost both road games this season, and I think they will lose another one on Friday. QB Austin Reed and WR Daewood Davis will be too much for the visitors to handle, so expect these two to dominate the game.

Pick: Take the Hilltoppers at -2.5 (-110)

The Total

The Blazers do have a better defense and a top 10 run offense that averages 244.0 yards per contest, which are strong arguments to back Under. However, considering how the Hilltoppers are playing, it wouldn’t be the smartest of moves. The hosts are relying on pass offense and their drives are quick and lethal, so I expect a high-scoring affair here. Over is 4-1 in the Blazers’ last five conference games; Over is 6-2 in the Hilltoppers’ previous eight games following a straight-up win, while Over is 7-3 in Western Kentucky’s last ten vs. a team with a winning record.

Pick: Go Over 57.5 points (-110)