Kickoff for the Hilltoppers and Monarchs matchup on Monday, December 18th is set for 2:30 ET. This week 1 CFB showdown will be televised on ESPN. The odds for this week 1 non conference matchup have the Monarchs as the 2.5 point favorites at home. What side will I be taking leading up Monday?

WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS VS OLD DOMINION MONARCHS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Old Dominion Monarchs -2.5

This game will be played at Jerry Richardson Stadium at 2:30 ET on Monday, December 18th.

WHY BET THE OLD DOMINION MONARCHS:

  • We have this one finishing with a projected score of 30-26 in favor of Old Dominion.
  • Not only will Old Dominion pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -2.5.
  • The over/under is currently sitting at 55 points, and we like the over with a projected 56 points.

Will the Hilltoppers Find a Way to Win in Charlotte?

So far, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are 7-5, including going 3-2 on the road and 2-2 at home.

Western Kentucky’s average scoring differential for the season is +1.7 leading to an ATS mark of 5-4. The Hilltoppers have been favored six times and the underdog in three games

Over the course of 12 games, the average over/under line in Western Kentucky’s matchups has been 59.7 points. These games have had an average combined score of 58 points, leading to an OU record of 5-4.

Western Kentucky comes into the game with an offense averaging 29.8, which places them at 47th in the NCAA rankings. Their passing game has them ranked 23rd nationally, with an average of 286.6 passing yards. In the rushing department, they’re 113th in the nation, with 314 rushing attempts per game for the season.

As we head into this week’s game, the Western Kentucky defense ranks 117th for points allowed, with an average of 28.2 points per game. Teams have been gaining 238.6 passing yards per game against them (117th nationally). Against the run, they’ve given up 191.5 rushing yards, placing them 151st in college football.

Is a Home Win Possible for the Monarchs?

With a 6-6 record, the Old Dominion Monarchs take on Western Kentucky. Their road record so far is (2-4) and at home (4-2).

So far, Old Dominion has been favored three times and the underdog in nine games. This has led to an ATS record of 7-4-1 and an average scoring differential of -3.3.

Old Dominion has an over/under record of 5-7 so far this season. On average their games have combined for 49.2 points with the average over/under line being 53.4 points.

On the offensive side, Old Dominion has averaged 22.9 points per game this season. This figure has them 79th in the NCAA. Their passing game, averaging 200.8 passing yards, is ranked 95th nationally. In terms of rushing, they’re 76th in rushing yards with an average of 442 rushing attempts per contest this season.

This season, the Monarchs’ defense has allowed 147.9 rushing yards per game, ranking 139th. Opponents average 238.2 passing yards, and opposing quarterbacks have put together a passer rating of 95.6 against Old Dominion. They hold the 55th position in NCAA points allowed.