Western Kentucky 2020 Win Total - College Football Pick and Prediction
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Breaking Down the Western Kentucky Win Total
2020 College Football Season
Western Kentucky: O/U 7.5 Wins -- Title Odds: Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will be looking to maintain the success that was displayed during the 2019 season. Western Kentucky finished the 2019 campaign with an overall record of (9-4), while going (6-2) in C-USA play. The offense averaged 25.4 points per contest, which ranked 92nd at the FBS level. The defense allowed an average of 20.1 points per contest, which ranked 22nd. The program is under the direction of Tyson Helton.
Western Kentucky was guided on offense by quarterback Ty Storey. Storey passed for 2,567 yards, while throwing 14 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. However, he was a senior last season. It looks as if Davis Shanley, a redshirt sophomore will have the best chance at the job. Running back Gaej Walker rushed for 1,208 yards and 8 touchdowns. Walker will be looking to build off of that season, to help improve his draft stock. Wideout Lucky Jackson was outstanding last season hauling in 94 receptions for 1,133 yards and 4 touchdowns. However, Jackson was a senior last season. Jahcour Pearson is back for a senior season, and will be looking to fill Jackson’s shoes. Pearson reeled in 76 receptions for 804 yards and 7 touchdowns.
As a team the defense registered 26 sacks and 11 interceptions. The defense was led by linebacker Kyle Bailey. Bailey had a team leading 110 tackles. He returns for a senior season. DeAngelo Malone had a heck of a season in the pass rush department, recording 11.5 sacks. The defense was paced in the secondary by Devon Key. Key collected 8 pass break ups and 1 interception. Antwon Kincade also collected 5 pass break ups and 2 interceptions last season. Both defensive backs return for their senior season in 2020.
Let us take a look at the Western Kentucky schedule for the 2020 season.
Sept. 5 Chattanooga
Sept. 12 at Indiana
Sept. 19 Liberty
Sept. 26 at Louisville
Oct. 3 at Middle Tennessee
Oct. 10 Marshall
Oct. 17 at UAB
Oct. 31 Old Dominion
Nov. 7 at Florida Atlantic
Nov. 14 Southern Miss
Nov. 21 FIU
Nov. 28 at Charlotte
The Hilltoppers open the season against Chattanooga, before hitting the road for a matchup with Big Ten member Indiana. Western Kentucky will also face Liberty, an Independent program, before heading to Louisville to wrap up non-conference play.
The projected win total is set at 7.5 wins. Western Kentucky at worst should see a 2-2 non-conference record, before C-USA play starts. The program will have home games against Marshall, Old Dominion, Southern Miss, and FIU. Western Kentucky will not have to face Louisiana Tech this season, as La Tech went 10-3 last season. However, I’m going to take the under here, as the Hilltoppers saw their quarterback Ty Storey graduate. I still think this is a team that will make it to a bowl game, but I don’t see 8 wins. I like for Western Kentucky to go 7-5, as the program will do well at home, but will struggle to find consistency on the road, especially with Davis Shanley getting his first full season under center.
Chris’s Pick Under 7.5 Wins
AUTHOR: Chris Smith
Mitch's Take...
