Ball State Cardinals vs W. Kentucky Hilltoppers Point Spread Picks

Western Kentucky opened with Wisconsin and was simply over-matched. They came back in Week 2, and through up a dud against Maine in an unexpected loss. They do deserve some credit, however, as they could have folded up heading to Louisville last week. They brought a bit extra instead and it was almost enough, but they just ran out of gas on the road and coughed up a fourth quarter lead for a 20-17 loss. After playing tight with Notre Dame, the Ball State Cardinals were manhandled by Indiana. Ball State has had trouble in their two games vs. FBS opponents, where they have averaged just 13 points per game. Western Kentucky out-gained Louisville by over 100 yards, and despite the 0-3 record, this team has not quit and are improving. Make the play on Western Kentucky.

Ball State defeated Tennessee Tech 28-13 in a game that went UNDER by 16 points and the Cardinals now have stayed UNDER four of their last five dating to last season. Western Kentucky is 3-0 UNDER this season after last Saturday's 23-22 win over Louisiana Tech that went UNDER by 17 points. Also, the Hilltoppers stayed UNDER by 24 points in their 20-7 loss to Illinois and by 20 points in their season opener against Eastern Kentucky. WKU is 6-1 UNDER its last seven games in September and Ball State is 5-0 UNDER its last five road contests. Western Kentucky QB Mike White was 25-of-35 for 226 yards but no touchdowns against Louisiana Tech and the Hilltoppers rushed a clock-eating 41 times for 151 yards. Ball State QB Riley Neal was 23-of-31 for 238 yards but threw two picks while the Cardinals racked up 228 yards on the ground on 33 carries. The teams are allowing a combined 42.7 points per game and will use a lot of time running the ball. Take the UNDER.