Western Kentucky vs. Charlotte Odds
| Western Kentucky Odds | +2.5 [BET NOW] |
| Charlotte Odds | -2.5 [BET NOW] |
| Moneyline | +110 / -133 [BET NOW] |
| Over/Under | 46.5 [BET NOW] |
| Time | Sunday, 12 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN3 |
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Western Kentucky's most recent victory over Florida International set the team at 3-3 in the Conference USA standings and 4-6 overall. In a non-pandemic world, the Hilltoppers would be heavily motivated to reach their sixth win, signifying a possible bowl berth. Instead, this is Western Kentucky's last scheduled game of the season.
The Hilltoppers did an excellent job of stopping the Panthers in their most recent win, limiting FIU to no explosive drives. Running back D'Vonte Price was held to just 100 rushing yards on 24 carries, an impressive feat for the Western Kentucky defense after the running back torched Florida Atlantic for 178 yards.
The Western Kentucky defense SHOWED UP against FIU. #ScoopNScorepic.twitter.com/7OV6jh0Rrw
— Stadium (@Stadium) November 21, 2020
The Hilltoppers have been stingy one defense, particularly against the pass. Defensive coordinator Clayton White has Western Kentucky ranked top-20 in Passing Success Rate, pass coverage and tackling. The defense has come to the rescue over the past three games, allowing just 38 points and helping to secure two wins against the spread over the past 12 games for Western Kentucky.
Charlotte 49ers
The Charlotte football team has been on a missing person poster over the month of November, as the 49ers have not competed since a brutal Halloween loss to Duke. The Blue Devils busted plenty of explosive plays and racked up a 58% Success Rate mark in rushing attempts. On the season, the 49ers rank outside the top 100 in defensive rush explosiveness and have been lackluster in passing downs, ranking 116th in defensive explosiveness.
This has been a tumultuous season from a scheduling perspective for Charlotte. The pandemic has affected scheduled games against North Carolina, Georgia State, Middle Tennessee, Gardner Webb, Marshall and now Western Kentucky twice. In that time, head coach Will Healy has become the focal point for programs that are looking for a new head coach.
Will Healy, HC of @CharlotteFTBL, just told me that rumors of @VandyFootball showing interest him replacing Derek Mason are “flattering” and that he “hears the rumors,” but Healy tells me there have been no conversations and that Vandy has not reached out to him.
— Kyle Bailey (@KyleBaileyClub) December 2, 2020
If there was motivation for a Sunday game for Charlotte, Healy is a Chattanooga native and may covet the Vanderbilt job. Healy has long been respected in the college football world for his time at Austin Peay and getting the 49ers to the Bahamas Bowl last season. This game could be a max effort from players and coaches to end the season.
Betting Analysis & Pick
Western Kentucky has been solid on defense this season, particularly against the pass. Charlotte will take a different route with a 59% run ratio and a rank of 33rd in rushing explosiveness.
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The Hilltoppers struggled against teams with a heavy ground presence in losses to Louisville, UAB, BYU and Florida Atlantic. Charlotte may not be able to push the Hilltoppers around, as it holds a Line Yards rank of 90th, but the 49ers have done their best work in scoring opportunities with a rank of 25th in Finishing Drives.
These are two slow-paced teams that run in standard downs and sometimes in passing down situations. Look for Charlotte to stick to a straight rushing attack against the Hilltoppers' excellent pass defense. The explosive play will put points on the board for both, but a bet for the under and a motivated Charlotte should get to the window.
Pick: Charlotte -2.5 | Under 46.5.
