– Last Updated on January 25, 2023 3:41 pm
Free Week 1 Prediction: Colonels vs Hilltoppers Odds
Looking for Eastern Kentucky Colonels vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers free picks? Week 1 betting sees the Colonels taking on the Hilltoppers Saturday September 2nd at Houchens Industries- L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football predictions like this Eastern Kentucky Western Kentucky free pick.
College Football Handicapping: Week 1
(0-0) Eastern Kentucky Colonels vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0-0)
Date: Saturday, September 2nd
Time: 7:00 pm EST
Venue: Houchens Industries- L.T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, Kentucky
NCAA Football Spread: OFF
NCAA Betting Total: OFF
Live CFB Odds
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The Eastern Kentucky Colonels and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers will take the stage for Kentucky state bragging rights. The two teams did not face each other last season. Both teams have plenty to prove in this game.
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Eastern Kentucky finished their 2016 season 3-9 overall and 8th place in the Ohio Valley conference. The Colonels play in the FCS . Western Kentucky finished their season 11-3 overall and 7-1 winning the Conference USA.
The Hilltoppers lost to Alabama and Vanderbilt last year in non conference play.
Eastern Kentucky Colonels
The Eastern Kentucky Colonels come into the 2017 with a lot of questions to be answered. Head coach Mark Elder is now in his second season as the leader of the Colonels.
Last year, the team had questions as to who the starting quarterback would be. This year, those distractions are done.
The Colonels will start Connecticut transfer Tim Boyle. The Senior quarterback sat out last season. The time around the playbook and team last year should help Boyle have a good season this year.
Tim Boyle will bring leadership, but his play making ability is unproven. Running back Ethan Thomas returns to tote the rock for eastern Kentucky.
He has led the team in rushing the last two season, but lacks big play ability.
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Eastern Kentucky’s defense could be a concern again this season. The Colonels return one starter from last year, Aaron Patrick. Patrick led the defense in sacks and tackles for a loss in 2016.
Patrick won’t have any veteran help. Eastern Kentucky has 15 freshman defensive players on the roster this year.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers had a terrific season last year. Going 11-3 with two losses to big SEC schools in Vanderbilt and Alabama, the Hilltoppers should be proud.
Western Kentucky will be solid again this year and return key pieces on offense.
Senior quarterback Mike White returns as the most valuable player on the Hilltopper offense. He passed for 4,363 yards and 37 touchdowns last year.
Leon Wales will try to fill the big shoes left by Anthony Wales at running back while Nacarious Fant and Kylen Towner will catch a lot of balls from White this year on the outside.
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The Hilltoppers defense will be led by senior cornerback Joe Brown. Brown is an all Conference USA selection who needs others to step in and take some of the load off his shoulders.
The defense will bring back five seniors who round out the best defensive players on the team.
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends
No trends listed for this matchup.
Free Week 1 NCAA Football Pick
Eastern Kentucky will have their hands full trying to stop the deadly Hilltoppers passing attack. Quarterback Tim Boyle may not have the experience to lead the Colonels in this game.
Western Kentucky is loaded with seniors and better position players then Eastern Kentucky in this matchup.
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Western Kentucky is going to come out electric at home in the week one opener. It makes the matchup more intriguing that state bragging rights are on the line. Eastern Kentucky may come out, score first and take the lead for a little.
Then after that, the game will be over.
Western Kentucky out classes in state rival Eastern Kentucky, in just about ever aspect of the game. Expect a big blowout in this one. Western
Kentucky will have the bragging rights for sure this year. Take the Hilltoppers.
Week 1 Free Score Prediction: Western Kentucky 68 – Eastern Kentucky 24
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