The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are set to face the Appalachian State Mountaineers in the Boca Raton Bowl this weekend. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our college football odds series, which includes our Western Kentucky-Appalachian State prediction and pick.

Courtesy of FanDuel, here’s the Western Kentucky-Appalachian State Boca Raton Bowl odds:

College Football odds: Western Kentucky-Appalachian State Boca Raton Bowl Odds

Western Kentucky: +3 (-110)

Appalachian State: -3 (-110)

Over: 66.5 (-110)

Under: 66.5 (-110)

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Why Western Kentucky Could Cover the Spread 

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers enter the Boca Raton Bowl with an 8-5 record on the 2021 season. After a very rough start, the Hilltoppers have won seven of their last eight games, scoring at least 34 points during this stretch. They had a very convincing 53-21 win against Marshall on the road two weeks ago. The offense totaled 485 yards and forced two turnovers in the victory. After being down 14-6 at halftime, Western Kentucky put up 47 points in the second half to run away with the victory. This team can put up points in a hurry. The Hilltoppers rank 2nd in the nation in yards per game (523.5) and 3rd in points per game (41.8). They also lead the nation in pass yards per game (431.0).

Defensively, Western Kentucky allows 29.3 points and 424.7 yards per game to opponents. They usually win their games by dominating their opponents on the offensive side of the ball. Hence why the over has hit four times in the last five games for the Hilltoppers. Western Kentucky is 5-2 against the spread in their last seven games as an underdog and  5-1 against the spread in their last six games overall.

Why Appalachian State Could Cover the Spread

The Appalachian State Mountaineers finished this season 10-3 and 1st in the Sun Belt-East division. Since their 30-27 win over Coastal Carolina in the middle of their season, the Mountaineers have won the next five out of six games. This offense is just as explosive as the Hilltoppers' offense, so expect a shootout in Saturday's first game on the slate. Quarterback Chase Brice has thrown for 3,020 passing yards and 23 touchdowns this year. Offensively, the Mountaineers average 33.4 points and 420.2 yards per game. They lead the nation in field goal conversion percentage (100%), not having missed a single field goal all season. However, scoring touchdowns will be more crucial to keep pace with Western Kentucky's offense.

Defensively, Appalachian State has a very athletic bunch. They have gotten better over the season and rank 16th in opponent points (20.1) and yards per game (328.5). The defense has allowed 10.25 points to opponents over their last four games. In its last seven games, Appalachian State is 5-2 against the spread. They are the more balanced team in this matchup and have been far more battle tested playing in the Sun Belt.

Final Western Kentucky-Appalachian State Boca Raton Bowl Prediction & Pick

This game has the potential to be a fun, high-scoring affair. Western Kentucky has the offense capable to score in bunches, as Appalachian State has the defense capable to shut it down. Appalachian State ranks 6th in the nation in opponent completion percentage. If they can stop the Hilltoppers aerial attack, then they should be in a decent position to win and cover on Saturday. In their last ten games versus C-USA opponents, Appalachian State is 9-1 against the spread. I believe that trend continues on Saturday as Western Kentucky does not have the defense to stop Appalachian State. This game should be a shootout with the Mountaineers coming out victorious and covering the spread by more than a field goal.

Final Western Kentucky-Appalachian State Boca Raton Bowl Pick: Appalachian State -3 (-110)