The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1-3) and the New Mexico State Aggies (1-3) meet Thursday at Aggie Memorial Stadium in Las Cruces, New Mexico, for the Conference USA opener for both teams. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network). Let's analyze college football odds around the Western Kentucky vs. New Mexico State odds and make our expert college football picks and predictions
for the best bets.Western Kentucky has won the past 2 meetings and leads the all-time series 2-1, including a 35-16 win and cover (-7.5) in Bowling Green as the Under (53.5) cashed last Nov. 1. It won 41-28 in the only meeting in Las Cruces in 2024.
Western Kentucky roughed up the Mercyhurst Lakers of the FCS last week, 52-7, covering as a 39.5-point favorite.
After back-to-back losses to the Georgia Bulldogs and Indiana Hoosiers, the Hilltoppers earned their first win of the season last week. WKU has covered 2 in a row, and the Over is 31 in the past 4 outings.
New Mexico State was roughed up by rival New Mexico Lobos 42-18 as an 11.5-point underdog as the Over (47.5) cashed last weekend. Like WKU, the only win for the Aggies was a 51-14 victory over Mercyhurst Sept. 5, covering as a 29.5-point favorite. The Aggies are 2-2 against the spread (ATS), while the Over-Under is also 2-2.
– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports
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Western Kentucky at New Mexico State odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:08 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Western Kentucky +104 (bet $100 to win $104) | New Mexico State -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Western Kentucky +2.5 (-114) | New Mexico State -2.5 (-106)
- Over/Under (O/U): 56.5 (O: -114 | U: -106)
Western Kentucky at New Mexico State picks and predictions
Prediction
Western Kentucky 34, New Mexico State 30
Moneyline
WESTERN KENTUCKY (+104) is worth a look as slight underdogs on the road in this Conference USA opener.
Both teams have a 1-3 record, but they've taken different paths to get here. The 'Toppers were no match for Indiana and Georgia, but not many mid-level teams are. A 49-14 loss at Nevada against a poor Wolf Pack team is more conference, so tread lightly.
However, New Mexico State has double-digit losses at the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and at home to New Mexico last week. The Aggies have allowed 29 or more points in all 3 games against FBS opponents, too.
Against the spread
With a spread of 2.5 or fewer points, it makes little sense to take Western Kentucky +2.5 (-114). If you like the Hilltoppers, just take them straight up.
PASS.
Over/Under
OVER 56.5 (-114) is worth playing in this conference opener for both teams.
The Over has cashed in 2 of 3 road games for Western Kentucky, while going 2-0 in a pair of home games for New Mexico State. The Over cashed in the only meeting in Las Cruces in 2024, too.
Best prop bet
Western Kentucky RB AJAY ALLEN - OVER 59.5 RUSHING YARDS (-114)
Allen is a strong play against an Aggies rush defense which has allowed 151.8 yards per game on the ground. Against non-ranked opponents, Allen has 29 carries for 144 yards, or 5.0 yards per rushing attempt, while totaling 41 yards on 21 carries against Indiana and Georgia.
Betting odds calculator
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow Daniel Dobish on X at @danieledobish. Follow SportsbookWire on X at SportsBookWire and on Facebook.
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at New Mexico State Aggies odds, picks and predictions
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