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Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback Caden Veltkamp throws against the Old Dominion Monarchs during the second half as we look at our UTEP vs. Western Kentucky prediction.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback Caden Veltkamp throws against the Old Dominion Monarchs during the second half. Photo by Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images.

UTEP is one of the worst teams in college football so far this season at 0-5. The Miners' outlook likely isn't going to get much better this week as they encounter Big Red in Bowling Green.

Our UTEP vs. Western Kentucky prediction envisions a productive night offensively for the Hilltoppers, who may actually lean away from the strength of their passing game due to the overwhelming weakness of UTEP’s run defense.

Best UTEP vs. Western Kentucky picks

College football picks based on the odds from our best college football betting sites. Odds subject to change.

  • Against the spread pick: Western Kentucky (-110 via BetMGM) vs. UTEP ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • My best bet: Caden Veltkamp Under 265.5 passing yards (-109 via Caesars) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

UTEP vs. Western Kentucky against the spread prediction: Week 7

Western Kentucky to cover the spread: -19.5 (-110) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

UTEP vs. Western Kentucky opening odds:

  • UTEP: +19.5 (-110 via BetMGM)
  • Western Kentucky: -19.5 (--110 via BetMGM)

It’s been a rough showing for UTEP so far this season, with the Miners going winless in their first five games (1-4 against the spread).

Although the line for Thursday's game is massive with Western Kentucky the 19.5-point favorites at -110 odds across our best sportsbooks, that margin isn’t out of line with how UTEP has been performing.

It’s been bleak

UTEP's average margin of defeat is 16.8 points per game. That goes up to 20.3 when the Miners are on the road. Meanwhile, Western Kentucky carries a 4-1 ATS record into Thursday.

While rushing efficiency hasn’t been a calling card for Western Kentucky, it might be easier sledding against a Miners defense allowing a whopping 231.8 yards per game on the ground (123rd in FBS).

With wins by margins of 28 and 31 points against inferior opponents already this season, Western Kentucky will find a way to pour it on at home and cover as part of your college football predictions for Week 7.

Best odds: -110 via BetMGM | Implied probability: 52.38%

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UTEP vs. Western Kentucky best bet

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Caden Veltkamp Under 265.5 passing yards (-109) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Though it might seem counterintuitive to fade the passing yardage for Western Kentucky’s quarterback given our prediction that the Hilltoppers will cover this huge spread, Caden Veltkamp’s numbers suggest that Thursday’s line could be a bit out of reach.

Veltkamp has cleared 250 passing yards just once in three full games, and it came during a massive 398-yard outburst against Middle Tennessee State. But MTSU fields the nation's third-worst pass defense that allows 330.3 yards per game.

Miners are adequate against the pass

Rather than the outlier miserable pass defense against which he thrived in Middle Tennessee, UTEP’s unit ranks 64th in the FBS while allowing a moderate 217.0 yards per game.

With a passing line of 265.5 yards, Caesars offers five extra yards of cushion compared to 260.5 yards at bet365. We like this prop as a four-star recommendation while getting quality -109 odds on the Under. 

Best odds: -109 via Caesars | Implied probability: 52.15%

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UTEP vs. Western Kentucky odds

See all of this week's college football odds and NCAAF scores.

UTEP vs. Western Kentucky game info

  • When: Thursday, Oct. 10
  • Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
  • Where: Houchens-Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY
  • How to watch: ESPNU
  • Weather: 68 degrees, 0% chance of precipitation, wind 4-mph NE
  • Favorite: Western Kentucky -19.5 (-110 via BetMGM)

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