If you’re looking for a game that has shootout potential, then this USF Bulls vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers prediction is right up your alley. The Bulls and Hilltoppers have plenty of talent to light up a scoreboard, making this underrated game one that could provide some thrills.
USF vs. Western Kentucky Betting and DFS Preview
- Spread
Western Kentucky -11.5 - Moneyline
Western Kentucky -455, USF +350 - Over/Under
70 total points - Game time
3:30 p.m. ET - Location
Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY - Predicted Weather at Kick
90 degrees, clear, 5 mph winds - How to Watch
FuboTV, CBS Sports Network
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Top DFS Picks and Fantasy Plays
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USF Depth Chart | Western Kentucky Depth Chart
- QB Austin Reed, Western Kentucky
- WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
- WR Michael Mathison, Western Kentucky
- WR Dalvin Smith, Western Kentucky
- RB Davion Ervin-Poindexter, Western Kentucky
- QB Byrum Brown, USF
- QB Gerry Bohannon, USF
- QB Bryce Archie, USF
- RB Nay’quan Wright, USF
- RB Kelley Joiner Jr., USF
- RB Michel Dukes, USF
- WR Naiem Simmons, USF
- WR Sean Atkins, USF
- WR Khafre Brown, USF
While there aren’t any DFS plays for this game at the time of writing, there are some players to keep an eye on for fantasy purposes.
Western Kentucky’s passing attack provides plenty of options for pass catchers. Corley, Smith, and Mathison figure to put up big numbers this year thanks to the return of Austin Reed. An underrated player is Davion Ervin-Poindexter out of the backfield, who can run and catch.
USF’s a little more up in the air on the fantasy side. The Bulls have talent, but the depth at every skill position leaves some hesitation in the fantasy owner’s mind. I’m a big fan of Nay’quan Wright and what he can do, but will the touches be there?
The coaching staff raved about Naeim Simmons, so he could be the one Bulls player you look at as a consistent contributor.
Prediction for USF vs. Western Kentucky
Alex Golesh comes from Tennessee to give the Bulls an offensive-minded coach who fans hope can extract results from the talent on the roster. After the Jeff Scott experiment didn’t work out, it’s hard not to blame fans for being skeptical about Golesh.
Still, the talent on the roster, combined with low expectations from the college football world, makes them an intriguing team. Just like any other team, the offense starts with the quarterback.
Byrum Brown showed flashes of his potential last year and actually gave fans hope for the future. Gerry Bohanon did the same when he was healthy. Golesh must identify who gives the Bulls the best chance to win between those two and Coastal Carolina transfer Bryce Archie. They’ll have plenty of talent around them to utilize.
With a new coaching staff comes competition, so don’t be surprised if you see a lot of players hit the field this weekend. Running back features four players who can see time. Nearly all the wide receiver spots show up the same way on the depth chart. Golesh wants to see what everyone can do, and that should help their cause. The defense just needs to step up.
Facing Western Kentucky presents unique challenges. The pass defense better prepare well because the Bulls will be doing a ton of rallying to the football. Aamaris Brown and Ben Knox get the starts at corner, and they’ll have their hands full trying to cover these Hilltopper receivers.
Malachi Corley presents mismatches for the Hilltoppers offense. After a breakout season, teams will try to find a way to take him out of the game plan, but that opens things up for others. Thanks to Corley, Michael Mathison and Dalvin Smith are set to have big seasons.
Austin Reed surprised many with his production last year. After a record-breaking season by QB Bailey Zappe, a drop off was expected. Reed made sure the step back wasn’t huge thanks to his 4,746-yard and 40 touchdown season. He also ran for 8 more scores. In this offense, he’s the perfect fit.
Don’t sleep on Western Kentucky’s defense too. USF might have plenty of weapons, but there’s a lot of pressure on the offensive line to contain certain players. Donovan Jennings facing JaQues Evans is an elite matchup to watch.
Western Kentucky is the favorite, but USF is the underdog with plenty of new faces. That element could help them if Golesh can get his team to play together.
Prediction
Western Kentucky 44 – USF 34