- Matchup: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Southern Miss Golden Eagles
- Date: Tuesday, December 23, 2025
- Venue: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Betting Odds/Point Spread: Golden Eagles (+2.5)
- Total Points/Over-Under: 57.5
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The Southern Miss Golden Eagles (7-5) are set to face off against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-4) on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in the New Orleans Bowl at the Caesars Superdome. Vegas oddsmakers have established the Hilltoppers as 2.5-point favorites, with the total points set at 57.5.
Entering this matchup, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers possess an 8-4 record for the current season. Their last game resulted in a narrow defeat against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, finishing 37-34. In that outing, the Hilltoppers ran the ball 36 times for a total of 204 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. Overall, they executed 61 plays, accumulating 384 total yards. Defensively, the Hilltoppers allowed 13 completions on 20 attempts, yielding 222 passing yards with a completion percentage of 65.0%. On the ground defense, Western Kentucky conceded 293 yards on 48 attempts, which averages out to 6.1 yards per rush.
This season, the Hilltoppers have amassed 4,865 total yards. In terms of scoring, they’ve recorded 22 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns, with a total of 18 turnovers. As a team, they secured 260 first downs but also faced 73 penalties amounting to 716 yards. Their ground game averages 132.8 yards per game, placing them 92nd in Division 1. In terms of scoring, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers average 29.8 points per game.
Defensively, the Hilltoppers have given up 2,657 passing yards, ranking them 64th nationally, allowing an average of 221.4 yards per game through the air at a 55.7% completion rate. Their total defensive yardage averages at 402.8 yards per game, positioning them at 99th in college football. This season, they allowed 11 passing touchdowns and 14 rushing touchdowns, conceding an average of 5.1 yards per rushing attempt and 181.3 rushing yards per game. Cumulatively, they’ve surrendered 2,176 rushing yards during the season. Overall, their defense ranks 55th in Division 1, allowing 23.4 points per game.
On the other side, the Golden Eagles come into this game with a 7-5 record. Their recent match ended with a 28-18 loss against the Troy Trojans. In that game, Southern Miss allowed 38 rushing attempts for a total of 132 yards (3.5 yards per rush). Their pass defense struggled, allowing a completion percentage of 71.4% and 296 yards on 25 completions out of 35 attempts. Offensively, Southern Miss recorded 304 total yards from 66 plays (4.6 yards per play), managing 95 rushing yards on 31 attempts, averaging only 3.1 yards per carry.
In terms of scoring efficiency, the Golden Eagles rank 49th in the nation, averaging 29.8 points per game. With an average of 404.2 yards per game, they are positioned 52nd in Division 1. Southern Miss has accrued 682 penalty yards from 85 infractions, which ranks them 34th in D-1 in aiding opponents. They’ve thrown 10 interceptions and lost 4 fumbles while achieving 262 first downs. The Golden Eagles have accumulated 3,202 passing yards this season, averaging 266.8 yards per game, which is 26th in the nation. Their ground game averages 137.4 yards per game, totaling 1,649 rushing yards for the season.
The Southern Miss defense allows an average of 27.4 points per game, ranking them 84th nationally. So far this season, they have given up 2,118 rushing yards (176.5 yards per game) and 28 rushing touchdowns. Their aerial defense has allowed 13 passing touchdowns and an average of 226.1 yards per game, placing them 79th in Division 1. The Golden Eagles’ defense has participated in 899 plays, which ranks 129th in the nation. They have managed 5 forced fumbles and 22 interceptions this year, yielding a total of 329 points so far.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s Hilltoppers vs. Golden Eagles college football showdown against the spread?
Expert Pick: Back the Golden Eagles +2.5
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