- Matchup: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Nevada Wolf Pack
- Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Venue: Mackay Stadium, Reno, NV
- Broadcast: CBSSN
- Betting Line: Wolf Pack (+2.5)
- Over/Under Total: 52.5
This page may include affiliate links at no extra cost to you, thanks for your support.
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, the Nevada Wolf Pack (3-9 last season) will host the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (9-4 last season) at Mackay Stadium. The Hilltoppers enter this contest as 2.5-point favorites according to betting odds, with an over/under set at 52.5.
Last season, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers finished strong with a 9-4 record. In their latest game, they secured a victory against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, winning 27-16. The Hilltoppers’ defense allowed 119 rushing yards on 36 carries, averaging 3.3 yards per rush. They conceded 24 completions on 48 attempts for a total of 258 passing yards, yielding a 50.0% completion rate. Overall, they ran 73 offensive plays and compiled a total of 422 yards, successfully rushing for 155 yards on 33 attempts, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
Throughout the previous season, the Hilltoppers amassed a total of 5,287 yards. They recorded 21 touchdown passes and 23 rushing touchdowns while committing 21 turnovers. Offensively, they achieved 278 first downs and incurred 81 penalties for 790 yards. Averaging 134.5 rushing yards per game, they ranked 93rd in Division 1. In scoring, Western Kentucky averaged 29.5 points per game.
In terms of defense against the pass, the Hilltoppers allowed 2,915 yards, placing them 88th nationally. They surrendered an average of 224.2 passing yards per game over their 13-game season, with a completion percentage allowed of 55.3%. Overall, they ranked 96th in college football, conceding 400.8 yards per game, alongside giving up 12 passing and 14 rushing touchdowns. Their rush defense averaged 4.9 yards per carry and allowed an average of 176.5 rushing yards per game, totaling 2,295 rushing yards across the season. The Hilltoppers’ defense was ranked 47th in the nation, allowing 22.8 points per game.
The Wolf Pack concluded their previous season with a 3-9 record. In their final game, they faced a defeat against the UNLV Rebels, ending with a score of 42-17. Nevada’s defense struggled against the run, conceding 33 carries for 226 yards (6.8 yards per rush). On the pass, their defense allowed a completion rate of 68.2%, with the opposition throwing for 270 yards on 15 of 22 attempts. The Wolf Pack generated a total of 341 yards on 67 plays, averaging 5.1 yards per play and rushing for 193 yards at 5.8 yards per attempt on 33 carries.
In terms of scoring, the Wolf Pack ranked 128th nationally with an average of 17.6 points per game. They averaged 302.2 total yards per game, placing them 127th in the nation. The team faced 541 yards of penalties on 64 infractions, ranking 108th in Division 1 in terms of aiding the opponent. They threw 17 interceptions and gave up 10 fumbles, achieving 208 first downs in total. Last season, Nevada threw for 1,784 passing yards with an average of 148.7 yards per game, which was 127th in Division 1, alongside rushing for 1,842 yards, averaging 153.5 yards per game.
Defensively, Nevada allowed a total of 1,795 rushing yards (149.6 yards per game) alongside conceding 24 rushing touchdowns last season. They also allowed 12 passing touchdowns and 220.3 yards per game through the air, ranking them 68th nationally. Overall, they allowed 330 points throughout the season with 4 fumbles recovered and 11 interceptions. The Wolf Pack defense took to the field for 785 plays, positioning them 18th in college football, while conceding 27.5 points per game, which placed them 87th nationally.
Who will secure the victory in tonight’s clash between the Hilltoppers and the Wolf Pack?
Prediction: Bet on the Wolf Pack +2.5
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you sign up or make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission always at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping us keep this site running.
