- Matchup: Missouri State Bears vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Venue: Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY
- Broadcast: CBSSN
- Betting Odds: Hilltoppers favored by 2.5 points
- Over/Under Total: 55.5
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On Thursday, October 8, 2026, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1-4) will face off against the Missouri State Bears (1-3) at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. The Hilltoppers are opening as 2.5-point favorites according to the latest betting lines. The total for the game is set at 55.5 points.
The Missouri State Bears come into this contest with a record of 1-3. In their most recent outing, they fell short against the SMU Mustangs, losing 34-24. During that game, the Bears attempted 28 rushing plays for a total of 68 yards, averaging 2.4 yards per carry. They ran 62 offensive plays, gaining 239 yards overall. On defense, Missouri State allowed 33 completions out of 39 attempts, conceding 464 passing yards and achieving an 84.6% completion rate against them. On the ground, they gave up 128 yards across 40 attempts, averaging 3.2 yards per rush.
This season, the Bears have accumulated a total of 1,381 yards. They have recorded 5 passing touchdowns and 7 rushing touchdowns, but have also turned the ball over 4 times. As a whole, Missouri State has achieved 69 first downs and has been penalized 38 times for 278 yards. The team averages 135.0 rushing yards per game, ranking 100th in Division 1. On average, they score 24.0 points per game.
Defensively, Missouri State is currently allowing 32.0 points per game, placing them 122nd nationally. They surrender an average of 4.5 yards per rushing attempt, giving up 187.3 rushing yards each game. So far this season, they’ve allowed 749 rushing yards over four games. Against the pass, they’ve conceded 1,010 yards, ranking them 72nd in Division 1. Their defense allows 252.5 yards per game in the air and a completion percentage of 67.5%. Overall, their defense has given up an average of 439.8 yards per game, making them 130th in the nation. They have permitted 9 passing touchdowns and 7 rushing touchdowns.
The Hilltoppers enter this game with a 1-4 record. In their last match, they were defeated 34-13 by the New Mexico State Aggies. Western Kentucky allowing 34 rushing attempts for a total of 206 yards (6.1 yards per carry). Their passing defense conceded a completion rate of 57.7%, totaling 146 yards on 15 out of 26 attempts. The Hilltoppers recorded 361 total yards while running 75 offensive plays (averaging 4.8 yards per play). They struggled on the ground, averaging only 1.5 yards per attempt, compiling a mere 46 yards on 31 carries.
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are managing an average of 347.0 offensive yards per game, placing them 104th in the country. They have garnered 198 penalty yards across 25 infractions, ranked 113th in terms of providing opportunities for opponents. The Hilltoppers average 115.0 rushing yards per game with a total of 575 rushing yards this season. They’ve committed 4 interceptions and surrendered 5 fumbles while earning 92 first downs. In scoring, they are currently 117th in Division 1, with an average of 19.8 points per game. Throughout the season, they have tallied 1,160 passing yards, averaging 232.0 passing yards per game, ranking them 69th in D-1.
In terms of defense, the Hilltoppers have allowed 1,088 rushing yards (217.6 yards/game) and conceded 13 rushing touchdowns this season. They’ve surrendered 11 passing touchdowns and allow 204.0 passing yards per game, ranking them 64th in Division 1. Across the entire season, they have given up a total of 198 points. Their defense has managed to create 2 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions. The Hilltoppers’ defense has been on the field for 311 plays, placing them 68th nationally. Currently, Western Kentucky allows an average of 39.6 points per game, putting them 135th in Division 1.
Will the Bears or Hilltoppers emerge victorious against the spread tonight?
Prediction: Take the Bears +2.5
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