Western Kentucky @ Southern Miss Picks & Props
WKU vs USM Picks
NCAAF Picks
Western Kentucky ranks 23rd in third-down conversion rate, 32nd in points per quality drive, and 29th in completion rate. The Southern Miss Golden Eagles will have a mismatch with a defense that ranked 115th in getting third down stops, 111th in points per quality drive, and 85th in EPA/dropback.
The Hilltopers are elite at limiting points on quality drives, ranking fourth with just 2.2 PPQD allowed. The Golden Eagles rank 59th in that metric, behind an offense that sits 110th in dropback success rate.
Western Kentucky has the better defense, and has an offense that will keep drives going with third down conversions. Add in the penalty issues that have plagued Southern Miss all season, and you've got a great spot to back the better team laying less than a field goal.