Western Kentucky: Jeff Brohm's second season in Bowling Green, Kentucky was a major success, as the Hilltoppers capped the 2015 season by winning the C-USA championship game 45-28 over Southern Miss and then bested USF 45-35 in the Miami Beach Bowl. The graduation of QB Brandon Doughty (71.9% for 5055 yards with 48 TD passes) was a huge loss but RB Wales (1091 RY on 7.0 YPC) and WR Taylor (86 catches with 17 TDs) are both back. USF transfer Mike White seems capable at QB (63.5% for 1367 yards with nine TD passes) plus Wales (341 YR on 6.0 YPC with five TDs) and Taylor (33 catches for 18.2 YPC) are looking good. Western Ky is averaging 33.4 PPG (55). The Hilltoppers are 3-2 but note the losses have come at Alabama and a home to Vanderbilt. The ‘Dores are after all, another SEC team.

Louisiana Tech: The Bulldogs have opened 2-3, led by QB Ryan Higgins (63.7 % for 1415 yards with 12 TDs and just two INTs) plus RB Jarred Craft (551 rushing yards on 7.2 YPC). La. Tech is averaging 36.0 PPG (44th) on 519.8 YPG (14th). The Bulldogs could be a C-USA West contender if they can take care of the football, as turnovers have been an issue for them. However, they were turnover-free in their 28-7 win over UTEP the last time out and that's good news.

The pick: Both teams can put points on the board but don't be too quick to say "over." The Bulldogs have three losses but they have all come by close margins, with Skip Holtz's team almost knocking off Arkansas in the season opener (lost 21-20) and the Bulldogs battled hard against Texas Tech before falling 59-45. At first blush the over is the knee-jerk reaction but expect a tight game and for it to stay under, which is a 10* play.