Western Kentucky +13.5 vs. Tennessee
Western Kentucky faces their second straight SEC foe to start the season following an upset of Kentucky in Lexington. The Hilltoppers look to improve to 2-0 on the season with another upset win against Tennessee. The Volunteers kicked off the season whipped up on FCS cream puff Austin Peay. Tennessee led last week’s game 42-0 at half time before letting off the gas in the second half.
Western Kentucky seems to have meshed well with new head coach Bobby Petrino after he was passed up for several other big name coaching positions. Petrino’s team jumped out to an early lead against in-state rival Kentucky in game one but had to hold on late as the offense sputtered in the fourth quarter. New quarterback Brandon Doughty did a nice job of spreading the ball around and did so in a very efficient manner. Doughty was 27 of 34 for 271 yards and a TD (no interceptions) against the Wildcats.
Tennessee had no problem with overmatched Austin Peay in a game where they could have named the score but settled for playing subs in the second half. Tennessee seems to be getting a lot of respect for their first win entering the game as double digit favorites. The Vols may have won the game handily but they still have a lot to prove before going on the road to play Oregon and Florida. Tennessee struggled mightily against the pass a season ago ranking 111th in the nation in passing yards allowed and although they had no problems slowing down Austin Peay, how will they fare against a team with an offensive pulse? Vols quarter back Justin Worley faced no pressure against Austin Peay, but how will he deal with the prospect of having to stretch the field to keep his team in the game?
What will happen: Bobby Petrino is no stranger to playing SEC competition having coached at Arkansas from 2008-2011. His Hilltoppers team has confidence after last week’s win at Kentucky and should be fired up at the idea of starting the season off 2-0 against SEC opponents. Western Kentucky has shown they possess the firepower on offense to put up enough points to keep the game close. The question mark in this game is whether or not Tennessee is for real. Look for Western Kentucky to have the extra motivation while the Vols look ahead to games against Oregon and Florida. The will Hilltoppers pull off the upset.
Prediction: Western Kentucky 24 Tennessee 20
The Play: Western Kentucky +13.5
2013 ATS Record: 3-0
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