The Nevada Wolf Pack (1-2) will travel to Bowling Green to face the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2-1) at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium on Saturday. Both teams took losses in their last games and will look to bounce back here. Western Kentucky is a heavy favorite at home, where they have yet to drop a game early in the season. For a full breakdown of this game, including my Nevada vs Western Kentucky prediction, you can continue reading below.
Our Nevada vs Western Kentucky Pick
- Pick: Western Kentucky -10.5
- Confidence: ★★★★☆
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Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Nevada Wolf Pack vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- Date & Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025, 7:00 PM EDT
- Venue: Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY
- Broadcast: ESPN+
Key Storylines
- Western Kentucky’s High-Flying Offense: The Hilltoppers have one of the nation’s most potent passing attacks. WKU is averaging 358.0 passing yards per game. Quarterback Maverick McIvor has thrown for 1,035 yards and 10 touchdowns in just three games, leading an offense that has scored over 40 points twice this season.
- Nevada’s Defensive Resilience: Despite a 1-2 record, the Wolf Pack defense has shown flashes. They held Middle Tennessee to just 14 points in their most recent game. But late-game mistakes have hindered their ability to secure victories.
- Quarterback Play: Nevada has rotated quarterbacks AJ Bianco and Chubba Purdy. But both have struggled with consistency, combining for multiple interceptions in recent games. McIvor’s stellar play has been a driving force for Western Kentucky’s success. The Hilltoppers have a decided advantage at the quarterback position in this game as McIvor is expected to continue to tear up opposing defenses through the air.
Betting Trends & H2H
- Western Kentucky: 2-1 against the spread this season, with both wins coming by double digits.
- Nevada: 0-5 straight up in their last five road games. The Hilltoppers are 1-2 against the spread to start this season.
- Over/Under: Western Kentucky has gone over the total in all three of their games to start the season. Nevada has gone under the total in two of their first three games.
Nevada vs Western Kentucky Model Projection
- Score Projection: Western Kentucky 38 – Nevada 24
- Win Probability: Western Kentucky 75%, Nevada 25%
Final Thoughts
I am a big believer in Maverick McIvor and think that he will continue to carve up opposing defenses in this contest. Nevada struggled against a dismal Middle Tennessee team last week and I don’t see them bouncing back to shut down one of the most dynamic quarterbacks at any level of college football. My recommendation is to lay the points with Western Kentucky in what should be a lopsided game in Bowling Green.
