The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers take on the Old Dominion Monarchs in the Famous Toastery Bowl on Monday, December 18. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET from Charlotte, North Carolina.
WKU (7-5, 5-3 CUSA) finished the season on a two-game winning streak, defeated Sam Houston and FIU after falling to New Mexico State. The Hilltoppers were led by quarterback Austin Reed, who passed for over 3,300 yards this season. He finished the year with 31 passing touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The Hilltoppers run an air-raid offense, and wide receiver Malachi Corley was frequently on the other end of Reed’s passes, catching 11 touchdowns in 2023.
ODU (6-6, 503 SBC) won their last two games over Georgia Southern and Georgia State. The Monarchs’ top running back, Kadarius Calloway, is questionable for the bowl. Wide receiver Javon Harvey, who had 391 receiving yards this season, will not play after entering the transfer portal. Quarterback Grant Wilson passed for over 2,000 yards this season, and finished with 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Here’s everything you need to know and a pick for the bowl.
SP+ Rankings
WKU: 72 overall, 55 offense, 86 defense
ODU: 105 overall, 97 offense, 92 defense
List of injuries and players opting out of game
WKU
QB Austin Reed – Out (Draft prep)
WR Josh Sterns – Out (transfer portal)
QB Caden Veltkamp – Out (transfer portal, 2 pass attempts, 4 yards)
WR Malachi Corley – In
WR Blue Smith – Questionable
ODU
RB Kadarius Calloway – Questionable (undisclosed)
WR Marquez Bell – Out (transfer portal)
WR Javon Harvey – Out (transfer portal, 391 yards, 4 TDs)
WR Jordan Bly – Out (transfer portal, 13 receptions, 52 yards)
WR Ethan Presutty – Out (transfer portal)
RB Devin Roche – Questionable
ATS/Total
Against The Spread in 2023
WKU: 5-7 ATS
ODU: 7-5 ATS
Total in 2023
WKU: Over 6-6
ODU: Over 5-7
Team Pace
WKU: 25.1 seconds per play
ODU: 21.6 seconds per play
Odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Spread: Old Dominion -6.5
Total: 49
Moneyline: Old Dominion -238, Western Kentucky +195
Weather
54°F, Sunny, 0% chance of rain, 11 MPH winds
Our Best Bet for the Famous Toastery Bowl
WKU +6.5
Old Dominion has struggled to defend the pass this season, and as they go up against the Hilltoppers’ air raid approach, the Monarchs will be caught on their heels. WKU looked solid against the run down the stretch, and should be able to cover the spread in Charlotte.