FBS-CFB Game Preview: Nevada Wolf Pack (1-2) vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2-1)

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Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET (6:00 PM CT local)
Venue: Houchens Industries–L.T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, Kentucky (Capacity: ~23,000)
Broadcast: ESPN+

Weather Forecast (Bowling Green, KY)

Temperature: ~78°F (26°C) at kickoff

Conditions: Partly cloudy, light winds (5–7 mph)

Impact: Comfortable evening conditions; no major weather disruptions expected.

Injury Report

Nevada Wolf Pack (MWC):

QB Chubba Purdy (329 yards, 1 TD, 4 INTs; 216 rushing yards, 1 TD) healthy.

RB Herschel Turner (153 rushing yards, 1 TD) available.

WR Jordan Brown (11 catches, 116 yards) active.

Defense led by LB Tre Hines (team-high tackles).

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (C-USA):

QB Maverick McIvor (941 yards, 10 TDs, 1 INT through 3 games) healthy.

RB Marvis Parrish (93 rushing yards; 14 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD) available.

WR Moussa Barry (210 yards, 1 TD), WR Matthew Henry (198 yards, 3 TDs), and WR KD Hutchinson (184 yards, 3 TDs) all active.

Defense intact, led by LB Jaylen Wester (11 tackles).

Key Player Matchups

QB Chubba Purdy (Nevada) vs. WKU Secondary

Purdy is dangerous as a runner but turnover-prone; WKU’s DBs will look to capitalize.

RB Herschel Turner (Nevada) vs. WKU Front Seven

Turner’s 7.5 YPC vs. Middle Tennessee shows his explosiveness; WKU must contain him.

QB Maverick McIvor (WKU) vs. Nevada Pass Defense

McIvor is averaging 313 YPG with 10 TDs; Nevada’s secondary has struggled against efficient passers.

WR Trio Barry/Henry/Hutchinson (WKU) vs. Nevada Corners

WKU’s spread attack creates mismatches; Nevada must avoid giving up explosive plays.

Recent Team Form

Nevada Wolf Pack (1–2, Mountain West)

8/30/25: W 24–17 vs. Idaho State

9/6/25: L 38–14 @ Arizona State

9/13/25: L 14–13 @ Middle Tennessee

Trend: Offense inconsistent, defense keeping games close; turnovers a major issue.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2–1, C-USA)

8/30/25: W 38–21 vs. Eastern Michigan

9/6/25: L 45–21 @ Toledo

9/13/25: W 42–17 vs. FCS opponent

Trend: Passing game explosive, defense bend-but-don’t-break; strong at home.

Series History

This is the first-ever meeting between Nevada and Western Kentucky.

Betting Trends

Western Kentucky:

2–1 ATS in 2025.

1–0 ATS as a 10.5-point favorite.

All 3 games have gone over the total.

Nevada:

1–2 ATS in 2025.

1–0 ATS as a 10.5-point underdog.

1 of 3 games has gone over the total.

Head-to-Head: First meeting.

Historical Betting Results

Western Kentucky: Historically strong ATS when favored by double digits at home; prolific passing offenses often push games over the total.

Nevada: Struggles ATS vs. non-conference FBS opponents; covers occasionally as a large underdog but rarely wins outright.

MWC vs. C-USA: MWC teams cover ~55% of the time in these interconference matchups.

Game Odds

Nevada Wolf Pack                                           53.5

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers                   – 9

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025