2024 College Football Bowl Previews (Dec 18th)

Famous Toastery Bowl: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (7-5) vs Old Dominion Monarchs (6-6)

What you need to know: Western Kentucky and Old Dominion are two teams that have very distinct traits this year. Western Kentucky has a fun offense but they struggled in the 2nd half of games all season. Old Dominion was addicted to close games with all but 2 games being within one score. Western Kentucky has lost 3 starting offensive lineman to the portal and it would be surprising if their star receiver Malachi Corley didn’t opt out from this game. Both teams are disappointed because this was supposed to be the Bahamas bowl but it was moved to Charlotte due to construction. C’mon guys Vanderbilt spent the whole season playing in an under construction stadium, surely we could do it here! The Famous Toastery is a breakfast/Brunch chain that is in North Carolina and surrounding states.

Previous Meetings: Western Kentucky and Old Dominion are former CUSA foes so they’ve met 7 times, Western Kentucky holds a 6-1 edge with Old Dominion’s only win in the series occuring in 2018. Their first meeting ever in 2014 was absolutely WILD with Western Kentucky beating a Taylor Heinicke led Old Dominion 66-51. Here’s hoping for some of that craziness here.

Motivation Edge: Both teams are disappointed this game isn’t in the Bahamas. This season in general was a disappointment for Western Kentucky compared to what was expected. This is only Old Dominion’s 3rd bowl in program history and they’ve yet to win one. I believe the Monarchs will be hoping to change that so I give them the motivation edge.

Best Bet: Old Dominion Moneyline. You can bet the -2.5 with the Monarchs but I am not willing to chance the points. Old Dominion loves close games and Western Kentucky struggles in the 2nd half of games so I’m confident Old Dominion can win this, I’m just not sure if they can cover.