Conference USA action kicks off under the Thursday night lights as the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers travel to Las Cruces to battle the New Mexico State Aggies. Both teams enter at 1-3, making this an important early conference test after uneven starts.

Western Kentucky finally found its offensive footing last week, scoring 52 points in a rout of FCS Mercyhurst and producing 596 total yards. New Mexico State, meanwhile, is coming off a 42-18 loss to New Mexico, its second consecutive defeat.

As bettors review the latest college football odds , the matchup sets up as a contrast between Western Kentucky’s passing game and a New Mexico State offense capable of using both its quarterback and running game. Keep reading for my Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State prediction, picks and odds for Oct. 1, below.

I’m taking New Mexico State to cover at home. The Aggies have averaged 414.5 total yards per game, compared with 343.5 for Western Kentucky, and their 26.3 points per game also lead the Hilltoppers’ 21.5 mark. That production gives the hosts a better chance to control the game if the matchup remains close into the second half.

The most important matchup is New Mexico State’s offense against a Western Kentucky defense allowing 439 total yards and 41 points per game. The Aggies can attack that weakness with a balanced approach, while the Hilltoppers need Rodney Tisdale Jr. to repeat the sharp performance he delivered against Mercyhurst. His recent production makes Western Kentucky dangerous, but it does not erase the broader defensive concern.

New Mexico State has also created more disruption, with six sacks and three interceptions. Western Kentucky has recorded three sacks and one interception. If the home defense can generate pressure without committing extra defenders, it can make the visitors work for every explosive play and protect a small spread.

The Under is the best total angle at 57.5. Western Kentucky’s defense has been poor overall, but New Mexico State’s preferred path should be to run the ball, manage the clock and avoid turning the game into a series of quick possessions. That approach can keep the Aggies in control while limiting the number of chances for both offenses.

The teams have combined to average 47.8 points per game, below this 57.5 total, although their different schedules matter. Western Kentucky’s recent 52-point outburst came against an FCS opponent, so it should not be treated as a direct expectation for this road matchup. New Mexico State’s 42-18 loss last week also shows that its defense can give up points, but the overall setup favors a more deliberate contest than last week’s score suggests. Before making any wager tonight, scan the best college football betting apps to find the top price.