Lending Tree Bowl 2020 – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Georgia State Panthers

Our Western Kentucky vs Georgia State pick 2020 for the Lending Tree Bowl is the second of three bowl games being played on the day after Christmas. It is the second game that kicks off at 3:30 pm ET. The Lending Tree Bowl has the Hilltoppers, who finished third in the Conference USA – East, and the Panthers, who were third in the Sun Belt Conference – East. Western Kentucky posted a 4-3 record in their conference. They had a losing record overall with a 5-6 record. Georgia State recorded four wins and four losses. The Panther’s overall mark 5-4.

The Georgia State Panthers are favored in this bowl game. They are at -3.0 (-110). The best Western Kentucky Hilltoppers spread is +3.5 (-115). In totals betting, the best under is 49.5 (-109) and the best over is 49.0 (-107). Also, be sure to read our SERVPRO First Responders Bowl picks.

The Lending Tree Bowl will be played on Saturday, December 26. The kickoff will be at 3:30 pm ET with the game being played at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, AL. The weather is predicted to be mostly sunny with a temperature of 51-degrees. Probability of precipitation is 20% and winds will be 7 MPH from the North.

Western Kentucky vs Georgia State Pick 2020 – Statistics

Our Western Kentucky vs Georgia State pick 2020 the Panthers look solid on offense as they have averaged 32.7 PPG. However, their D has allowed opponents on average 32.9 PPG. Conversely, WKU looks fine on defense, giving up 24.1 PPG. But on the other side of the ball, the Hilltoppers are scoring just 18.8 PPG. As far as yardage is concerned, the Panthers can run and pass, averaging 190.3 ground YPG and 227.3 air yards per contest. On the other hand, the Hilltoppers are recording just 162.9 YPG in passing and 128.0 YPG in rushing. The Georgia State defense is allowing about 80 more YPG than WKU’s. They have a very tough time trying to stop the pass as they have allowed 284.1 YPG in the air. Western Kentucky is giving up 166.2 YPG in rushing and 170.1 in passing.

Lending Tree Bowl – Offense and Defense

The Panthers will want to exploit their offensive strength, utilizing both their ground and air attacks to keep the Hilltopper D off-balance. WKU needs to score points, and their best shot is by passing. Georgia State gives up a lot of air yards.

Hilltoppers and Panthers

This season WKU QB Tyrrell Pigrome completed 58% of his passes, tossing nine TDs and no picks. He was sacked 17 times. Pigrome also rushed for three TDs. Top rusher Gaej Walker averaged 4.5 YPA and ran for 614 yards and two scores. WR Mitchell Tinsley led the team with 44 receptions and four TD catches.

Panther QB C. Brown IV completed 59% of his passes. He tossed 14 TDs and nine INTs while being sacked 11 times. He rushed for seven more scores. RB Destin Coates has 652 yards and six TDs on 143 carries. RB Tucker Gregg has six more scores. Three receivers have caught a total of 13 TD passes with Sam Pickney with 44 catches, 753 yards, and six TDs.

Western Kentucky vs Georgia State Pick 2020 – Defenses

WKU has posted 22 sacks, five INTs, and 61 PD. They’ve forced six fumbles and recovered four. The D has scored once. DB Dionté Ruffin has one INT and 11 PD while DE DeAngelo Malone has recorded six sacks. Corner Antwon Kincade leads the team with 46 solot tackles and 80 total tackles. He’s also defended seven passes and forced one fumble.

The Panthers have some impressive stats on defense, including 32 sacks, 10 INTs, and 40 PD. They’ve forced 10 fumbles, recovering eight. The Georgia State defense has scored one TD. Top performers include LB Jordan Strachan with nine sacks, corner Quavian White with three INTs and eight PD, and safety Antavious Lane with three picks and six PD. LB Blake Carroll leads the club with 51 solo tackles and 72 total bringdowns.

Western Kentucky vs Georgia State Pick 2020 – Final Word

Our Western Kentucky vs Georgia State pick 2020 thinks that the Panthers will prevail today. They should be able to mount an attack that will eventually wear down the Hilltopper. At the same time, we envision the Panther D controlling what is a weak WKU offense. We’re going with the under also,

Lending Tree Bowl 2020 – Summary

Point Spread – Georgia State Panthers at -3.0 (-110).
Totals – Under 49.5 (-109)