The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1-0) face an FCS opponent, the North Alabama Lions (0-0), on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.

The Lions are expected to lose by at least two touchdowns (currently +28.5) against the Hilltoppers (with an over/under of 60.5 points).

Read on for our betting primer for this this game between the Hilltoppers and the Lions, and discover all of our expert picks here, too!

Western Kentucky vs. North Alabama betting lines

• Spread favorite: Hilltoppers (-28.5)
• Moneyline: Hilltoppers (-4762), Lions (+1638)
• Total: 60.5 points

Western Kentucky vs. North Alabama betting info and stats

• Against the spread, Western Kentucky went 7-7-0 last year.
• In 14 Western Kentucky games last season, six went over the total.
• Against the spread, North Alabama was 6-4-0 last season.
• North Alabama had four of its 10 games hit the over last season.

Western Kentucky vs. North Alabama key players

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

• Caden Veltkamp’s previous season stat line: 3,108 passing yards (222.0 per game), 258-for-389 (66.3%), 25 touchdowns and 10 picks. He also rushed for 150 yards on 113 carries with seven rushing TDs.
• Last season, Elijah Young ran for 883 yards on 201 carries (63.1 yards per game) and scored three times. Young also collected 47 catches for 384 yards and two scores.
• George Hart III ran for 206 yards on 43 carries (14.7 yards per game), with two rushing touchdowns last year.
• Kisean Johnson amassed 75 receptions for 925 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He was targeted 111 times, and averaged 66.1 yards per game.
• Easton Messer also impressed receiving last year. He bagged 55 receptions for 793 yards and four touchdowns. He was targeted 83 times.
• Dalvin Smith hauled in 30 passes on 52 targets for 397 yards and four touchdowns, compiling 28.4 receiving yards per game.
• Last season Darius Thomas racked up 4.0 sacks, 5.0 TFL and 49 tackles.
• Last season Devonte’ Mathews tallied 82 tackles and two interceptions.
• Anthony Johnson Jr. intercepted two passes last year while also totaling 41 tackles, 4.0 TFL, and two passes defended.

North Alabama Lions

• T.J. Smith threw 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions while collecting 1,993 yards by the end of last season (166.1 ypg). He also scored six touchdowns on 27.0 rushing yards per game.
• Jayvian Allen averaged 45.4 rushing yards per game and collected five rushing touchdowns.
• Takairee Kenebrew averaged 64.3 receiving yards and racked up four receiving touchdowns over the course of the 2024 season.
• Dakota Warfield caught 46 passes last season on his way to 568 yards and three receiving touchdowns.
• Kobe Warden worked his way to three receiving touchdowns and 513 receiving yards (46.6 ypg) last season.
• Last year Jackson Bratton accumulated 3.0 sacks, one interception.
• Gregory Reddick had an impressive defensive performance last season with seven tackles, 1.0 TFL, two sacks, and one interception.
• Last year Ashaad Williams picked off two passes to go along with four tackles and one sack.