Mercyhurst vs Western Kentucky Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 26, 2026
The Mercyhurst Lakers visit the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday, September 26, at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, with the opening kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+. The Mercyhurst Lakers are 1-3 overall and have not opened their Northeast Conference schedule after beating Glenville State 49-20. The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are 0-3 overall and have not opened their Conference USA schedule after a 38-0 loss at Indiana. Follow Saturday’s matchup with our free NCAAF picks.
Mercyhurst Lakers Preview
Mercyhurst is averaging 20 points through four games, with 173.8 passing yards and 67.3 rushing yards per game. Alex Gevaudan has completed 41 of 77 passes for 538 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions in three appearances. Jameir Gamble leads the ground game with 188 yards and two touchdowns on 45 carries, averaging 4.2 yards per attempt. Dylan Evans is the top receiver with 14 catches for 202 yards and two touchdowns, while Camden Lewis has 12 receptions for 112 yards and one score. Speedy Yancey has added a 75-yard touchdown reception.
The Lakers are allowing 46 points and 492.8 total yards per game, including 224.3 rushing yards and 268.5 passing yards. Opponents have averaged 6.5 yards per play and converted 48.3% of their third downs. Mercyhurst has surrendered 14 rushing touchdowns and 10 passing touchdowns through four contests. The Lakers have also allowed 10 sacks while recording eight themselves. Mercyhurst has forced four interceptions and two fumble recoveries, but opponents have reached the red zone 17 times and scored on 14 of those trips.
Injuries: No injuries to report.
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Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Preview
Western Kentucky is averaging 11.3 points through three games, with 146 passing yards and 113.3 rushing yards per game. Rodney Tisdale Jr. has completed 30 of 54 passes for 234 yards and one interception, while Brock Glenn has thrown for 204 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Ajay Allen leads the Hilltoppers with 143 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Glenn has added 100 rushing yards and two scores. Cameron Flowers leads the receivers with 94 yards, while Jonathan Stafford Jr. has 92 yards on 14 catches.
The Hilltoppers are allowing 52.3 points per game after losses to Nevada, Georgia and Indiana. Western Kentucky has two sacks, one interception, five forced fumbles and three recoveries. Jaylen Lewis leads the defense with 24 tackles, followed by Xavion Griffin with 17 and Justin Brown with 16. Brown has the interception, while Jaylen Wester has forced three fumbles. Westen Ard and Mackavelli Malotumau have one sack apiece. Western Kentucky has allowed at least 38 points in every game.
Injuries: WR K. Hutchinson is questionable with an undisclosed injury. TE G. Reimer and RB A. Boyd are out with undisclosed injuries.
Mercyhurst vs Western Kentucky Prediction
Mercyhurst has struggled badly on defense, allowing 492.8 yards and 46 points per game, while opponents have averaged 224.3 rushing yards. That gives Western Kentucky a chance to establish Allen and Glenn on the ground after facing a difficult opening schedule. Mercyhurst has shown more recent scoring ability after putting up 49 last week, but Gevaudan has five interceptions, and the Lakers are averaging only 67.3 rushing yards. Western Kentucky has also struggled offensively, but the Hilltoppers should have more room to operate in this matchup and can finally break through at home. Final Score Prediction: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers win, 40-17.
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Best Picks
- Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- Over
