College Football

Southern Miss vs. Western Kentucky: New Orleans Bowl picks, odds

Dec. 18, 2025, 5:09 a.m. ET

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles (7-5) and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-4) are set to face off in the New Orleans Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 23 in New Orleans, Louisiana and USA TODAY's panel of college football experts have locked in their picks and predictions for the action. Here's everything you need to know before kickoff, including live updated odds and how to watch.

Western Kentucky vs. Southern Miss live odds, moneyline, over/under

Opening Lines

Spread: Western Kentucky (-3)
Moneyline: Western Kentucky (-155), Southern Miss (+130)
Over/Under: 55.5

Western Kentucky vs. Southern Miss picks against the spread

Austin Curtright: Western Kentucky (-4)

Western Kentucky's offense was off to a ridiculous start this season before quarterback Maverick McIvor went down with an injury. However, freshman Rodney Tisdale Jr. has gotten better each week for the Hilltoppers and will lead WKU to a win over Southern Miss, which is down to an interim coach after Charles Huff left for Memphis.

Ehsan Kassim: Western Kentucky (-4)

Western Kentucky won nine games this season, while Southern Miss earned a bowl game with five wins after several other teams backed out. The Hilltoppers earn an easy win over the Golden Eagles.

Craig Meyer: Western Kentucky (-4)

Western Kentucky yet again has a productive offense, one averaging nearly 30 points per game. I expect the Hilltoppers to be able to put some points up against a Southern Miss team that lost its final three regular season games and saw its coach, Charles Huff, leave for Memphis.

2025-26 Bowl Game Picks, Predictions, Odds

How to watch the 2025 New Orleans Bowl

Matchup: Southern Miss Golden Eagles (7-5) vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-4)
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 5:30 p.m.
Venue: Caesars Superdome
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
TV Station: ESPN

College Football Playoff updated odds

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