WKU football is set to hit the gridiron yet again on Tuesday, October 17 against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks following a week off.
“Another big conference game this week” Head Coach Tyson Helton said. “This is the time of year that if you’re gonna try to make that run you gotta go on the road and win.”
WKU comes out of the bye with a 4-2 mark on the year. The Hilltoppers find themselves on a two-game win streak after falling victim to a tough end to their non-conference slate. WKU is coming off wins against conference foes Middle Tennessee State and Louisiana Tech.
Through the first six games, it’s been the Air Raid offense that has propelled the Hilltoppers to two games over .500. WKU ranks 25th in the nation in passing offense with graduate quarterback Austin Reed averaging 277 yards through the air per game.
Defensively, the Hilltoppers have found immense success getting the ball in the hands of Reed and the offense. WKU has forced a division one leading 16 turnovers through their first six games with eight interceptions and eight fumbles recovered.
“Hats off to coach Summers, our defensive coordinator,” Helton said. “He’s done a fantastic job of the next man up mentality. Time after time they’ve stepped up.”
Headed to the other sideline, the Gamecocks head into this one at 5-2, with losses against Coastal Carolina and undefeated Liberty. Jacksonville State made its debut in C-USA and division one football this season and the Gamecocks have already racked up three conference wins against MTSU, UTEP and Sam Houston State.
“They’re gonna test all our weaknesses and try to get after us,” Helton said. “They’ve done a great job of being a really good second half football team.”
Offensively, the ground game is the dominating factor. JSU’s passing offense ranks last in the conference with a mere 159 yards per game. The backfield however, led by Malik Jackson, ranks second in rushing yards in C-USA with 204 per game.
JSU’s defense has also been very strong through their first five games. The Gamecock unit comes in at second in the conference in total defense, leading the league in sacks and ranking second in the league in interceptions.
WHAT I EXPECT
The Hilltoppers have lived up to their high Conference-USA expectations through their first two conference games. And while I don’t think it’ll be pretty, I believe WKU will jump to 3-0 in conference play. This is the best C-USA defense they’ll face so far; however, the Gamecocks have not been great at stopping the air attack. Austin Reed has a prime opportunity to make a statement on national T.V., especially with Liberty right around the corner. WKU opens up as seven-point favorites according to ESPN.
Football reporter Jake McMahon can be reached at [email protected].
