WKU football went on the road to New Mexico State and left the stadium with a 41-28 win, an undefeated conference record and a clear path to the C-USA championship game.
So why am I worried?
Because Saturday showcased the worst defensive performance for WKU since their 63-0 loss against Alabama.
Sure, there were good things. WKU’s defense forced five turnovers, the highest mark of the season. It’s up to the viewer to decide whether those turnovers were due to an intense Hilltopper defense or ineptitude from the Aggie offense; however, the ball ended up in the hands of the defense five times.
Nice.
But below the surface is an ugly performance that has me the slightest bit concerned about the state of the defense heading into the homestretch.
WKU lost a streak of seven straight games allowing 21 points or less Saturday. Outside of the opener at Alabama, the Hilltoppers had not allowed an opponent over that mark.
Of course, that streak was going to end eventually, but I still don’t quite understand why it ended against NMSU.
Headed into Saturday, NMSU was averaging just under 20 points a game. Their offense is currently seventh in Conference USA in points per game.
Short story even shorter: they haven’t been good.
But WKU’s defense struggled to keep the Aggies out of the game and it’s all because of an inability to stop the run.
Credit where credit is due, NMSU’s running game is one of the few things the offense has done well this year. The Aggies average 186.7 rushing yards per game, fourth best in the Conference USA.
Against WKU, NMSU rushed for 331 yards on 55 attempts. That’s six yards a carry. They had 13 runs break for over 10 yards.
It’s hard to look at those numbers and not be surprised WKU won this game, especially by two scores. If they hadn’t shot themselves in the foot so many times, I’m confident NMSU would have pulled off the upset because of how they bullied WKU in the trenches.
And that’s why I’m worried.
The two best rushing teams in C-USA, Jacksonville State and Liberty, are the last two teams on the Hilltoppers’ schedule this season. If NMSU was able to run for 331 yards, I think it’s well within the realm of possibility to say it could happen again versus an even better attack.
Sports Editor Jake McMahon can be reached at [email protected]
