WKU Football will look to clinch their spot in the C-USA championship game when they host the Jacksonville State Gamecocks for their regular season finale Saturday afternoon at Houchens-Smith Stadium.
With a Liberty loss on Black Friday versus Sam Houston, WKU can make the C-USA championship with a win against Jacksonville State. The Gamecocks will host the C-USA championship game Friday, Dec. 6.
After winning four straight games in October and early November, the Hilltoppers have lost two straight to Louisiana Tech and Liberty. Entering Saturday, the Hilltoppers sit at 7-4 (5-2 C-USA).
The Hilltoppers’ last loss was against Liberty. WKU led 7-0 in the second quarter, however, the Flames scored 21 unanswered and never gave up the lead, beating the Hilltoppers 38-21.
Liberty used the run game to their advantage against the Hilltoppers, rushing for 419 yards on 63 rush attempts. Liberty controlled the time of possession and forced four WKU turnovers, including three Veltkamp interceptions.
“Each week is its own game,” Head Coach Tyson Helton said. “We have to be able to control the line of scrimmage. We just have to limit the points.”
Saturday’s matchup versus the Gamecocks will be the seventh all-time between the two. The Hilltoppers lead the overall series 4-2 and are 3-0 in Bowling Green.
“Big home game this week against Jacksonville State,” Helton said. “A lot to play for. Any time you get an opportunity to go out there at home in front of your fan base in November and try to get this big win, then see where we lie with everything else.”
In Jacksonville State’s second season as an FBS team, they have the best record in the conference with a 7-0 record in conference play and 8-3 overall. After starting the season 0-3, Jacksonville State has won eight straight games.
The Gamecocks have the number one scoring offense in C-USA and the 14th nationally, averaging 37.1 points per game. The defense allows 27.7 points per game which is good for sixth in the conference. They boast the top rushing offense in the conference.
Michael’s Thoughts
WKU has given up 150 rush yards or more in every game except versus Toledo. Last game they allowed 419 rushing yards to Liberty. The Hilltoppers rank dead last in rushing defense, allowing 206.4 yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry. Jacksonville State averages 206 yards rushing per game and 444.3 total yards per game, both ranking first in the conference. Defensive Coordinator Tyson Summers will need to live up to his Broyles Award nomination if the Hilltoppers are to stop the Gamecock Offense.
Veltkamp and the WKU offense will need to play a clean game. Jacksonville State ranks second in the conference in both interceptions and fumbles forced. They have forced 19 total turnovers. WKU leads the conference in offensive efficiency with a 153.2 rating.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. The game can be watched on ESPNU.
Sports Reporter Michael Givner Jr. can be reached at [email protected].
