“We’re gonna clean everything up,” Defensive back Jaylen Lewis said after WKU’s week zero matchup against Sam Houston.
It’s safe to say that WKU did its dishes this week in practice. They wiped up most of the mistakes made against Sam Houston in their dominating 55-6 win over North Alabama Saturday night.
Just a week ago, the Hilltoppers gave up two turnovers and 24 points to the Bearkats. This week, while scoring 14 more points, WKU gave up just six points and no turnovers.
This was a clean and dominant game of football. Sure, it was against an FCS school, but in college football, no game is a given.
The Good
Award conversations about quarterback Maverick McIvor are creeping up sooner than expected. Despite a slow start, McIvor finished with 305 yards and five touchdown passes with a 77% completion percentage. A dynamic first two games on The Hill, and his play as a whole has created a dynamic offense that has wiped tough-to-get defenses clean. Eight passing touchdowns and no interceptions through two games
Of the Hilltoppers’ 563 yards, 164 came on the ground, taking some pressure off of McIvor and redshirt freshman quarterback Rodney Tisdale Jr., who relieved him in the fourth quarter. Tisdale threw for 94 yards and a touchdown.
If the offense continues to look this dominant, it will be hard to stop come conference play.
The Bad
WKU played strong defense against the Lions, allowing just 105 passing yards and holding them to 6-of-18 on third-down conversions. They forced a turnover, recorded two sacks, and had seven tackles for loss.
There were stains in their performance on Saturday. The run defense, despite preventing the Lions’ big plays on the ground, still gave up 153 rushing yards. On top of that, the Hilltoppers accumulated 12 penalties for 130 yards.
Is It Ugly?
Week two versus the Rockets will be WKU’s biggest test. Toledo lost to WKU last season on a dramatic, rainy night, despite an incredible performance from their quarterback, Tucker Gleason. Thanks to their defense holding off Tucker and the Rockets, the Hilltoppers pulled off the comeback victory following the 75-minute rain delay.
The Rockets will look to get their lick back when they host the Hilltoppers. Toledo struggled in a 24-16 loss to Kentucky, but this isn’t North Alabama. Wide receiver Junior Vandeross III and newcomer transfer running back Chip Trayanum have a chance to expose the Hilltopper defense if those mistakes made against North Alabama aren’t rectified.
WKU must avoid a slow start against Toledo. The Lions trailed 7-6 in the first quarter before WKU scored 48 unanswered points. Despite winning both games, they have gotten off to slow starts. This game will be telling for both teams, with Toledo looking for their first win and the Hilltoppers looking to go 3-0.
