WKU Football will attempt to rebound following a 25-6 loss to the FIU Panthers as they head to Ruston to take on Louisiana Tech at Joe Aillet Stadium on Tuesday.

The Hilltoppers fell from first place to third place in the CUSA with the loss, and sit at 5-2 (3-1 CUSA) on the season.

Quarterback Maverick McIvor had his worst statistical game this season, throwing for 159 yards, two interceptions and, like every other Hilltopper, had no touchdowns. 

The Hilltoppers’ run defense struggled, giving up 249 yards on the ground, the most in a conference game this season. Panthers running back Kejon Owens ran for 195 yards, the most rushing yards by a single player against the WKU defense this season. 

The Bulldogs are also coming off a rough loss, a 35-7 loss to the Kennesaw State Owls which dropped them to 4-2 on the season. LA Tech is right behind WKU in the conference standings in fourth with a conference record of 2-1.

Quarterback Evan Bullock got his first start of the season against the Owls, throwing for 112 yards and an interception.

“I think they all seek contact– the quarterbacks, the O-line, the receivers– so they’re another tough bunch,” Co-Defensive Coordinator Davis Merritt said. “It’s a huge challenge again.”

Louisiana Tech leads the CUSA in scoring defense, allowing only 17.2 points per game. Their scoring defense is ranked 20th in the nation. 

“They mix up their coverages and make it confusing for quarterbacks,” Head Coach Tyson Helton said. “They lead the nation in creating turnovers– so it’ll be a big challenge for us offensively.”

The Hilltoppers fell to Louisiana Tech 12-7 last season at Houchens-Smith Stadium on Homecoming, Oct 21. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. on CBSSN.