Family Dinner Table: Tops Steal Toledo’s CFP Dreams, Soaking The Rockets’ Fuse 26-21
FB: After a lengthy lightning delay where 85% of the crowd left, WKU came out and dominated Toledo in the final 23+ minutes of the game to squeak out a close victory that lived up to the billing.
A matchup that had everything indicating a close contest coming in delivered in a way difficult to imagine.
Toledo and Western Kentucky battled in a game that had everything: Defense, strategy, hustle plays, a lengthy lightning delay, and a comeback and magic with controversy until the final seconds.
Alright y’all. Phew! This one felt like it needed a lengthy intro, so if you need to see what we originally had as the full intro (that David refers to below), click here to see Matt’s full summary of his experience during the Toledo game. If you missed it, I’m sorry. It was incredible!
If you’re a sports fan, hopefully you have someone you can talk about your favorite team with. Well, for father-son duo David and Matt McCay, they are each other’s backboard to see if any of their ideas are of any account.
Heated battles may happen around the dinner table at your home, so in honor of those tense moments when you nearly roll into a fight about long snapper depth, we salute you with this series from the McCay’s. Hopefully they won’t roll into a public argument, but hey things happen.
Before and after each game, Matt and David will put their own spins on their thoughts on the matchup. In a preview article, they’ll talk about what they see, whatever that may be, whether it’s about the food at the stadium, fan experience, roster depth, or big picture football thoughts. One will go and then the other. In a postgame article, they will react with whatever vitriol or euphoria they feel at the time.
In honor of the Monday morning quarterbacks, the heated debates, the differing opinions, and the people screaming from the upper deck and their wives grabbing their arm telling them to shut up because you’re embarrassing them, this one’s for you.
“I brought you into this world, and I’ll take you out!” -David McCay
I will start off by saying that Matthew’s description above is fantastic and very detailed (Click here to read the intro, which was so long that we set up another article for your reading pleasure!). There are always a few things Matt and I will disagree over, and different kinds of penalties are a big one on this list. Big ones are holding penalties, defensive holding vs pass interference, illegal motion, and false starts. There were flags that were thrown for and against both teams that I did not agree with as is true with most games, but there were at least four that I really believe were wrong.
Two pass interference (PI) calls in or near the end zone in the first half that led directly to Toledo TDs. Players were hand fighting with no real grabs or tugs to warrant a PI call, yet they were called against WKU. One drive before Caden Veltcamp’s fumble, a Western receiver was clearly pulled down by a Toledo defender on a nice long pass, but the officials said “play on”. At each of these three calls there were some gestures and words thrown at the officials by the fans, including near my wife and me.
But the fourth call is more questionable because of the early whistle rules and that this seemed to be ignored when Veltcamp fumbled in the fourth quarter as Matt so clearly described above. But being a long time Hilltopper and fan, I have seen WKU get screwed a few times on bad official calls and way too many reviews over the years. So, I immediately yelled at Matt “We are about to get screwed on this!” Unfortunately, this was proven true a few minutes later, when the ball was awarded to Toledo.
How Bad was WKU’s Offense for Three Quarters?
After receiving the opening kickoff, WKU moved the ball effectively to the Toledo 39-yard line, a nice start. On second and eight from the 39, Caden Veltcamp #10 threw a pass a little short of the end zone and Maxen Hook #25 intercepted the pass at the Toledo 3 yard line and returned it 18 yards. The next three possessions for Western were three or four plays and a punt. At this point, it looked like WKU coaches had put training wheels on the offense, and they seemed to run basic screens and runs, nothing like they ran all game against MTSU last week. Was this to protect Caden from making more mistakes in his first start? It was between these three drives that Toledo rocketed to a 14-0 lead.
With 2:22 left in the first half, WKU received Michael Denning’s kickoff and Sebastian Benjamin returned it to the WKU 34 yard line. In two pass plays, Veltcamp to Childress for 19 yards and Veltcamp to Johnson for 44 yards, WKU had cut the score to 14-7. The TD pass was a great deep crossing route where Johnson got open and Veltcamp hit him in stride. It was a beautiful play.
To start the second half, WKU recovered a bad snap at the Toledo 22 on the first play. Western could not move the ball at all and settled for a Lucas Carneiro #17 39 yd FG with 13:02 left in the third quarter. Until the 11:47 minute mark in the fourth period, WKU had run 39 plays for 148 yards, one TD, and two interceptions. So if at this point you were looking at the stats and the score 21-10, like we were, you might have said “I’m not sure we can do this.”
Well that is where I was. I knew if something did not change on the offensive side, the game would be lost. As I said before, it felt like the WKU offensive coaches called “safe” plays for most of the game. Since we were not aggressive or motivated to be so, Toledo looked the dominant team. The Rockets defense looked like they knew what plays WKU was calling and knew where to go to get stops. Western’s offense only had a handful of plays over ten yards.
Never Give UP and Never Leave Early
I say, ”never leave early” unless you have little children, you are pregnant, or you are a person with health problems or sleep issues. These get a pass. But otherwise, WKU games in all sports are never over until the final gun sounds for the most part. So if you left at the lightning break, I understand. If you waited and left after the third quarter or after WKU went up by five with just over five minutes left, shame on you. You missed plenty of nail biting action.
I am not sure what switch was thrown or bottle unleashed, but at the 11:30 mark of the fourth quarter, the WKU offense (and Veltcamp) got hot. After a Rocket short punt, WKU took over on the Toledo 49. Three plays later Caden ran a beautiful six yard quarterback option into the end zone. I must mention that the offensive line mashed Toledo’s defensive line toward the end zone and River Helms #87 sealed a linebacker allowing Veltcamp to clear the line almost untouched. Score is now 21-19. The crowd around us was excited and a glimmer of hope was there. But could we get a stop and score again?
I will talk about the defense more, I promise. But after pressuring Tucker Gleason #4 into two incomplete passes and a three yard scramble, Toledo had to punt it back to the TOPS. WKU started this drive at the 35 and methodically marched down the field in 9 plays to take the lead 26-21 with 5:16 left on the clock. I said methodically, but perhaps “determined to score and take the lead” is better. There was a 15 yard tripping penalty and a forced fumble that should have stopped this drive, but Western found a way to get the yards back and move down the field and go ahead.
Just How Good was WKU’s Defense?
Toledo averaged 42 points per game with a low of 38 until this past Saturday. WKU held the Rockets to 21 points. Toledo averaged over 4 yards per carry and almost 200 yards per game; Western held them to 3.0 per carry and 125 for the game. Toledo had only one turnover on the season; WKU forced four. Tucker Gleason #4 had committed ZERO turnovers; he had 2 interceptions at the end of the game inside the WKU 10 and two lost fumbles. Western sacked Gleason twice; he had only been sacked once all season. Eight of the Toledo 13 drives were four plays or less. In those, WKU forced three turnovers, a safety and four punts. That is the most dominant that I have seen WKU defense play in quite a while. Minus a few bad penalties and a handful of Toledo big plays in crucial drive moments, the score could have been even more lopsided.
David’s Conclusions
This is the first loss for Toledo in two regular seasons. Something that I did not know until after the game.
If Western’s defense can continue this play, the rest of the season will go well.
WKU found a way to win a close game that was not a bowl game.
Western won an early season tough matchup. It has been a while.
This game has received all kinds of publicity for WKU Football and the athletic department nationwide.
The fanbase has been frustrated with early season problems and inability to win games against very good teams.
This game should be a catalyst for fan future attendance, donations, and should increase hope for a special season.
This should send a clear message to CUSA and others that WKU is a contender for a championship this year.
GO TOPS!!! Beat Boston College and keep the streak alive.
“You forced me into this world; I’ll force you out!” -Matt McCay
What. A. Game.
I seriously don’t remember much more of a compelling game heading into it with the entire game being intense and good. This one delivered. Both teams were playing well defensively, and both teams deserved to win. Both were well coached, and no one really did anything to screw it up except maybe having the QB run the ball instead of the RB.
There wasn’t a boneheaded decision, terrible play from either side, and neither team really dropped the ball.
The screwups were mainly by the officials, and in my opinion, most of the calls were justified. The non-call for WKU Dad mentioned above, and the obvious ghost fumble recovery, which I’m still angry about.
WKU just found the momentum and found a way.
I’m absolutely thrilled for them. They deserve it. Tyson Helton deserves an amazing win. And he finally got it.
Top Seven Win for Tyson Helton
Of all of Tyson Helton’s six years, this is undoubtedly a top ten. This was a win against a team receiving votes in the polls, a team that was predicted to win the MAC, and a team considered very equal in status to WKU that happens to be from another conference.
I think bowl wins are more significant than regular season non-conference wins, so are beating Power Fives, and so are big-time conference wins.
Any non-conference success that’s not against a Power Five is right after all of that.
Therefore, here’s my list of top wins under Tyson Helton down to this one:
2021 Boca Raton Bowl vs. Appalachian State
2022 New Orleans Bowl vs. South Alabama
2019 regular season win at Arkansas
2019 First Responder Bowl vs. Western Michigan
2023 Famous Toastery Bowl vs. ODU
2021 conference championship appearance clinching win at Marshall
2024 vs. Toledo
(huge gap)
Several other way less significant wins could fill out the rest of a top ten, but the top seven seem to stand out above the rest for me.
Tyson Helton’s Best Early Season Win
Tyson Helton’s teams typically start slow and finish strong, and that may still be the case this year. Maybe the team is getting it together more quickly? Maybe they’re just better than most years.
WKU’s Defense Could Be the Best in CUSA
This is not a proclamation at this point, but despite giving up 63 at Alabama in the first game, WKU has shown quality against comparable opponents. Throw that out and WKU is way up there in CUSA.
Veltkamp’s First Start Fine but Not Great
Caden Veltkamp’s first start obviously ended up really well, but there’s no question that he struggled for the majority of the game. Then again, his offense produced 24 points while he had a horrible night in the turnover department. With two interceptions and two fumbles (one lost), that’s too much as a quarterback.
Now, we know Toledo’s defense is way above average, and they made life difficult. But I would also assert that the Topper offense and Caden himself could have been much better.
There are lots of things to improve, but there’s plenty of potential. In all fairness, though, for those of you shouting from the rooftops that he’s the second coming of Brandon Doughty, ya boi still needs to grow a whole lot before we crown him Lord of The Hill. This was NOT a mandate for him as WKU’s starter until he exhausts his eligibility.
Turn Veltkamp Lose!
One thing that definitely needs to change is the fact that WKU seems to tighten up the playbook with Veltkamp out there. That is not the way to play, period. But also, when you play free and go for it, #10 shines. He’s now won three games for you, but in this one before they turned him loose, and against Alabama, he was at his worst. Why? Because he’s not being fully trusted.
You MUST trust your horse.
This is Why You Don’t Leave!
With Dad’s very good caption above in mind, for those that left, I don’t get you. You missed it! You missed history, and it was MAGICAL in The Houch. And you missed it. Stop leaving early!!! Those moments where you’re isolated with the passionate breed incredible moments.
We made more noise for the Tops after y’all left than before. It was a party up in there. Ya missed the party!
Don’t. Leave. Early.
It should be a rule.
TJ Finley in a Boot
WKU’s named starting QB is not coming back anytime soon. He’s in a boot. To my untrained eye, that means more than a sprain. That’s like a fracture, or full break in the foot. My gut says not Achilles.
Speaking with Devin Stewart on the RedOut Podcast, Devin seemed to think Finley was for sure out 4-6 weeks at minimum, meaning he could come back a mid-October, but the boot he’s wearing could also mean more significant injury that significantly alters his prospects to play again this season.
Keys to Victory
“Win the Crowd and You’ll Win Your Freedom!”: A+
Honestly, WKU’s crowd was about as good as could be hoped for. Over 19,000 showed up, they were active, and even after a long weather delay, a few stuck around, and they made an absolute racket.
“I Have Long Feared that My Sins Would Return to Visit Me”: C+
WKU gets a C+ because they made less mistakes and forced Toledo into plenty. However, their sins nearly returned to visit them in terms of penalties and turnovers.
“Show Me the Money!”: B
A reference to third and fourth down, obviously WKU forced turnovers on third and fourth down, so that’s a big one. The big issue still is that WKU only converted three first downs, while Toledo converted ten. That’s a massive disparity and allowed the Rockets to control much of the game.
“Gatoradeeeeeee. Water sucks! It really really sucks!”: A-
WKU’s defensive line did a really nice job Saturday. Channeling their inner Bobby Boucher, this defensive line has done a great job getting pressure all season.
“I know you (Rockets) don’t think this is over with. Let’s Kick it Old School”: B+
WKU did a good job on special teams with the exception of allowing a 43 yard punt return. Other than that, Toledo’s excellent returners were not a huge factor.
Defense Overall Grade: A+
Tyson Summers is a genius. That is all.
Offense Overall Grade: C-
Because of the turnovers and anemia all game, this isn’t a great grade. But the grit and determination and clutch execution make this a passing grade.
Special Teams Overall Grade: B
Overall Coaching Grade: B+
The lone comment here is the decision to run the QB with the game on the line. Tyson explained being worried about the mesh (exchange) between QB and RB. And that’s fine. But I think in hindsight, put the dad gum ball in the hands of the guy that does it every day of his life instead of the QB that is way more likely to fumble. Other than that, the coaching strategy was excellent.
Expectations Rising
This win gives WKU a real hope for upsetting Boston College this week. They’re a solid underdog, but they are not expected to get blown out, either. It also just makes the route to ten wins so much more possible. Beat BC (a huge ask) and WKU is staring down the barrel of the College Football Playoff discussion.
Tomato Tomahtoe
Matt and David seem to be agreeing more (publicly) than may have been originally thought. They may squabble in the stands about David calling for nuanced penalties like delay of game for touching the official’s flag and Matt seeing a play different than David and David being proven right. Publicly, we’re getting along fine. Everything is peachy!
David and Matt disagree somewhat on the Veltkamp/Finley issue. David is completely sold on Veltkamp, and Matt cautions everyone out of experience with WKU quarterback politics that fans shouldn’t be surprised if TJ Finley gets more chances if he’s ever healthy enough to play this year. They both agree that Caden should win the job if he continues to play well in TJ’s absence.
David also feels like a lot of the penalties were unwarranted and that WKU got the short end of the stick. Matt feels like most of them were justified, but the phantom fumble recovery and lack of obvious pass interference when Toledo was getting every PI call known to man seemed a little unbalanced.
Finally, WKU has a signature win early in the season. It’s been several years since WKU had a really nice win before the middle of October. The action is heating up, and this season may end up more historic than we previously thought! Make sure you start your new subscription with The Towel Rack and follow all of our articles!
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