La Tech Predictions: Who Has the Best Defense in CUSA?
Roundtable: As WKU heads into the final stretch, an interesting test stands in its way on Homecoming. Fully out of the race, La Tech stands with a pretty good defense that could make WKU work.
We head into the final quarter of the 2024 season, and things are looking up. The Tops sit undefeated in the conference, tied for third in CUSA in defense and second in offense. With only two total losses, both against Power Four programs, the Tops seem to be CUSA’s best team…we think.
WKU’s offense is good and very balanced, while the defense is arguably CUSA’s best, having just recently allowed its first four touchdown game since Alabama in late August.
Our question this week is about the defense. We ask this question because a source mentioned “La Tech is the best defense in the conference.” That’s a very interesting thing to say for a team that is 3-6. Much like Sam Houston last year, La Tech has several losses within a few points, or they would be firmly in the conference race themselves. They are certainly not a pushover, and at times, they have looked better than some of the contenders.
Is WKU the best defense? Is it Sam Houston? Is it Liberty? Is it La Tech? On top of our normal game predictions, let’s discuss the defense.
We ask our writers to help us out on these two questions:
In your opinion, which team has the best defense in the conference?
What is your score prediction for La Tech vs. WKU?
Predictions
Matt McCay (11-1, 8-1 FB)
If I was to nail down the best defense in Conference USA, I would have to start with who I think has the worst defense of all of the contenders, and I think that is Jacksonville State. Even after getting hot and rattling off a bunch of wins in a row, their defense is still suspect. I think La Tech, Liberty, WKU, and Sam Houston are the top four defenses in CUSA. Personally I think it’s between WKU and Sam Houston, and I honestly think WKU is the best defense in CUSA.
As bizarre as it seems to say WKU’s defense is its best unit, in my mind there’s no question they are. WKU’s offense is good, but it’s not elite. Imagine if WKU had one of its best offensive units with this team. The prospects of how that hypothetical team would do is fascinating to think about. But if you kind of throw out the Alabama game, which I think was flukish and the Tops really piled on to their own problems, WKU’s defense has been nationally good ever since.
Against La Tech, I think this is a classic “WKU is just better” scenario. La Tech could give Western troubles, but I think Western is just the better team in all three phases. I think La Tech’s defense is excellent, but they can be inconsistent. Offensively, they will struggle mightily to keep up with WKU. On special teams, WKU has the advantage, as well.
I’m just not seeing very many routes to La Tech actually winning. They could keep it close, and WKU could always pee down its leg. In this case, though, I expect a pretty solid WKU victory. I think Western’s offense is clicking, they’ll be able to move the ball and take care of it, and WKU’s defense will go back to its dominant ways.
Tops win in its most impressive game all year… WKU 48-La Tech 13.
Alex Sherfield (11-1, 9-0 FB)
Louisiana Tech’s claim to have the best defense is very valid. They’re a team that’s not shy about sacking the quarterback or causing some lost yards per tackle. They also average 22 points allowed per contest. However, it’s still a defensive unit with some flaws. Currently, Jacksonville State is atop of the conference in interceptions and have been in the top five of stats in almost every category. I’ll definitely have to favor the Gamecocks on this one.
Saturday feels like a picture perfect day for a win on Homecoming. However, the Bulldogs can turn this game into a stressful one really quick. In their overtime loss to Jacksonville State, they outscored the Gamecocks 16-9 in the second half to force the regulation end, winning the turnover battle in the process. Barring any late game shenanigans & setbacks, Saturday should be another convincing win on the road to a CUSA Championship.
Give me WKU 34, La Tech 23
Jake Gary (10-2, 9-0 FB)
Western Kentucky 27 LA Tech 14
I think even though LA Tech is 3-6, they’ll play Western close. It always seems like a close game between the two, and this year La Tech has had a lot of low scoring games this year. I still think WKU will put up near 30 points as the offense has looked good so far. Should be a fun little showdown this weekend!
Devin Stewart (10-0, 7-0 FB)
35-14 Tops
WKU is coming into this game with a lot on the line, and it’s gonna take care of business. So where did my score come from? Cause Coach Helton (possibly) follows Vegas numbers and hates the over on points.
David McCay (8-2, 8-1 FB)
Western’s defense is very good at keeping teams out of the end zone, except when blitzes go wrong. La Tech’s offense is not good at sustained drives, not good at rushing, but will burn you on short yardage situations, especially via turnovers, and only have one receiver with the majority of the catches and receiving yards. The Bulldogs do not turn the ball over much. The team that makes the other earn every yard and gets more turnovers will determine who wins the game.
WKU’s offense needs to take what La Tech is willing to give and adjust as needed. Do not just go with standard game plan, do not run all receivers on deep routes, do not take your foot off the gas on offense, and do not turn the ball over. Western’s Caden Veltkamp needs the ability to change the play at the line to avoid run and pass blitzes and score however and whenever possible. It is homecoming and a blowout will send a message to the rest of the conference, the teams left on the schedule, and NCAA. Plus, it never hurts to ignite the fan base and region by running up the score against a good defense.
I see another score like we have been seeing recently though. WKU pulls it out 31-14. GO TOPS!!!
Bret Combest (6-2, 5-0 FB)
We win. It’s homecoming and we ball out. 36-14 WKU. They don’t score much. The only big one (offensive performance) was 48 (points) at MTSU.
As far as the defense, WKU has the best defense because we have Big Red! Who else has a Big Red?!?
Fletcher Keel (1-0)
Conclusion: The Calm Before the Storm
Western Kentucky has a massive opportunity to pretty much solidify a conference championship appearance this week by taking care of business against La Tech. There’s still more to be done, but if JSU beats Sam Houston, WKU needs one win or a Liberty loss to clinch a spot in the championship game. If Sam Houston beats JSU, there’s less certainty, but Western has plenty of ways to make the championship if they have a game lead in hand. Either way, beating La Tech resolves a lot of problems for WKU.
Our staff thinks this should be a pretty routine victory. Some of us think it will be low scoring, and some of think it will be a blowout. The bottom line is this should end up being a double digit win for WKU. Anything less suggests possible slippage from the Tops.
Regardless, the Tops need to survive and advance. The Tops are back in action at The Houch, and it’s Homecoming.
BEAT LA TECH!
It’s now the meat of Conference USA season in football, basketball is finally here, Volleyball is wrapping up CUSA play and prepping for the postseason, and the Topper fall calendar is in full swing.
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GO TOPS!!!!