The Family Dinner Table: How WKU Fared at Alabama
FB: WKU got absolutely trounced to the tune of the most statistically lopsided loss in Week One. Should WKU fans be worried? The McCay's weigh in with their differing opinions.
Well, that didn’t go according to plan.
Dear Old Western got Dear Old Dumped. Paid $1.9 million, Western Kentucky cratered to Alabama 63-0 in Tuscaloosa. Although the result was to be expected, the way in which WKU failed to score, made a couple of dumb early turnovers from the experienced QB who took the local boy’s job, and completely screeched to a halt in the second quarter offensively leaves WKU social media in a tailspin.
Is WKU going to suck? Is this more of the same “unacceptable mediocrity” from Tyson Helton? Will WKU ever make the 12 team College Football Playoff? If Liberty could do it, why can’t we? “National Embarrassment” or the “Ahh we suck again!” GIF. We tend to overreact when anything happens in sports. Certainly when you get blasted by a team a lot of people thought WKU could be respectable against, there is an element of panic that sets in immediately.
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 honor of the Monday morning quarterbacks, the heated debates, the differing opinions, and the people screaming from the upper deck, this one’s for you.
“I brought you into this world, and I’ll take you out!” -David McCay
Well, needless to say, 63-0 was not what most of “The Hilltopper Family” (I refuse to say Hilltopper Nation) hoped for. Before the game I was most uncertain about WKU’s defense, thought the offense would score points, and Western would get something out of this game other than a big pay check. Well, that notion was wrong. All Western got from this game is a paycheck and bunches of questions.
Unfortunately, Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer did not have much to say when asked what he would learn from this game. As a Hilltopper fan, it was upsetting. My wife said it was a total waste of her time, because we did nothing. If you are an Alabama fan, it could not have gone better. Your team dominated.
New Rules
There are some new rules involving technology and “two minute” timeouts that have been added for the 2024 football season. These technology rules came into play as the Western Kentucky vs Alabama game was starting. We’re still not sure if there is a penalty, warning, or anything if a team refuses to stop using technology of there is a technology problem.
Game Controversies
WKU had problems with their new headset communication system for several minutes at the beginning of the contest. Western coaches previously acknowledged they would not use the headsets much and mostly use sideline signals. The controversy is the fact that Alabama refused to stop using their headsets when the officials notified them of the problem immediately after the kickoff. Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer was visibly upset and argued with the head official multiple times with his headset on talking to coaches and players.
As I reviewed the game, I noticed that Alabama coaches never removed their headsets and were seen talking into them when the camera went to the sideline during the 12 minutes that the headsets were down. It was only 2:10 of gametime, so not a big deal in the big picture, but still interesting. The officials delayed Western’s first drive for over six minutes, and repeatedly were seen telling Alabama to remove and not use their headsets while Western’s headset system was being analyzed and rebooted. Alabama was never penalized for using their headsets during this part of the game.
A pregame graphic was released earlier this week showing the Alabama Crimson Elephant facing off against Big Red wearing a Red UK jersey. The UK was replaced at some point with a WKU. We assume this was a mistake, but regardless, it is telling of how Western Kentucky University is an afterthought.
The defense had an interception that was called back on a targeting - roughing the passer penalty. The ESPN announcers and rules expert said it was definitely not targeting as none of the signs of targeting were present. The announcers reported it as a bad call, because the hit occurred while the quarterback was in his passing motion. The targeting was overturned, but roughing the passer penalties cannot be overturned. So the ball went back to Alabama, and they later scored on the drive.
This next one is probably only a controversy in my household when Matt and I talk about WKU football vs SEC schools. It is what I call SEC ball spotting. As an example: WKU player downed at the 35 yard line, but the line official marks it just short of the 35, and he does this every time a ball is spotted for Western. Past announcers once called this a left or right foot spot. Meaning, depending on the way the line judge was facing, the ball was placed upfield or downfield of where the ball should be.
Alabama Rolls
Let’s look at some Alabama numbers and then try to figure out if there is anything for Alabama to gain from this game. Alabama had 25 first downs, 600 total yards and nine TDs. Third down efficiency 8-of-13 and fourth down 1-for-1. Bama was 12-of-18 for 266 yards and 3 TDs (14.8 Yards per play) combined between multiple quarterbacks. Alabama rushed for 334 Yards and six TDs on 47 attempts. That is 7.1 yards per attempt.
In the game, Alabama only had 4 sustained drives of more than 4 plays. Why? After a Tide three and out on the first drive, WKU threw two interceptions, leading to quick strike TDs putting WKU immediately down 14. In the first half, Alabama had eight drives, ran only 21 plays, had one punt, one fumble, and six TDs. The score at halftime was WKU 0 - Alabama 42.
In the second half, WKUs defense settled down forcing longer play drives and two punts as Alabama started using fewer starters. Alabama added three more TDs in the second half.
Overall Impression of Alabama
Jalen Milroe #4 is as advertised, absolutely fantastic, a true Heisman candidate. Jalen was seven of nine passing for 200 yards and three TDs. He also rushed ten times for 79 yards and two additional TDs. All of the running backs are fast, have good vision to find holes, and the burst to get through those holes. This group was led by Justice Haynes #22 with four carries for 102 yards and a TD, and Jam Miller #26 had five carries for 54 yards and a TD. The most impressive wide receiver was 17 year old freshman Ryan Williams #2 who caught 2 passes for 139 yards and 2 TDs. Williams seemed lightning fast, strong and elusive. On his second TD catch, he knocked off two tacklers and avoided others on his way into the endzone. This is a very impressive 17 year old.
Alabama’s defense was totally stifling. After Alabama’s offense failed to move the ball on their first drive, their defense forced two straight early, game igniting interceptions that led to two TDs. With only one sack, Bama’s defense held Western Kentucky to 103 yards passing and 42 yards rushing. Absolutely dominant.
In the previous article, I mentioned Alabama was very young. Due to necessity, they played many of their 49 freshmen all over the field against WKU. Needless to say, the eye test was backed up by the numbers: They played very well. If that continues, Alabama will have another good season, and another, and another…
Western Kentucky Falters
I am not sure where to start with this part, so let’s start with some positive things.
Western Kentucky Athletics department will receive a check for around $1.9 Million. WKU’s punter Cole Maynard #18 launched nine punts for an average of 44.8 yards per punt and a long punt of 54 yards. Western’s defense garnered one sack, caused 3 fumbles and recovered one, an interception (called back), two tackles for loss, and multiple quarterback pressures and hurries.
WKU Quarterback Controversy?
TJ Finley #2 a 6’7” quarterback was named the WKU starting quarterback for the Alabama game late last week by head coach Tyson Helton. This was his third start against Alabama. TJ was 18-for-31 passing for 92 yards and rushed seven times for 17 yards. He struggled some in the first half, staring down receivers and throwing two interceptions on consecutive drives.
After reviewing the game again, I observed that most of his passes were on target. Of Finley’s 13 incompletions, five were batted at the line (granted, for a 6’7” QB, that is concerning), three were throwaways under pressure, and four were due to good defense. Only the two interceptions and another near interception were obvious errant passes. When running, TJ looked slow, or was the defense very fast? Finley could not get away as he was spied all night to keep him from big runs.
Western was able to get 3 long drives deep into Alabama territory in the first half, but scored no points. The first chance to score, TJ threw an errant pass into double coverage. The receiver was on the sideline the pass came just inside to the safety Sabb. On the second chance, bad luck, bad plays, and good defense led to a wide right, 39 yard field goal attempt by Lucas Carneiro #17. The third drive ended on downs inside the Alabama redzone when down 21-0. Western would not get any other chances to score in the game.
By the end of the first half, some WKU fans were calling for Caden Veltcamp #10 to get a chance, including the announcers at the end of the first quarter, but down 42 points WKU seemed to stop being aggressive offensively. Caden did get some playing time at Bryant-Denny Stadium, but had limited pass plays called while he was behind the center. Of the nine passes Caden threw, he completed four for eleven yards and rushed three times for six yards. Most of Veltcamp’s passes seemed to be on target. Of the five incompletions, four hit the receiver’s hands, but were knocked away or dropped.
These statistics are not good for either player to convince WKU fans that either is above the other. Finley was given more opportunities, but with inconsistent accuracy was never able to get WKU offense going. Veltcamp seemed a little more accurate on the passes he threw, but the coaches closed the playbook early in this one. He never had any real chances to show his abilities.
Western coaches will need to figure out where they go from here with these two quarterbacks. I believe TJ and Caden both are very talented dual threat quarterbacks, when not against a superior speedy defense. I say, ignore the score and open up the playbook no matter who is in the game. Let these horses loose and let them play. Give them the opportunity to diagnose a defense and make play complete changes at the line of scrimmage. HooAh! Go TOPS!!!
Time To Look at Problem Areas
God forbid, the (WKU) Hilltoppers are not as inept offensively and defensively as they looked on Saturday against The Alabama Crimson Tide. Offensively WKU did very little passing or rushing. Less than 200 total yards and zero points must be on the WKU all time worst performances list. Question: Was it superior coverage? Was it poor play design? Were the plays easy to figure out? Was it strength, size and speed? Was it preparation? Just what the heck was that? But that must be evaluated closely and dealt with quickly, or it will be an agonizingly disappointing season.
The offensive line only gave up one sack, but the two quarterbacks seemed to be under duress the entire game and the running game was nonexistent. These guys need to realize they have the size, strength, abilities, and talent to dominate, so go mash/road grade some Colonels and all will be better.
The running backs could not find an opening the entire game. Elijah Young #3 led all Hilltoppers with ten carries for 18 yards and a long run of ten. He also caught four passes for an additional 16 yards.
With Dalvin Smith #17 blanketed, Moussa Barry #18 caught four passes for 27 yards to lead the tops. Ten players caught a total of 22 passes for 103 yards. Sure, the ball was spread around, but the quarterbacks had trouble finding open receivers. Alabama suffocated the Tops.
WKU’s defense played well at times during this game, but allowed too many explosive plays in the first half. The Hilltoppers always struggle against dual threat quarterbacks. There is a historic tendency to lose contain on the quarterback and at least one receiver that is found for a big play. This was the case again. Western did have a bad snap recovery, strip sack of Melroe (missed the recovery), drew several offensive penalties, and forced another fumble. There were problems with players not handing off receivers in coverage correctly, bad timed or placed blitzes, and missed tackles.
Overall Impression of WKU
Western played inconsistently on both sides of the ball the entire game, much like last season if you look at every drive. Hopefully this is all first game - big game jitters. Alabama’s superior talent, weight training, size, length, speed, play calling, play design, and etc. just made this worse. This must be rectified if Western is going to take steps to improve their record, winning more than eight games as the coaching staff and Athletics department have promised alumni. Hopefully, this bad performance is not a systemic problem of this season. Thankfully, WKU does not get to play another team of Alabama’s caliber this season. Hopefully, everything will be corrected quickly and Western will smack some EKU Colonels around on Saturday. If so, all will be better for a week.
“You forced me into this world; I’ll force you out!” -Matt McCay
There was a whole lot of debate on Twitter and Facebook about how to interpret the 63-0 score line. Honestly, it does give you some information. For example, we know that right now, none of WKU’s three units are elite at this point.
I think Dad and I disagree on how serious this is. I still feel like this isn’t a complete disaster. And to be clear, it’s embarrassing and it makes it harder for Alabama fans (and everyone else) to not pat your head when you defend your team. I think Dad is more pissed than me, and I think a lot of the WKU base is frustrated with this ridiculously lopsided shutout. And y’all are justified in feeling what you feel.
Let me ask you, though: What else do we actually know? In my opinion, it’s really hard to say anything at all about what this means for WKU’s future.
I’d just encourage people to chill out. You just don’t know.
In my opinion, it’s not as bad as it seemed. WKU threw away a boatload of potential points. Dad actually highlighted some more stuff that I forgot. I remembered the two interceptions that cost WKU points. I remembered the missed field goal. I certainly thought the roughing the passer was frustrating. That’s 24 points right there. Let me ask you: If WKU had lost 42-3, would you be freaking out? Because it was not that far from being that score.
WKU also had two other trips deep inside Alabama territory. Alabama fumbled twice and recovered those footballs. Who knows what results if those two were recovered, as well?
I know it’s probably going to be viewed as grasping for straws, but it’s really just circumstance that resulted in the 63-0 score. I suppose there were a couple of moments where this game could have been worse, but imagine if WKU had gotten every bounce to go right given all of the things that went wrong to put them at that 63-0 mark.
In my opinion, it’s not excuse making. It’s just pointing out that we get so caught up in numbers and it can be silly.
Stop panicking! Want me to run through history?
Ok sure if I have to…
2010: WKU loses its first six games, only three of which were within two scores. WKU’s 26 game losing streak headed into what seemed like another certain loss at ULL. The Tops won 54-21 and won another game to squeak out two wins after going 0-12 the year before.
2011: Western loses its first four (including FCS Indiana State) and nearly wins the Sun Belt Conference title, winning seven of eight to finish the season.
2013: WKU starts out 4-4, looking like they would regress from the previous season and rattled off four in a row.
2014: 3-5 start under Jeff Brohm, win five in a row late in the season.
2018: 5-4 start, 9-4 finish
2020: 2-6 start, 5-7 finish with a bowl appearance
2021: 1-4 start, 9-5 finish, CUSA Championship appearance
2022: 3-3 start, 9-5 finish
2023: Even last year, WKU started 5-5 and finished 8-5 with a bowl win.
Clearly, WKU has a track record of struggling early and pulling it together late. Hopefully, Western is not on track to struggle early, but with four non-conference games to start the season, all that ultimately matters is getting it right late and winning a conference championship.
The word of the day is “patience”, Topper fans. See how it goes against Eastern. See how it goes at BC. See how it goes against Toledo at home. See how it goes against Middle. Patience.
TJ Finley’s Lack of Awareness Concerning
One thing I feel like stood out early with Finley was just an overall lack of awareness. An experienced college QB shouldn’t be making all of those mistakes. I feel like both interceptions were his fault. Tyson Helton said one wasn’t. He threw late over the middle of the field. In my mind, that’s inadvisable at the very best. The other interception to the boundary was just a complete lack of awareness of the DB.
He also had zero sense when he was under pressure. I also noticed he was very careless with the ball on a scramble. There were a couple of other plays that make you nervous. He did settle down as he progressed into the second quarter, but the first several drives, he looked awful as a decision maker and as a game manager.
TJ Finley’s Arm Clearly Stronger than Caden Veltkamp’s
In the interest of fairness, I think if people are going to call for TJ Finley to be benched and to call him “trash” and all of that, we also need to be fair and be honest in the other way. There is zero question in my mind that Caden Veltkamp can throw the football pretty much where it needs to go.
However, TJ’s arm is an absolute cannon. Very rarely have we seen an arm at WKU that strong, and usually at the G5 level, it comes with extreme inaccuracy. I think of Kawaun Jakes, whose football burned my hands when I caught it. DaMarcus Smith was another one with a really strong arm. I think Mike White and Bailey Zappe’s balls had some zip on it, although I was never quarterback manager for them.
Brandon Doughty’s footballs, especially early in his career, came in much softer. James Mauro. Brandon Smith. All of those guys’ footballs just came in a different speed. I imagine Caden’s physical arm strength is probably on par or slightly above Brandon’s. I think it’s probably definitively stronger with an eye test, but I can’t say that conclusively because of never catching with Caden.
My point is TJ Finley’s throws probably hurt like the fires of hell when you catch them. He’s throwing absolute bullets out there. He does have some inaccuracy. He sailed one ball (harmlessly) into the middle of the defense. Fortunately, no one was around, but he completely missed a shallow cross five feet over a tight end’s (I believe River Helms’) head. But his accuracy is not problematic in my opinion. He still could throw 65 percent completion percentage and with good coaching and fine tuning, those numbers could be a little higher.
Veltkamp Was Slightly Worse Than Finley
For those saying Caden “clearly” deserves the start at quarterback, are you insane? He threw for 11 yards, y’all. Eleven! And he threw some ducks that TJ did not throw. There was a ball to the far side of the field (granted from the left hash) that fell well short. Short balls are interceptions waiting to happen.
But Caden showed nothing in the Alabama game that told me he needs to start over Finley. In our Towel Rack chat, people were talking about how the quarterback battle should be handled. I said if Caden killed it in the second half, it should be an open competition. Now, granted, WKU hardly saw the ball in the second half. But also…wasn’t Caden the quarterback? That’s kind of on him, too.
My conclusion (and guess for how this goes) is TJ (if healthy) gets to start against EKU. It’s closer than it was before the Alabama game (however close it was), because TJ was not excellent. But Caden is the backup. If TJ continues to struggle, then it’s up to Caden to a) earn it in practice to be considered a legitimate alternative to TJ and b) when given opportunity in a game, show that he is the better QB. Then after he shows greatness in the game, back it up in practice.
Then, my friends, he will then win the starting job. That’s up to him and TJ. Don’t be mad at the situation unless you’ve been at practice all camp and feel like TJ is being picked over Caden. If you saw all of it and understood the full results and still feel that way, go ahead. Otherwise, you, me, Caden’s family, or even TJ’s family have no idea why the depth chart sorts out the way it does.
Football is a meritocracy, and whatever happened internally, TJ earned the start at Alabama, and unless something else was done by Caden or TJ to change things that we didn’t see, it will continue to be TJ with the slight advantage until we see something tangibly different consistently.
TJ Finley’s Hand
This is completely unconfirmed, but around the Topper Facebook water cooler, sources that would have a clue (former player) said TJ may have injured his hand late in the first half at Alabama. That would explain why he suddenly “got benched” right before the half. That also may have explained why Tyson was much more conservative, hoping not to have another QB or someone else get devastatingly injured.
Take this information as you wish, but it probably was nothing more than a nick on the (presumably) throwing hand that they didn’t want to mess with. Jam a finger and then get it banged on a helmet and he could potentially not play for several weeks because of no ability to grip the football. That would be silly.
Grading the Keys to Victory
Jaylen Milroe Needs to Look Human: D+
Milroe actually didn’t completely go off through the air, but five total touchdowns, only two missed throws, and 86 yards on the ground say that he was plenty good and dynamic. He also did everything he did for about half of the game before turning the backups loose.
WKU did get a sack on him, hit him a couple of times, made him manipulate the pocket, and forced a fumble. So it wasn’t a complete disaster of a job against Milroe. But it also was not a passing grade. Milroe pretty much did what he wanted for the most part.
TJ Finley Needs to be More than Advertised: D-
Yeah unfortunately, TJ Finley looked awful on 75 percent of the plays. How much of that is playing Alabama, and how much is just not playing his best? And how much is him just not being a good QB? I think we all sincerely pray that it’s not the latter, but he left plenty of room to question.
I don’t completely give him an F, because it’s Alabama, he did make some throws, WKU had an offense that produced over 100 yards in the first quarter and a half under his leadership, and he did seem to settle in and show some signs of awareness late in his performance. I already covered my issues with him above, but it’s deeply concerning to see an experience QB make freshman mistakes. Hopefully that was a “whoopsies” and we move on.
Turn the Pressure Up: B-
Honestly…the defensive line was somehow not the problem! They did a pretty good job. Now, they allowed massive running lanes and got dominated at times. That’s part of the territory of playing bigger, faster, and stronger players. However, Western blew up a couple of plays. They forced Milroe to scramble. They made things difficult for Alabama a few times. They forced a turnover that got called back on a phantom penalty. I was thoroughly pleased with the D-Line, but I also don’t want to give an “A” grade, because they absolutely were not consistent, and they absolutely were not in Alabama’s face on frequent occasion. They just didn’t get utterly dominated and I see a lot of hope in this unit. Hosea Wheeler looked like the player he’s been projected to be this year, which is massive for the defensive front.
Don’t Crap the Bed: F
Here’s where the Tops really screwed themselves. Your QB throws an interception. Ok, what do you do with that? Instead of settling in and fighting, the Tops just crap themselves for most of the game. Blown coverages, missed field goal, red zone screw ups. I think that’s the most alarming thing about this whole game: WKU looked like a team that absolutely panicked and played its worst on the big stage. Justttt acquit yourself a little with a makeable field goal. Score twice out of three deep in Bama territory. Don’t give up easy scores. If Western made Alabama work, I don’t think there would be such skepticism after the loss.
Red Zone and Hidden Yardage: D
We already talked about the red zone/deep territory opportunities. The only reason this isn’t an F is the punter deserves a shoutout. Cole Maynard, the new guy replacing Tom Ellard, averaged nearly 45 yards Saturday. Know how many times Ellard averaged 44 or more last season? One time (45.33 vs Liberty)! This is a huge improvement, even if Maynard drops down a couple of yards per punt. Shout out to him, but every other part of this question was a complete dud, and that’s why WKU lost by the amount they did.
In conclusion, ya know. I mean what is there to say? Western got trounced in primetime on opening week. Good luck overcoming that impression for the rest of 2024.
However, just remember that this was one game, and the result (a blowout by a top five team) was expected! Don’t lose sight of that. That game hopefully motivates the Tops to get their bleepity bleep together and get right against EKU.
Friday, we will run another preview article for you as well as a roundtable prediction from the rest of the staff. We will have plenty of info for you heading into Saturday against OVC rival, EKU.
Finally, sports are back on The Hill, and Towel Rack is here to be your source for all things WKU. Tune in for more articles, live tweeting, reaction to big news, and the podcast. We truly appreciate our loyal audience! GO TOPS!
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