WKU Football: Defense Stands Strong As Tops Close Season With 30–15 Win Over La Tech
(ed. note — today’s recap was penned by RedZone’s Leroy Kleimoa
(ed. note — today’s recap was penned by RedZone’s Leroy Kleimoa
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers knew going to Ruston would be a difficult task. In fact, the Tops had never won in Ruston, Louisiana.
De’Andre Ferby and company however, were up to the task, as they cruised to a 30–15 victory on the road to beat the Bulldogs to finish the regular season winning two straight contests and ending they ear 3–9.
The Tops started off strong with a 18-yard Lucky Jackson touchdown run within the first five minutes to give the Tops a 7–0 lead. They would never look back.
Mik’Quan Deane joined the festivities later in the first after a Devon Key interception, giving the Hilltoppers a 14–0 cushion.
After a series of punts, WKU once again found the endzone — this time La Tech’s as DeAngelo Malone would get the safety.
De’Andre Ferby added his name to the box score with a touchdown following La Tech punting the ball and the Tops quieted the home crowd with a 23–0 lead late in the first half.
The Bulldogs missed field goal but scored their first points with a Israel Tucker touchdown run, cutting the defect 23–7.
La Tech added to the score with own safety and a field goal putting the
score at 23–12 to end the first half.
As the second half kicked off, La Tech found some of their footing as they limited what Western could do but couldn’t make the adjustments necessary to score more than a field goal in the second half.
The Bulldogs drove on each of their next five possessions but the most
the Bulldogs were be able to muster was that field goal which all came from a strong WKU defensive stand resulting in the 20 yard field goal.
Ferby broke off a 36-yard touchdown run giving him his second of the day and a last second-4th down throw led to a out of bounds interception, giving the ball back to the Tops and allowing Steven Duncan to lead his men into a victory formation giving the Tops a 30–15 victory.
Duncan finished the game 11-for-22 with 92 yards passing and 29 yards
rushing to accompany one touchdown and one interception.
Joshua Samuel and Ferby combined for 138 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
The defense had arguably the best game of the season, allowing 380 yards but only gave up one touchdown and had multiple key stops including the interception from Key.
With the win, it all but secures a third year for Mike Sanford, who met Athletic Director Todd Stewart’s ultimatum and won out to prove to Sanford he’s worth the third year.
It was a long season but picking up a pair of wins to end the season with three is a nice way to head into 2019. Hopefully this is as bottom as rock bottom gets.
Final Stats
