WKU Football: Five Important Things Ahead of Louisville

Well, here we are. Heading into Week 3 of the college football season, Western Kentucky is winless. The average Western fan was surely…

Well, here we are. Heading into Week 3 of the college football season, Western Kentucky is winless. The average Western fan was surely expecting a 1–1 start. Against the odds, WKU found a way to lose to Maine.

Louisville is 1–1, as well, with an embarrassment at Alabama and a ho hum 34–7 victory at home against Indiana State. Louisville was in a tie game until rattling off four scores in the last 19 minutes of the contest against the Sycamores.

These two teams have obvious offensive weaknesses and serious question marks defensively. Let’s see where the keys lie this week.

Keys to the Game

Louisville Offensive Line vs. WKU Offensive Line

This continues to be a story line for WKU, and it’s a developing one for Louisville. UofL has given up three sacks in both games. Against Alabama, that’s respectable. Against the Sycamores, that’s a real problem. WKU did extremely well against Wisconsin, but when Maine brought pressure, it was not all quiet on the Western front, giving up six sacks. Both teams are allowing over three sacks per game through two games. That’s porous at best. In addition, both teams have defensive lines that could make an impact. If WKU can be even or have an advantage, this could put the Tops straight into the running to win it.

Special Teams

It’s cliche, but Special Teams is one-third of the game. In this case, Louisville has a distinct advantage in this area. The Cardinals should boast a better kicker, punter and probably more established and overall deep special teams unit. Alex Rinella is averaging 36.3 yards per punt, while Louisville boasts a punter in Mason King, who averages 44.6. In addition, WKU’s Ryan Nuss boasts little consistent experience, while UofL’s Blanton Creque currently owns Louisville’s career record for field goal percentage.

WKU’s returners are so far unproven, as well. Yikes.

Again, this is a major strength for U of L. If Western can hold its own, not do anything stupid, and convert when it has a chance, this would be huge for WKU.

Red Zone

WKU was 1-of-4 inside the red zone against Wisconsin. Despite scoring 28 points against Maine, WKU did not even see the red zone in its second game. That is an absolute anomaly. Surely WKU will have its opportunities in this game. Sanford has struggled to put the ball in the end zone so far in his career. WKU needs to find a way to score deep in Louisville territory. If Western can keep this one close, this is another opportunity for WKU to pull itself within striking distance of the Cards. Louisville has been extremely efficient deep in its opponents’ territory so far this season.

Wide Receivers

Neither team has an established stud, and neither team has anyone averaging more than 68 yards per game (Lucky Jackson, WKU). WKU may actually have a slight advantage here, but this is more about the fact Louisville doesn’t know who its quarterback is. After Drew Eckels’ injury, neither does WKU. Wide receiver will go a long way in determining whether this is a laugher for Louisville or an upset bid for Western Kentucky. If WKU can produce some yards in the air, watch out for the upset. Louisville may struggle to score if they can’t pass the ball.

Running Backs

Yeah neither one of these teams can move the football consistently, and their running backs (thus far) are awful. No single rusher on either team has more than 58 rushing yards on the year (Colin Wilson, Louisville) through two games. That’s pitiful. Someone is going to blow the game via anemia, or win the game by producing enough on the ground. One way or another, watch the rushing totals. If this is even, that’s a big time win for WKU.

Honorable Mention: Quarterbacks and Tight Ends

Both teams will play multiple quarterbacks, especially with Drew Eckels possibly out or hampered with an injury.

Both squads have good, productive tight ends. Will WKU’s speed, or Louisville’s size at tight end win this particular battle?