WKU Football: Grading the Hilltoppers' 41-24 Win over South Florida

How did WKU fare across the board in its season opening win on Saturday?

Western Kentucky ultimately found a way. Despite injuries on both sides of the ball - both entering Saturday and happening throughout the course of the day - the heat, a slow start, and a silent home crowd, the Tops got it done.

WKU defeated the South Florida Bulls, 41-24, getting off to a 1-0 start in 2023. A score that looks better on paper than it was to experience: WKU held a single possession lead until well into the fourth quarter, with South Florida owning, at one point, a 17-7 lead and nearly outgained the Tops by 200 yards in the first quarter.

The Tops got stronger as the game went on, outscoring USF 34-7 to close out the game and secure the win.

Many of us saw the whole game, but let’s break it down and see some of the details to understand what happened.

Grading the Keys to Victory

Don’t Suck: C+

In some ways, the Tops were the much more solid team. Over 60 minutes, WKU was the more stable, seemingly more experienced team. In other ways, though, WKU did everything it could to keep USF in the game. All of the things one would list off that Tyson Helton and crew don’t want to happen happened. A slow start, giving up tons of yardage, inaccuracy at QB, unforced penalties, and not really taking advantage of turnovers plagued WKU.

On the positive side, though, WKU made the adjustments, didn’t turn it over, and really didn’t have much of a threat for a turnover.

Wide Receiver Depth: A+

You know what? That was directly tested and WKU’s receivers produced all but 19 of the 336 receiving yards. Malachi Corley, who went out with a bruised sternum in the first half, only contributed 55 yards. Dalvin Smith overcame a slow start and nearly came up with 100 yards. Four receivers amassed 50 or more yards. That’s a heck of a job, especially shorthanded.

Show us the Offensive Line is Above Average: B

I think WKU’s O-Line showed they can be pretty good. They did give up some hits, and they did have trouble early on running the ball. At the end of the day, they gave up zero sacks (which, by the way, one of Austin Reed’s underrated skills is sliding around in the pocket and avoiding sacks) and they helped a running game that struggled early help take care of some business. There were several moments where an offensive lineman pulled and really made a big difference on a play.

Is Austin Reed Going to Take His Next Step?: C+

First of all, it’s hard to give a super high grade when Austin Reed threw under 60% for the game. He started out 12-for-28. From that point forward, he was 17-for-22 (77%). He was not his sharpest, especially early. However, he also only had a couple of plays where he made a poor decision. He was inaccurate at times. No question. But from a QB coaching/management type of perspective, what do you really care about?

Decision making.

He made good decisions. Reed has to complete the puzzle, though. If he’s going to be a real NFL prospect, he’s got to check all of the boxes. He’s a good leader, took care of the football, and made his other players look good. But throwing under 50% for one half is not something scouts will drool over.

Let’s Have a Running Game in Week One: C+

One way or another, WKU came up with 129 yards rushing. Austin Reed and K.D. Hutchinson were 50 of that, though. One thing WKU did not do was focus on the run at all. WKU’s running backs ran the ball 19 times throughout the game. With the opportunity given, the running game was productive. However, there were some moments, especially early, where WKU had trouble moving the ball on the ground.

Let’s See Some Pressure Up Front: A+

Well, this was a stone cold victory. One of the biggest concerns entering the game was how a restructured front six would look and perform. Well, considering how huge USF was, WKU’s defensive line got a ton of pressure. Yes, they gave up a ton of rushing yards, but the defensive line was disruptive and created headaches for the USF offensive line and quarterback.

Position Grades

Quarterback: C

Frankly, Austin Reed had one of his worst halves as a Hilltopper in many ways, throwing 12-of-28 in the first half. Alarmingly for the 12 teams scheduled to play WKU, this was probably his worst possible half that he could possibly play in terms of accuracy, and he still threw for way over 300 yards for the game. Besides the accuracy (he ended the game completing just 29 of his 50 pass attempts), he was excellent in his decision making.

I counted two plays where he really put the ball at risk, and one of those times was on a free play that didn’t count because of offsides on USF. If he throws it 50 times and puts the ball at risk twice, you live with that. Heck of a job other than the accuracy issues.

Running Back: C+

When factoring in some contribution in the passing game, the running backs showed up, and all four running backs that played contributed something. Most importantly, they didn’t put the ball on the ground. I would have liked to see some more production, but they also didn’t get much chance.

Wide Receiver: A

Given the circumstances, bravo. The only ding is the penalties. Blue Smith had several, and a couple of other guys also got in trouble for offensive interference and a couple of false starts. These are things to work on, but when you have all three of your original starting receivers injured or hobbled and you get over 300 receiving yards, you better take it rejoice.

Tight End: D-

During the game, I did not notice a thing the tight ends did. After watching it back on the DVR, I did notice a couple of good blocks. So they weren’t completely absent. However, I believe in the passing game, they were only targeted twice? Maybe? And those two opportunities were the two times Austin Reed almost turned it over? Not good. WKU must have some type of production from the tight end position. And it doesn’t have to be in the receiving game. However, we need to see something from this position.

Offensive Line: B+

I want to caution everybody: Just because WKU did not give up a sack does not mean the offensive line was the only reason for that. As noted above, Reed does an exceptional job avoiding pressure. I know Jeff Brohm had some really good drills to practice QB pressure when I was there as a manager. This staff comes from some of that coaching tree. Regardless, whatever they’re doing works, because Reed (and most of the Helton era QBs are good at minimizing pressure problems by simply making the right simple decision when they maneuver in a dirty pocket. However, give the O-Line credit. They helped the running game gain well over 100 yards, and they kept Austin Reed on his feet for the most part.

Defensive Line: A-

Wow. I didn’t expect an awesome D-Line. We’ll take it. But they were all up in the backfield. Now, obviously the yardage is concerning, and WKU must do a better job containing a mobile quarterback. But the defensive line was completely disruptive.

Linebacker: A-

I think it’s difficult to grade this game defensively in general. Looking at the stats, the linebacker position was incredibly effective, with way over 20 tackles from essentially only two or three players on the field at a time. An interception and a forced fumble and a touchdown to seal the game? It’s hard to give them too hard of a time. Ultimately, the defense only gave up 24 points, and all positions groups did their part.

Defensive Back: B+

I’ve decided to just give everybody on the defense an A- or B+. I have to account for the yardage somewhere, but WKU’s DBs did a really good job containing USF’s passing attack. Except for the go route touchdown for the huge gain and a play where Byron Brown overthrew a wide open man after the defender fell down, Western’s defense held USF under 50% passing and 166 yards. Without the 84 yard touchdown, WKU gave up 82 receiving yards. And that, friends is why USF only scored 24 despite producing so much on the ground. Upton Stout: Absolute lockdown corner.

Special Teams: B+

Wait, what? I’m sure you’re puzzled to have anything but an A grade. This is really just to make a point. WKU’s special teams was really good. 43.5 yards per punt, no misses on field goals, and no mistakes on returns and coverage.

Two things that troubled me: kick return and long snapping. Kick return had some questionable decisions to return, as well as not getting the ball out past the 25 on most returns. Extremely noteworthy, according to Tyson Helton, WKU’s starting long snapper had an injury and the backup played the entire game. It was absolutely noticeable, with a wobbly ball, some height on both field goal and punt snaps, and nearly getting a punt blocked (which fell pretty short because of the rush). It’s concerning to see noticeable long snapping issues.

Coaching

Offensive Coaching: B

Big time credit for the adjustments after the slow start. They definitely pulled the right strings and put together a really nice offensive performance. However, the drive that stood out as questionable play calling was early fourth quarter throwing three short passes. Two lost seven yards and then Dalvin Smith barely avoided penalty and only gained eight yards. Why not run the ball up a possession in the fourth quarter? WKU mixed in a few runs later in the fourth, and they were able to move the ball, run the clock, and have a more balanced offense to finish things off and buy a field goal to mostly seal the deal.

Defensive Coaching: A+

I would be shocked if WKU’s coaching staff anticipated an option attack with passing when they had to prepare for a Josh Heupel (Tennessee) disciple. So when USF came out running, running, running from the quarterback position, Tyson Summers had to pivot. That pivot resulted in less than 100 yards passing and less than 200 yards rushing and seven points surrendered after the first quarter-plus. After he figured out what the Bulls were going to do, the Tops’ outscored USF, 34-7. This was a nice feather in his cap.

Head Coaching: A-

Huge credit for playing his part in the adjustments and managing a difficult test. There were some questionable, but not egregious, moments from Helton in this game, so I’ll ding him a little bit. I thought going for it on anything less than 4th-and-inches from near midfield down 10 was a panic move, it didn’t work, and it gave USF a chance to go up 17 with a short field. It worked out and that didn’t happen, but that didn’t feel like the right moment to take a risk like that. In general, though, Tyson Helton does a really good job managing the game and managing his program.

Overall: B+

I think overall, the Tops should be pleased, if not thrilled, with this performance. You would like to see a decent start, but the Tops adjusted and outscored USF 34-7 after digging a 10-point hole early in the second quarter.

USF was game. I think anyone being fair would say the Bulls did not look like a 1-11 team with no hope. They were flying around, the defense made life difficult for a very good offense, and the offense is more than viable and unique with high end potential pending more efficient passing.

Coming into the game, WKU fans wanted to see a team that confirms the hype. You want to see where your weaknesses are. You’re wondering, “Can the Tops hang at all with Ohio State?”

WKU gave its fans a mixed bag on that front.

Was it Western’s most elite performance? Absolutely not. Slow start. Reed was as inaccurate as seemingly possible. No tight ends. O-Line lucky. The running backs were not elite. Tons of yardage defensively. Busted plays. Missed tackles. Long snapping concerns.

All of those things could be picked apart, so from a Tyson Helton perspective, he’s probably thrilled. His team won somewhat comfortably, but they know they have work to do.

There were also tons of positives. Overcame adversity. Early season test. No turnovers. 34-7 run to end the game. Quarterback threw over 300 yards. Receivers look deep. All four running backs contributed. O-line gave up zero sacks. Defensive line is very capable. Donut (Evans) was a better Donut than we’ve ever seen. LBs made plays. DBs shut down the opponent. Special teams made zero mistakes.

What was the biggest positive? WKU won by double digits over a much improved team with a lot of athleticism from a slightly better conference.

Topper expectations should be about on par with that they were before the game. Malachi Corley will likely be back by the game at Ohio State. He may even sit out this week against Houston Christian, though Helton did say Monday he could be good to go against the Huskies. Michael Mathison should be back before the end of the season.

Other injuries do not seem largely concerning, so ultimately the Tops show the world that they’re already pretty good and could be great with a lot more polishing. They also show that they’re not a juggernaut yet and are certainly very vulnerable right now with a temporarily decimated receiver room.

Topper fans should feel great about it, get fired up for Houston Christian, and (dadgumit) SHOW UP and make some noise.