WKU Football: Grading the Tops' 52-22 Victory vs. Houston Christian

The Hilltoppers won 52-22, but what did it look like in more detail?

Western Kentucky is 2-0 for the second year in a row for the first time since the 1999-2000 seasons on the wings of a 52-22 victory over Houston Christian.

With a 31-0 start, a significant sputter, defensive question marks, injuries, and ultimately a burst to put the game completely out of reach, there is plenty to like and dislike about the Tops’ performance.

It’s not time to panic in Bowling Green, but a 31 point lead halfway through the second quarter turned into a two possession ball game after HCU converted a two-point conversion to cut the Topper lead to 38-22 with 11:28 remaining.

WKU proceeded to immediately score and then score again, making the final result about what it should have been.

Western didn’t quite live on the razor’s edge, but Houston Christian really adjusted well after Western took its 31 point lead. From that point forward, WKU was outscored 22-21, a much different look than the first quarter plus, when various outlets following the game were making references wondering if WKU would score 80 (ed note - including this one).

After two games, it’s probably safe to say WKU’s run defense is suspect. It’s safe to say WKU’s overall defense has not produced an overall effort to write home about, either. Western has not had one of its signature, mind-blowing full 60 minute offensive performances, either. The punting game averaged less than 40 yards per punt this game. There’s plenty to nitpick.

Perhaps if WKU didn’t score two late touchdowns, we look at this game much differently. However, WKU did step up and respond to put the game out of reach and pretty much do what should have been expected against an FCS opponent that is unlikely to win half of its games this season.

Grading the Keys to Victory

Put the World on Notice: C+

I would say at the end of the day, WKU adequately answered the bell against Houston Christian. Western Kentucky should beat a team like the Huskies handily. WKU’s 31 point start was incredible, and everybody was in relative cruise control from there. However, what was concerning was allowing Houston Christian to cut the lead to two possessions. That was not putting the world “on notice”. That was frankly exposing some weaknesses. Instead of Ohio State completely quaking in their cleats, they’re going to fairly well expect to run away with a W against WKU.

WKU did what it should have, but when someone looks at 52-22 against HCU, they’re not going to be blown away by that in any way. It wasn’t elite statistically, nor by the scoreboard, nor by the eye test. It was adequate, and that’s ok.

Stop the Run: D-

This seems to be WKU’s greatest weakness thus far this season. WKU’s front six has been a concern since losing Brodric Martin (who was at the game Saturday) to the NFL and seasoned run stuffer Juwuan Jones and others to graduation.

WKU has shown some ability to get in the backfield and make things difficult, but WKU’s first two opponents have each been able to run the ball. Coming into Saturday, the run had to be a point of emphasis, yet WKU still could not really slow down the Huskies. In this case, HCU, a middling FCS opponent, was able to produce 155 yards rushing against the Topper D. That’s really not good. Now, it wasn’t to the tune of a complete disaster, but WKU cannot be thrilled with its run defense.

Ohio State may not really try to pass until WKU shows it can stop the Buckeyes on the ground. In a year Ohio State’s offense is not invincible, can WKU stop the Buckeyes from running it down their throat? Defensively, that is what mainly stands between WKU and a real upset bid next Saturday in Columbus. Shore that up and this is a winnable game in Columbus.

Bust a Run Early: B

WKU’s running backs continue to do a good job when called upon. Markese Stepp, especially, had some moments but three different Hilltoppers had runs of 14 yards or more. That was nice to see. WKU didn’t quite “bust one”, but the Tops definitely showed they have an ability to open running lanes and also run through them if they are present. This was a nice confirmation step going forward, and the Tops did it early in the game and didn’t wait until the second half to produce a ground game.

Fix the Unforced Stuff: A+

Tyson Helton and staff went back and did a good job getting the players to do what should be the easiest part of their job: Not jumping offsides. WKU’s receivers, as well as tackle Wes Dorsey and a couple of other players, struggled against USF just to get off the ball correctly. WKU had a few penalties Saturday, but they were all related to hustle plays or effort instead of lack of focus. You live with a few pass interference calls versus pulling your hair out because your receivers keep getting a head start on a power run play.

Let the Crowd Fuel You: B

Well, the crowd was great, especially in number. Over 20,000 people showed up, more than any Sun Belt school over the weekend. This key was really just to point out that WKU needed a home field advantage, and it was also just a hope that WKU would play with energy, whether it was fueled by a raucous crowd or not. The crowd certainly wasn’t raucous, although it was more lively than against South Florida.

The main concern with the effort and focus was the lull from middle of the second to well into the fourth quarter. WKU’s defense gave up the lion’s share of the yards surrendered during this time frame, as well as being outscored 22-7. WKU must have better focus going forward. The Tops were clearly superior, but they didn’t show it for half the game. It’s not a requirement to just pour it on, but if fans are evaluating the ceiling of this team, the ceiling goes up if WKU throws up a 65-0 performance vs. a 52-22 one, right? Ultimately, it’s fine and WKU responded, but it’s something to watch going forward: Does this team have the chemistry and the “want to” in order to play for each other and get the best out of themselves? That remains to be seen. We have not seen WKU’s best yet and the Tops are 2-0.

Honorable Mention: Fix the Long Snapping: A, Get Pressure up Front: C+, Hold Houston Christian under 300 Total Yards: D+

Position Grades

Quarterback: A-

Austin Reed and Turner Helton combined for 318 yards passing, completing 32-of-38 passes, five touchdowns, no interceptions, and added 15 yards on the ground. There’s not much to complain about with those numbers, but with only 253 yards for the starter and with few chunk plays, this was a less than perfect grade simply because WKU was not able to drive the ball down the field.

Running Back: B

For some reason, WKU’s offensive gurus have four solid running backs but seem to rarely want to use them in the running game. Stepp carried the ball nine times, and Davion Ervin-Poindexter and Elijah Young carried the ball four times each. Each of them had at least one play with a gain of at least 10 yards.

DEP and Stepp both averaged over five yards per carry. In the air raid offense, the theme is obviously the passing game. However, going forward, it sure would be nice to see some more of the running game. Perhaps the biggest loss on the grades for the backfield unit was the fumble on the kickoff return by Elijah Young.

Wide Receiver: B+

Once again, with only one of its top five receivers healthy, WKU’s wide receiver room showed off its depth. Easton Messer, Blue Smith and others did some work, allowing WKU’s passing attack to crest 300 yards despite Malachi Corley, Michael Mathison, Craig Burt and Dalvin Smith all being injured.

Smith was the lone projected starter healthy enough to make it to the second drive of the game. Messer continued his impressive play from week one with over 100 yards receiving and a near 20 yard rush. WKU’s receivers are proving to be perhaps the deepest position group on the team.

Tight End: B

We have a sighting of the elusive tight end species! River Helms had a couple of nice moments against South Florida with some key blocks, but the tight end position basically was ineffective in Week 1.

Week 2, thankfully, proved different, with Helms catching two balls, gaining 17 yards, and scoring a touchdown. In the air raid offense, tight end is somewhat minimized, but a tight end that can be weaponized, especially in the red zone, is a massive asset.

Offensive Line: B-

WKU’s offensive line is one of only seven units in the country to not have given up a sack yet, so let’s not get too carried away. However, against an FCS opponent, they gave up six tackles for loss. That is about two more than their average last season, and this was against the weakest opponent on the schedule. WKU was able to run, and they obviously have protected Reed: The Topper QB has only been touched in the pocket twice in the first two games.

Defensive Line: D

WKU’s five sacks in Week 1 was incredibly encouraging, but following it up with a one sack performance along with another poor performance against the run just barely makes this in the “D” range. Unfortunately, the concerns about the front six reared its ugly head Saturday against HCU. Not only were they largely ineffective, but Houston Christian’s chippy line play seemed to rattle the Tops. Instead of pinning their ears back and being aggressive, WKU was distracted by Houston Christian’s unexpectedly nasty offensive line. WKU may have had the physical advantage, but Houston Christian held its own up front on both sides of the ball.

Linebacker: C

JaQues “Donut” Evans did his part, but the rest of the linebackers were not as active as they were against South Florida. Donut recovered a fumble and led the team as one of the leading tacklers, but the rest did not produce much, and ultimately it was pretty average from this position group. To have an elite defense, linebackers have to be productive.

Defensive Back: A-

WKU’s DBs are plenty capable and have already bailed out the Tops in both games. This group is deep, wide and massively productive. That was fairly well known coming into the season, but they have backed up any expectations, helping WKU lead the nation in turnover margin on the young season and keeping WKU’s opponents from being able to pass the ball for significant chunk yardage. With the lone exception of a busted play against USF, WKU hasn’t really allowed much of an opportunity for the opponent to make big plays, through the air. Despite a running defense that has allowed 264 yards per game, Western’s DBs have kept opponents in check, now standing in the top 50 in yards allowed through the air.

Special Teams: B

Kicker Lucas Carneiro and kickoff specialist Cory Munson are virtually perfect on the season, so those guys are producing on an elite level. The long snapping was much better in this one, I thought, although WKU’s starting long snapper Rex Robich is still out despite being announced at the game as the starter.

Punter Tom Ellard was not his typical low to mid-40s self, but he did keep the Huskies from returning a punt all night. Ultimately a net of 39 is not bad, but also the length of punt was not his best. Perhaps the biggest reason for a B instead of an A is the fumble by Elijah Young. That could have been a huge momentum swing, and the return itself was only brought out 11 yards.

Coaching

Head Coaching: B

I thought Tyson Helton did fine in this game. In games that aren’t really that close, it’s hard to give a deep diving grade, because the intricacies of coaching aren’t deeply tested. However, I do think the Tops responded well to giving up half of their lead and ultimately took care of business. That credit should go to the coaching staff. I do think WKU’s coaches would have liked to see the team be a little more focused in the middle of the game, and I imagine they would put some of that blame on their own shoulders. So we’ll go with a B simply because there were some lulls against a clearly inferior opponent.

Offensive Coaching: B

I thought Drew Hollingshead and the offensive coaching staff did a better job against the Huskies in some ways, although the lull happened after WKU had exploded to a 31-0 lead. However, I would still like to see WKU run the ball a little more. When looking at WKU’s stats, it doesn’t seem like any of the RBs are getting the football, but ultimately, WKU has run the ball over 35% of the time. Personally, I would like to see that number in the low 40s, but ultimately, the Tops are utilizing the run.

WKU just hasn’t run a ton of plays the first two games. WKU’s opponents have ran 22 more plays than the Hilltoppers despite six more turnovers forced. Perhaps WKU could use the running game a few more times per game and even up those opportunities. More offensive plays means more opportunity. Right now, WKU’s opponents are getting more opportunity to run their offense.

Defensive Coaching: C+

Against USF, Tyson Summers did a heck of a job adjusting to the lack of an ability to stop the run against a really dynamic dual threat quarterback. In this one, he still could not really stop the run, but his blitzes didn’t work as much, and after the first quarter, WKU struggled to slow down Houston Christian. He did a good job buckling the team down late, and he’s done a good job getting his guys in position to make important takeaways. At some point, though, the bleeding in the running game must stop, even if it’s on the WKU coaches to scheme a way to mask a significant flaw. This is still a work in progress, but against Ohio State, the Tops will need to be pretty respectable against the run, one way or another.

Overall: B-

I think it’s fair to say the overall impression against Houston Christian was checking off the box. When you play an FCS opponent, you want it to be an easy victory. You want to cruise to a large lead and allow your young guys to come in with little pressure and get some experience. That pretty much happened in this one.

However, I don’t think this was an A+ performance by any measure. WKU’s offense has still not that had that “wow” performance, where you just watch poetry in motion. WKU’s defense has forced turnovers and controlled the passing game, but the Tops have not been able to stop the opponents’ running attacks.

Against an FCS squad, an A+ would be winning 52-0 or keeping the opponent under 300 yards. WKU was favored by 42.5 points. Western won by 30. That’s plenty and it was easy, but giving up 22 and significant yardage was a little much to just be blown away by the overall result in this one. A solid B or so is where this one lies.

Essentially, if WKU had absolutely blasted Houston Christian, perhaps Ohio State would be quaking. Now, they’re not really scared. They’re expecting to possibly have to work a little bit, build up a lather, and shut the Tops down early in the third quarter.

And that’s okay.

There’s no reason WKU must go toe-to-toe with one of the preseason national title contenders. However, from a WKU perspective, things would feel a little more amped up for the rest of the season if WKU had absolutely put on two clinics to open the season.

Scarily, WKU has not remotely shown its best and waltzed to two easy victories. If the Tops can shore up issues defensively and produce offensively like they should be, they will take the next step to being a great team.

Here’s to that happening in Columbus Saturday at 3 p.m on FOX.