WKU Football: Hilltoppers vs. Eastern Kentucky — Staff Predictions
At long last, the wait is *almost* over, and tomorrow, WKU will begin their 2017 season in a quest to three-peat as conference champions.
At long last, the wait is *almost* over, and tomorrow, WKU will begin their 2017 season in a quest to three-peat as conference champions.
Unlike seasons past (Bowling Green, Vanderbilt, conference opponent), the Tops open their season rather…lacklusterly, with an FCS side coming to the Houch in a game that many, rightfully so, see ending in a blowout.
But, how does the Towel Rack writing staff see the game going?
You’ve come to the right place to find out.
Fletcher Keel
On one hand, this season should start much like the 2014 and 2016 campaigns did — a big, blowout victory at home. On the other hand, there are questions (not in the talent, but in the effectiveness of the talent) all over the field at the skill positions, and it’s hard to know which WKU offense we will see. As with most games this year, this game will come down to that unit. Will the Tops jump out with fire and furry or will the Colonels pull a couple of quick punches to hang with, or perhaps even take an early lead against, WKU? I know I’m here to answer questions, not pose them, but these are all the factors playing in my mind when deciding the outcome of the game. Unfortunately for EKU, the outcome has already been decided, it’s just now a question of “by how much”? Many of our other writers predict a big day for White, and I’m going to agree. I think we’ll know who the new WR1 is by the end of the day too, and we’ll find out how effective the running game is, even with all of the questions that corps is facing. Anyway, give me the Tops easily, 52–14. And please, for the love of god, run out of the tunnel properly this time.
Ross Shircliffe
During my preseason preview, I stated that I think that WKU should easily handle the Colonels and I’m not going to change much now. The questionable status of Ferby and the suspension of Baker do have me a little worried about the effectiveness of WKU’s run game. However, I still believe that EKU’s miserable offense will do little to nothing against WKU’s aggressive defense. I think that White will throw for 350 yards and four touchdowns, while the defense will force four Colonel turnovers (three interceptions and a fumble recovery). I still think this game starts off chippy and the potential wet conditions might lead to a slow start. At the end of the day, the Mike Sanford era starts off with a 42–13 win and all eyes in WKU country quickly turn to the match-up in Champaign.
Jared Rosdeutscher
This game is one of my favorite rivalries in all sports. WKU vs. EKU is one that is as old as the Hills and I’m glad to see it come back. With that being said, EKU is still an OVC school and is in the FCS while WKU has had two back-to-back conference championships in the FBS and is projected to dominate once again. EKU better bring their A-game because beating a team like WKU in Bowling Green has been tough for anyone. I see Mike White starting off hot for the season and see the team keeping a chip on their shoulder the whole game. WKU will win 52–17 with White throwing for 400 yards and four TDs.
Hunter Peay
When looking at EKU football history, last year was an anomaly for the Colones. Finishing 3–8, Eastern has only had a losing record one other year since 1973. Make no mistake, they are looking to get better and get a win against their arch nemesis WKU. This is a HUGE game for the EKU program and for the fan base. However, these two are in totally different worlds, compared to many of their previous games. Western is now a successful FBS program while Eastern is still in the FCS who have had hardships as of late. However, as big of a game as this is for the Big E, I expect them to come out and try to make a statement. Eastern will most likely stick with Western through much of the first half with surprising defensive play by Eastern against a reloading Western offense that is polishing up things. However, the Hilltoppers will start pulling away as the offense starts really clicking before halftime, and then Eastern’s hopes for the upset will be quickly erased in the second half. I’ll take WKU, 52–13.
What is your game prediction for WKU? Will EKU even keep it close? Do you have concerns facing the Toppers heading into week one? Let us know in a comment below, via Twitter at @TheTowelRackWKU or on our Facebook page.