WKU Football: Hilltoppers vs. Georgia State — Staff Predictions
I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but I fear I must — we are just over 24 hours away from the final WKU football game until the…
I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but I fear I must — we are just over 24 hours away from the final WKU football game until the spring.
This season hasn’t exactly been fun at times, but in another way, it’s been very fun. While it wasn’t as exciting as blowing out opponents left and right and getting votes in the Top 25, it was exciting in a different way — you never knew what to expect from each game.
A .500 season is still on the table, a fourth-straight bowl win is on the line, and it’s the last chance to see the seniors play in the Chrome Domes. It’ll be bitter sweet, but we have four more quarters to savor it all.
Fletcher Keel (9–2)
Before I get to my prediction, I’d like to say the following, knowing full well it isn’t a very popular take — I really don’t care if the Tops win. I’m going to the bowl, for the first time and I cannot freakin’ wait, and after the week of waiting and anticipation to see if we’ll even get a bowl game, I’m good. The Tops made one this year, and that’s enough for me.
However, I do think WKU wins this football game. The Panthers are 6–5, but their wins have come against Charlotte (trash), Costal Carolina (in their first year being an FBS program), ULM (who wasn’t great), South Al (who won three games), Georgia Southern (who had their worst year in my lifetime I think) and Texas State (also trash).
My point here is, the competition they’ve faced, and have been successful against, hasn’t been very good. WKU has not only faced good competition this year (relatively), but outside of FIU (and potentially Illinois) they were in every game this year.
I also think Sanford is going to let the boys — in this case, that being Mike White, Nacarius Fant, Deion Yelder and the like — play. I think White is going to have the freedom to sling the ball wherever and whenever he pleases and I expect a great final showing from the seniors.
Give me the Tops in the 35–17 range. I don’t think Georgia State matches up as well as folks think, and it should be a great day for pigskin.
Ross Shircliffe (8–3)
After a season that was as unpredictable as it was frustrating, we’ve got yet another matchup that could go either way. On paper, WKU should be able to handle the Panthers but after this tumultuous season that’s not a given. The Panthers’ poor pass defense should lead to Mike White having yet another solid day through the air. Hopefully we will see great final performances by him, Nacarius Fant and Deon Yelder in the passing game.
I think the Tops defense will be up and down in this game. Glenn Smith will pile up yards on the ground and WKU will give up some points and long drives but also will once again get enough stops to put the offense in position to win. I think WKU will come out and put up 20 points in the first half and will finally live up to their potential by pulling away and continuing WKU’s bowl win streak to four in a 34–23 win that will finally give Mike Sanford some momentum heading into a crucial second season.
Jared Rosdeutscher (9–2)
WKU gets their chance to finish with a winning record this season against a strong Georgia State team in Orlando. I look for WKU to play smarter after their terrible performance against FIU that left a bitter taste in many WKU fans’ mouths. Georgia State will definitely keep the game close but I look for WKU to end their season on a high note in the Sunshine State and win 35–30 in the Cure Bowl.
Hunter Peay (5–3)
No explanation. I’m just picking a 27–24 WKU win.
Matt McCay (6–1)
For the life of me, I cannot figure out why Georgia State is favored in this game by nearly a touchdown. Motivation? Honestly, the two teams are similar statistically, but WKU has the edge in most areas besides running the ball and offensive line play. What am I missing here? WKU seems slightly better in every area except running the ball and offensive line. Georgia State shouldn’t be able to keep up with WKU’s passing attack. I like the Tops going away, 38–20.
Sam Gormley
Georgia State’s pass defense will not be able to slow down Mike White and the WKU passing offense. The lack of the run game will continue to show and will keep it closer than it probably should be. The only way that Georgia State wins is if they can establish the run game against the Hilltoppers’ questionable run defense. Give me a 34–17 WKU win.