WKU Football: Hilltoppers vs. UTEP — Staff Predictions

Following a week of rest and relaxation, the Tops take to the road to take on UTEP in El Paso for the first time in program history as they…

Following a week of rest and relaxation, the Tops take to the road to take on UTEP in El Paso for the first time in program history as they look to get their sea legs back underthem.

Our writing staff lays out how they think things will transpire this weekend.

Fletcher Keel: 2–2

A lot of folks are afraid that this is the ultimate trap game, and there is only one way that happens — if WKU is looking two weeks ahead to Old Dominoin.

The Tops are coming off a bye week following back-to-back weeks where the let a late lead slip through their fingers — one game they lost, and one game they near miraculously won.

In my head, the WKU coaching staff addressed problems (mainly — taking the foot off the gas in the second to allow the opposition to make a comeback) and they’re not going to let that happen this week.

It’s also going to get ugly, and quick. I think we see a return to the Brohm age of sorts. As in, the Tops jump out to a 30–6 type lead by the half, and they head back to Bowling Green with a 48–14 win under their belt.

Ross Shircliffe: 1–3

I don’t know about the rest of y’all, but it feels like WKU has been off for a month. The bye week came at a great time due to injuries and coaching inexperience and this game is all about putting it all together for Mike Sanford’s Hilltoppers.

Despite the travel to the Miner’s remote location, UTEP is the perfect team for WKU to show they are turning the page against a team they should thoroughly handle. The fact that they’re statistically one of the worst teams in the NCAA and just replaced their coach with a 71-year-old retread that hasn’t coached since 2012 only makes this a bigger mismatch.

I expect WKU to come out swinging and quickly jump to a large lead against a team that probably is confused and demoralized by the Price hire. This game is all about showing the staff has addressed the problems that have plagued the team during the first four games. I want to see the line prevent a pass rush, the running backs show they can consistently churn out first downs and the defense show they can get more pressure on UTEP’s second string quarterback. I think the Tops will be improved and we’ll get to see plenty of back-ups in this one as WKU races to a 31–10 halftime lead and they cruise in the second have to a 41–17 win as Mike White passes for 315 yards and Jakairi Moses begins to separate himself from the other backs.

Jared Rosdeutscher: 2–2

UTEP has struggled immensely so far this season and has fired their head coach Sean Kugler only to bring back former coach Mike Price as an interim in hopes of salvaging the rest of the season and get a win or two until they can hire a new full-time head coach and come back for next season. Unfortunately for UTEP, I don’t think this Saturday will be the day their five game losing streak ends.

WKU is coming off a bye week and should hopefully be more prepared and well rested while UTEP came off a close loss at Army. The coaching change could either hype the team up and help them get back on track to win or show that it may not completely be a coaching problem. Either way, WKU has been getting better with each game and with the extra week of rest, I see quarterback Mike White having a strong game on the road for UTEP’s homecoming. I don’t think it will be a total blowout but my prediction is that WKU pulls off a win in El Paso 35–17.

Matt McCay: First week

UTEP is 0–5 and have just fired their head coach. I was a part of the 0–12 team at WKU, and the farther you get into a season like this, the more determined you get to at least find a way to win one.

I would be SHOCKED if they don’t come out fired up to prove their worth. They seem like they’ve struggled with a little bit of everything, but they have a really good offensive line, they have Texas talent, and they’ll be motivated.

All that to say, I think the Tops should slaughter them, 45–10. But I do think WKU better come out ready to go, put them away, and never give an underdog hope.