WKU Football: Staff Predictions - Conference USA Title
The rematch we’ve all been waiting for is here. How do we see the game going?
The big rematch of WKU vs. UTSA has become a reality and the time has come.
The Tops have been rolling and have won seven straight games while UTSA just lost to North Texas and has fallen out of the national rankings.
But how will the Roadrunners respond to their first loss? Will WKU be able to continue score in a loud Alamodome in front of a huge crowd? Let’s see what our staff think!
Matt McCay (10- 2)
I honestly think this WKU team is a completely different team from last time against UTSA. Like always, I’ve studied each of these teams for my Keys articles for both games, and I feel like WKU is straight up going to wipe the floor. I think UTSA is beat up, and the injury gods have pretty well smiled upon WKU this season, with no known major injuries besides Joshua Simon, who, granted, was a preseason Mackey Award (tight end) Watchlist member. However, WKU has been without him all season and has fared just fine.
The biggest concern for half the year was the defense, and they have proven they can handle two very good offenses two weeks in a row, both of which could run the football. WKU gave up around 150 total yards rushing the past two weeks, so even that concern has been answered pretty decisively. I think as a staff, we thought if WKU could beat Marshall, they could beat UTSA. WKU obliterated Marshall after giving them 14 points’ cushion. I just don’t see WKU slowing down in any way. I don’t see a path to victory for anyone in C-USA against WKU right now. And I don’t see it for UTSA, especially considering UTSA’s secondary is questionable at best and may have injury issues. Meaning they would have to pull something unbelievable out of their behinds to not give up 40-60 points to WKU and their offense must be at its very best. This feels much more straightforward to me than last week, even, and I believe WKU will win in a blowout. It may not be this bad, but I’m 100% confident WKU will win.
Give me Western Kentucky: 54, UTSA: 17.
Alex Sherfield (8–4)
After almost two months of a memorable turn around, the Tops have their eyes on the prize. A CUSA Title hangs in the balance with anticipation of a returning thorn in our sides. Yes, I’m talking about the previously undefeated UTSA Roadrunners.
Even though they lost to North Texas last week, the team is still a dangerous threat to their opponents. Quarterback Frank Martin has thrown only an impressive five interceptions this season. The hype around him as a serviceable playmaker still resonates with the loss on 52-46 loss on October 9th. Sincere McCormick is their top offensive player with 1,275 yards and 12 touchdowns.
In comes the Tops defense. Since that fateful night, the rush defense has dramatically improved. After holding Marshall’s Rashaan Ali to at least AJ average of 4.6 ypc, whatever worked should be repeated for McCormick.
A road game in San Antonio in December makes for an unconventional storybook ending if the Tops can grab an upset.
Give me WKU: 48, UTSA: 44.
Jacob Gary (6–4) — no Rice or Marshall prediction
UTSA may find this Hilltopper team is a little different than the last time they played. The defense is getting turnovers, and the offense is still clicking on all cylinders. Expect the revenge motivated Hilltoppers to come out and punch UTSA in the mouth. UTSA’s Frank Harris might be playing a little injured as well, which does not bode well for the roadrunners.
WKU: 45, UTSA: 33.
Devin Stewart (9–3)
Short and sweet. Give me WKU: 54, UTSA: 42.
Sam Gormley (10–2)
Last week, I went with the mentality of picking against the Tops in the hopes my thought process would actually help them win. Yes, I take full credit for the win.
All joking aside, a conference championship is on the line this week and we have two teams that seemingly are headed in opposite directions.
On one side, you have WKU who put together arguably their best half of football in the FBS era last Saturday against Marshall. Bailey Zappe is well on his way to solidifying himself amongst the record books in CFB history.
The home standing Roadrunners come in off their first loss of the season. While they have found ways to win, they have squeaked out victories. Like the old saying goes though, “a win is a win.”
Now for the pick, if this game was in Bowling Green, I’d pick WKU and wouldn’t think twice. If this game was on a neutral site, I’d pick WKU as well. With it being in San Antonio, I am a bit hesitant to pick the Tops. When it comes down to it, I think WKU’s defense has improved enough to make enough stops to will the Tops to a 45-38 victory and the third C-USA championship in program history.
Jared Rosdeutscher (11–1)
I’m still a little butthurt the only game I didn’t predict right up to this point in the season was the first game against UTSA. The Tops had chances to win but that goal line interception at the end of the game still stings when I think about it.
I’ve never been to Texas but I’ve heard the Alamodome is a crazy loud environment to be in and with a projection of 30,000-40,000+ fans being at this game it’s going to be hard for the Tops to communicate. I’m sure the noise will cause a few miscues but WKU still managed to score in East Lansing on the Spartans’ homecoming so I feel like they can still score here.
To me, WKU has momentum while UTSA has fallen off some here at the end of the season. I predicted the Tops to win the first time and they lost but daggum it I’m gonna pick them again this time around. The defense has gotten better and UTSA’s offense has struggled so I feel like it will be different this time around.
Give me the Tops winning their third Conference USA title 42-38.