WKU Football: Staff Predictions Week Five - UTSA

None of us predicted Troy beating the Tops. Do we see them rebounding against UTSA?

Seeing the Tops lose to Troy last was tough but on top of that, none of us predicted it either leaving all of us with a loss on our predictions now.

Both games against UTSA were exciting and close but sadly didn’t go WKU’s way. But how do we see this matchup for this season going? Let’s find out!

Matt McCay (4-1)

Even after a frustrating loss where WKU’s streak of 18 straight 30+ point games was snapped, I still feel like WKU’s future is in its hands. This week’s opponent, UTSA is plenty dangerous. They nearly beat Houston. They easily beat Middle, who easily beat a ranked Miami team. They return Frank Harris Jr., who is incredibly motivated to repeat as a conference champion. They return three really good receivers, as well. Defensively, they have been injured, but they are competent at minimum and respectable or more when they play their best.

However, WKU is so balanced. I’m now concerned more than I have been about the offensive and defensive lines. After not giving up four sacks all season, WKU gave up that many against Troy. I think that was more shocking than the defensive line coming back to Earth. The offensive line has been so dominant that it was surprising to see them get pushed around. I’m concerned about more than I was last week, but I still confidently feel WKU was better last year, and WKU is absolutely better this year. I think WKU’s 2022 roster is better than 2021 despite tons of historically great players leaving The Hill, mainly to graduation.

I’m not confident in picking the Tops in this one because it’s on the road, UTSA is a championship football team that believes it’s still the best, and they’re a really good football team. But ultimately, who is the better team, folks? WKU is!

More balanced, better numbers, better defense, takes better care of the ball, and the things WKU needs to fix are inside their ears and not outside of their physical capabilities. If WKU can clean up its discipline and be a little more timely on the execution, I think WKU is multiple possessions better than UTSA.

I think the Tops struggle but get over the hump with a combination of timely defense and the ability to run the ball late. Give me WKU: 47, UTSA: 44 in a thriller.

Alex Sherfield (3-2)

After the thrilling two game series that these teams had last season, to say that Saturday is a grudge match would be an understatement. With matching records of three wins and two losses, each ball club is heavily betting themselves in succeeding in this rematch of last seasons’ C-USA Championship Game.

As you would expect, look for another offensive battle between the Tops and Roadrunners. In terms of total offense, it’s not the same team as last year. While they were complete with an inclusive running game, this season it’s more implied that UTSA is still lethal in the air.

Frank Harris is still…well, Frank Harris. He’s currently still atop of the C-USA stats list in terms of passing (12-5, 1724 yards). His main target, De’Corian Clark has amassed close to 600 receiving yards in five games. WKU’s pass defense will have their hands full with the conference leading receiver.

Defensively, UTSA is not as strong on that particular side of the ball. WKU still has a wide gap in the turnover margin. As long as we can bait some picks off Harris, it won’t be a whole lot to worry about.

Give me WKU: 48, UTSA: 41.

Devin Stewart (3-2)

Short and sweet. WKU win 44-38.

Jake Gary (3-2)

Shootout in San Antonio. Just like one of those old cowboy movies. This game will be good, bad, and ugly at times for sure as two high powered offenses go at it. The only difference is that WKU is playing for revenge after losing twice last season. Third times a charm, and I think WKU has a better defense to help them get a stop this time.

WKU: 52, UTSA: 48.

Jared Rosdeutscher (4-1)

Last week was pretty disappointing if I’m being honest. Another winnable game slipping through the Tops’ fingers hurts and sadly, I think UTSA is going to be even tougher.

We saw how things went last season against UTSA (both teams were better last season obviously) and I don’t really see the Tops winning in that tough road environment. If the WKU defense is able to make some big plays against UTSA’s offense it would make it a win but I have UTSA winning 38-28.

Fletcher Keel (4-1)

My analysis will be non-existent this week, since I’m on vacation, but I will say this: I had a dream that I flipped on the game and it was 56-42 IN THE THIRD QUARTER. We are in for a shootout, but I have questions about the Hilltoppers’ ability to stop Frank Harris or how effective WKU’s play calling will be if it’s close late.

It’s hard to beat a team twice, which UTSA did last year, and it’s really hard to win three in a row, but that’s exactly what I predict the Runners to do. I’m taking UTSA, 49-38.