WKU Football: Staff Predictions Week Nine — Charlotte

It’s homecoming on the Hill and the Tops look to take on another C-USA opponent after winning two straight.

It’s homecoming on the Hill and the Tops look to take on another C-USA opponent after winning two straight.

It’s been another busy week for all of us but let’s see how we think the game will go today.

Matt McCay (5-2)

I believe WKU makes a statement this game offensively, finally busting out for a 50 point performance. I believe Charlotte stalls on a few drives and gives WKU the margin it needs to win the game. I also believe the defense is due for a turnover or two.

I’ve got Western Kentucky: 52, Charlotte: 31.

Alex Sherfield (3-4)

The Tops have yet to win a game at The Houch since the season opener vs UT Martin back in September. The Charlotte 49ers come in being placed at 3rd in the C-USA East division. Despite having a better record, they have a few of their faults. After upsetting in-state Power 5 counterpart Duke, their schedule has been challenging even though they’ve won two conference games in C-USA play.

This is also a ball club that’s one of the best in the country in terms of total possession, averaging 34 minutes a game. Their downside is allowing more rushing yards per game than several other FBS teams, which should make for the best complete rushing offense attempts of the year led by Adam Cofield.

Victor Tucker is another impact receiver that the Tops defense needs to have a lock on. He is averaging 90 plus yards a game, which could spell trouble for a secondary that has had several challenges this season. If the run game can relieve some production for the number one passing offense in the country, then everyone should “eat” a healthy balance on Saturday afternoon.

Let’s make this year’s homecoming one to be celebrated in the “Wild, Wild West.”

Give me WKU: 40, Charlotte: 24.

Jacob Gary (3-4)

It’s homecoming on the hill and these Hilltoppers will be looking to climb the standings further in CUSA after a slow start. Charlotte has been an up and down team so far and are coming off a blowout loss to FAU, so expect them to come ready to spoil to Homecoming. But I just don’t see Zappe and Sterns letting that happen.

Give me Western Kentucky: 38, Charlotte: 27.

As always #TopsOnTop

Devin Stewart (4-3)

Short and sweet once again. Give me the Tops, 42–28.

Sam Gormley (6-1)

The Tops finally put together some semblance of a defensive performance last week against FIU. Now they get a chance to build upon that as they host Charlotte.

I’ll admit that when the Vegas line came out, I was surprised the Tops were favored by as much as they were. Sure, it’s Homecoming but I can’t imagine Vegas cares that much about that. With all that being said, I still think WKU pulls out the win.

Give me the Tops 38–27.

Jared Rosdeutscher (6-1)

The Tops have slowly been getting back on track with two straight wins and with no one creating any separation in the East, it’s still completely up for grabs. All they have to do is go get it.

Charlotte has shown some flashes of being a great team and have a 4–3 record but with it being at home on homecoming I think the Tops will do everything they can to get a win today.

I think it will still be somewhat closer than we want it to but ultimately I have WKU winning 42–38.