WKU Football: Staff Predictions Week Two — Army
Last week, the Tops finally dismantled an FCS program again as they won their season opener, 59–21.
Last week, the Tops finally dismantled an FCS program again as they won their season opener, 59–21.
All of us on The Towel Rack Staff actually had the Tops winning so all of us stay perfect with our predictions…for now.
This week will likely be a much closer game with WKU taking on Army at West Point on September 11th. This will be WKU’s first road game and first FBS opponent of the season. So let’s see how we think the game will end up.
Matt McCay (1–0)
I have broken this game down a lot this week. I have looked at numbers, watched both WKU’s game and Army’s game against Georgia State. Last Thursday, I was feeling good about the Tops against anyone. Then I watched Army.
For anybody snorting at the “service academy” label with their weird offense, guess what? This team could beat anybody. I truly believe that. However, I think because of their style and lack of massive size, many could beat them if they’re undisciplined, if they make silly mistakes, if they come back to Earth. Army muffed three punts (none of which resulted in a turnover that stood), missed an extra point, and missed a two point conversion. If they do all of that in a close game, that could be the difference.
But as I dove into the numbers, I became more and more comfortable with this WKU team against Army. What is Army’s nightmare? A team that can light it up and has multiple weapons with an ability to control the trenches on both sides with really good special teams that can provide field position. That’s this year’s WKU team. WKU did not show its full potential defensively against UT-Martin, but the Tops have some studs up front and seemingly some promising young players, as well. The offensive line allowed one quarterback hit all game against UTM. I believe Bailey Zappe is the best pure WKU quarterback leader since Justin Haddix, not to mention his ability. Army is 3-9 since 2019 when the opponent scores 20. Is this offense really not going to crest 20? I think they’ll get 30. I’ve got Western Kentucky: 31, Army: 19.
Jacob Gary (1–0)
I know it sounds crazy but I love crazy. 9/11 memorial game, Army will be fired up… And lose? I feel like the Hilltoppers are obligated to lose this game for America. If we don’t, we’ll look like the bad guys. But if I’m being honest, I love being the bad guy. A cool villain can make a story 10 times better. And what makes for a more exciting villain than an Air Raid attack led by an electric transfer QB that just scored 59 points in their season opener? I think the Tops let up the first touchdown of the game, but ultimately come back and jump ahead early with their high powered offense. You don’t have to stop the run if you get ahead a couple of possessions. I have WKU: 37, Army 27.
And as always, go Tops!
Alex Sherfield (1–0)
The Black Knights putting up 43 points against Georgia State last week isn’t shocking at all. What’s more impressive about it is they’ve left the game with 258 rushing yards. Having an historical affinity for the run option attack, this alone came make Army a tough foe to prepare against.
The most concerning part about our chances this week solely relies on both our rush defense and rushing offense.
After giving up 201 rushing yards last week against UT Martin, I would hope to see a bit more of increased push to battle the trenches. There were also 3 QBs who played in their win over Georgia State. If I were to take a shot in the dark, I think they’re going to go with Christian Anderson as he was the most productive on both sides of the quarterback realm.
As for our running game, there were a lot of options to choose from. Kye Robichaux will more than likely get the start. I do believe that Adam Cofield will get a bigger chance to showcase his NDSU-esque talents on Saturday.
WKU: 33, Army: 31.
Devin Stewart (1–0)
Last week was an easy bout that WKU should’ve won 99% of the time. But as we’ve learned in the past those “gimme games” aren’t always so easy. WKU faces their first real challenger this week as they face off with Army. I’m sorry if I don’t buy into all the hype that their blog puts out. I’m confident in the developing offense and a little Leary of the run defense. So I’m saying;
WKU: 32, Army: 30
Sam Gormley (1–0)
Last week was the most impressive showing for WKU in a season-opening game since probably the win over Louisiana Tech in 2016. Sure, it was against an FCS opponent, but for once, the team actually looked as if they were playing an opponent at that level. That’s gotta mean something right?
This week will be a whole different story. Playing Army on an anniversary like 9/11 means that emotions will be riding at an all-time high. When that happens, teams will either fold under the pressure or perform even better than some may expect.
Sadly, I feel like the latter is more likely for this Saturday. I think Zappe and the Tops offense will look great, but Army will prevail in a tight contest 31-27. This is one of these games that I feel like if it was played anywhere else, I’d be more likely to go the Tops, but with everything surrounding the game, it is hard to pick against Army.
Jared Rosdeutscher (1–0)
The Tops looked great (after the first few minutes of the first quarter) against UT-Martin in their season opener. Seeing Zappe throw for seven touchdowns was exactly what we have wanted to see happen out the gate.
The biggest concern I have is that the defense gave up 200 rushing yards to UT-Martin. The defense has to step up and contain Army’s triple option offense or it’s gonna be a long afternoon.
With it being September 11th as well, I just don’t see how this WKU can go into a tough road environment and leave with a win. If it was later in the season or any other day, I’d say the Tops have more of a chance but I see Army winning 27–21.