WKU Football: Tops at Army Gameday Information
After the bizarre 2020 college football season, WKU found a way to scratch and claw to a bowl game appearance and a 5–7 overall final…
After the bizarre 2020 college football season, WKU found a way to scratch and claw to a bowl game appearance and a 5–7 overall final record. With a team that many thought could compete for a conference championship, the Tops finished in the middle of the pack.
However, with a momentous offseason with tons of huge “gets” and “coups”, the most significant of which were Houston Baptist transfer quarterback Bailey Zappe signing with the Tops and superstar defensive end DeAngelo Malone deciding to forego a realistic shot at the NFL and stay on campus for a fifth year, the Tops seem poised to be a legitimate threat to make a title run.
WKU is 1–0 after a 59 point offensive display and a Houchens Industries Stadium touchdown record against the UT-Martin Skyhawks. The competition ramps up significantly as the Tops head to West Point to battle the Army Black Knights on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Without paying much attention, one might assume WKU could be favored, but this Army team is different, already receiving votes in both top 25 polls.
It’s early season football and hope springs eternal. If you need to know any of the game information, look no further — we have you covered.
Location
Michie Stadium, West Point, New York
Capacity: 38,000
Michie Stadium is an absolutely gorgeous setting on one of the most historic campuses in the world. If you ever get a chance to go, do it and try to make time to tour campus. It’s an incredible experience both on campus, pre-game, during, and after.
Time
Saturday, September 11, 2021 10:30 AM CST
Weather Forecast
Game time temperatures look to be around 70 degrees and sunny. Possible clouds later and a slight breeze.
TV
CBS Sports Network
Jason Horowitz, Ross Tucker and Tina Cervasio
Radio
Randy Lee (Play by Play), Tyler Eaton (Color) & Terry Obee (Sideline) on the call
Gameday Information
WKU:
Army:
Betting Lines from Sportsline.com
Army -5.5
ESPN.com Match-up Predictor
Army-76.2% chance to win
Current Records
WKU: 1–0
Army 1–0
Last Time Out…
WKU did exactly what it should have against an FCS opponent: Blow them out by 38. WKU dominated UT-Martin 59–21, putting up its most points since 2016. However, a bit concerning was the Toppers’ slow start, a marginal running game, giving up 21 points, and giving up nearly 400 yards against an FCS offense. If there was anything to be learned from WKU’s game against UT-Martin, it’s that Bailey Zappe is going to contend for Conference USA Player of the Year and WKU’s receiving corps is massively improved.
Army did exactly what it would dream of doing, going on the road to a pretty good opponent (Georgia State beat WKU by 18 in the Lending Tree Bowl to end 2020) and blowing them out. Certainly winning by 33 over a good FBS opponent is more impressive than winning by 38 over an FCS squad. Army boasts good players everywhere. They are loaded and deep on the offensive side, and they have really good players at every level, especially defensive end (Andre Carter) and the entire secondary rightfully call themselves “The Takers”. They flat out make plays. Perhaps Army’s only significant blemish against GSU was special teams, muffing some punts, missing an extra point, and missing a two point conversion.
Coaches
Tyson Helton- 3rd Season- 15–11 (15–11 Overall)
Jeff Monken- 8th Season- 50–39 (88–55 Overall)
Series
Hilltoppers Lead 3–0 (all since 2013)
Last Meeting
WKU won 17–8 in a sludgefest in Bowling Green on October 12, 2019 behind Gaej Walker and Ty Storey’s combined 194 rushing yards. WKU was up 17–0 before Army scored with less than two minutes to go. WKU held Army to 211 total yards in that contest.
Relevant Reading
Conference USA Preseason Media Prediction
Army Football Preseason Projections (Click through the tabs for in-depth dives and win total projections.)
Injury Report
WKU
Out for Season: RB Jakairi Moses
Doubtful: LB Nick Days
Questionable: RB Noah Whittington, WR Dalvin Smith, TE Joshua Simon
Army
Probable: QB Tyhier Tyler
Excitement Level — 9
This is about as exciting as it can get. You’re playing Army on the 20th anniversary on 9/11. If you’re an American, that should get you fired up enough on its own. This is a winnable game against a really good team you’ve had recent success against, and the whole country could tune in. Army is getting votes in the polls and it’s your chance to show doubters you’re really good. You’re a slight underdog on the road, and you just scored the most points you’ve scored in a game in five seasons. You’re yet to lose on the year; granted, the season is young. The only thing that would make this game more exciting would be if it was at home in front of a sellout crowd. We might save the 10 for the Indiana game in two weeks if the Tops enter undefeated and IU comes in ranked with a winning record.
Go Tops! We’ll be providing live coverage and reaction. If you made it to West Point, please send us your best pictures from campus, tailgating, and in-game via Twitter at @TheTowelRackWKU or on our Facebook page and we’ll share.