WKU Football: WKU at FAU Staff Predictions

Fletcher Keel, 6–3

Fletcher Keel, 6–3

I’m still operating in “I’ll believe it when I see it,” mode when it comes to WKU.

I don’t have faith they’ll be able to stop, or even contain, Devin Singletary.

I don’t have faith they’ll be able to stop or contain quarterback Chris Robison.

I don’t have faith in an offense who has scored more than 20 points on two occasions this year, against Maine and Old Dominion.

I’m not saying I don’t think any of the pieces in place on the field aren’t good or are the right fit. I’m just saying I’ll believe it when I see it.

FAU wins, 42–17

Ross Shircliffe, 5–3 (no prediction for Wisconsin)

The trainwreck of the season continues for Mike Sanford’s Tops. As we wonder what happens to him and his staff we must play out the string of three games with the watching of this team turning into a chore instead of joy. FAU seemed to have turned a corner last week with their win over division-leading FIU. One of WKU’s biggest weaknesses this season has been stopping the run and the Owls have Devin Singletary. He should be more than enough in a 42–21 Owls victory as the Tops move to 1–9 on the season.

Matt McCay, 6–3

I know everybody is probably going to pick FAU. I honestly picked Western on principle last week and I don’t care if I took a loss. I’d do it again. Plus I legitimately thought WKU was due for a good performance and Middle was vulnerable to some of WKU’s strengths.

That being said, is FAU another opponent WKU could have a chance against?

Yes. Honestly, I think FAU is overwhelmingly inconsistent in 2018. Sure, WKU could win this game. Will they? WKU is going to have nothing to do with the outcome of this game. If FAU is horrible, WKU could win. If they’re great, WKU will get slaughtered.

It’s frankly that simple. That being said, I really don’t like the feel of things with this team. Once you get to a certain point, it takes extraordinary unity and a whole lot of luck to dig out of a hole. I don’t sense that in the slightest. I absolutely want the Tops to win the rest of their games, but I’m biting my nails hoping to just get two wins this year. I do not think this is the game for Western to pounce. FAU has too much offense. If you’re looking for a team WKU can beat, find one that struggles to score. FAU has produced decent offense in almost every game this year. WKU has produced awful offense in most of their games. WKU has scored 30 or more exactly once in 2018. That’s a tough situation to try to justify picking the Tops. FAU 35 — WKU 13.

Jared Rosdeutscher, 6–3

This season is spiraling down hill and with three games left most people (including myself) are losing interest on how this year will pan out.

I still support our team and players and hope they can pull a win to end the season but I don’t think it will be this game. FAU is currently a middle of the road team despite such high expectations this year but I still see the Owls getting a win, 45–17

Sam Gormley, 6–3

Last year, the FAU game was the first time where I really realized that WKU was just not as good as they had been in years past. While FAU might not be as good as they were, they are still much better than the Tops.

This game shouldn’t be close. Lane Kiffin is a bright offensive mind who should have no issues moving the ball against the WKU defense.

I have always been told if you have multiple quarterbacks that play then you really don’t have a quarterback and this year’s Topper team is the epitome of that. The rushing attack has shown some life this season, but scoring once you get in the redzone is turning into a major issue.

I would sit here and dwell more into the matchup, but frankly I don’t want to depress myself anymore about this football season. FAU wins 42–17

Devin Stewart, 2–3 (first prediction was Marshall)

I loathe Lane Kiffin, which makes this prediction harder to write.

My first dealings with him were back in 2009, when WKU played Tennessee and were crushed (63–7). There was no need to beat a transition team that bad, and before you say it’s part of football remember WKU played Ala-freaking-Bama in 2008 (fun fact the Crimson Tide was ranked №11 at the time) and they won only 41–7. Still bad, but still better than running up the score on a team who was no where near the caliber of the Vols.

So when Kiffin and his convicts welcome the Hilltoppers to beautiful Boca on Saturday, it won’t be pretty.

FAUs QB has thrown for 1735 yards, eight TDs, and 10 INT, thus far this season.

WKU hasn’t had a QB start 3 games in a row. The Tops’ top QB is Shanley (should be the starter, imo)and he’s thrown 942 yds, three TDs, and two INT.

FAU’s Singletary has 1021 yards, 18 TDs. While Samuels has 431 yards and a single TD.

In other words, the Tops don’t stack up.

If you put the Tops stats side by side with FAU, you’ve got:

• Yards Per Game: FAU 465 — WKU 367

• Points Per Game: FAU 30.8 — WKU 18.7

• Yards Allowed Per Game: FAU 422.1 —WKU 412.3

• Points Allowed Per Game: FAU 33.1 — WKU 29.9

Basically, Kiffin’s strategy is to outrun the opponent and let them make mistakes and capitalize on those mistakes. That’s probably why FAU is favored by 20 points, or because WKU has struggled offensively without a constant leadership role at QB.

I’m not blaming our struggles on the players, they’re trying. It sucks for these guys. I’ve witnessed it first hand.

But just remember, when WKU first faced Kiffin in 2009, that November was when Elson was let go…

Remember, remember the 9th of November.

FAU wins 45- 28.

Go Tops