WKU Football: WKU vs. Marshall Staff Predictions
IT’S MOONSHINE THROWDOWN TIME, FOLKS.
IT’S MOONSHINE THROWDOWN TIME, FOLKS.
Fletcher Keel, 2–2
I’m going to phone this one in — you’re going to find a lot more in depth opinions below.
Marshall, 31–17
Ross Shircliffe, 1–2 (no prediction for Wisconsin)
WKU finally got back in the win column last week and I’ve never been so happy to be wrong on my prediction. WKU’s offense put together their second straight encouraging effort despite the injury to Shanley and a sub-par day from the defense. Now it’s time to seize on the opportunity and get a statement win that gets the entire fanbase back on the bandwagon.
The Tops have that opportunity this week in the Moonshine Throwdown against Marshall. After digging into the stats, Marshall really hasn’t been that impressive to start the season and has actually had a similar trajection to their season to WKU (minus an embarrassing loss to an FCS team). The Herd have played competitively against an ACC team (NC State) and beat a middling MAC team (Miami of Ohio) and missed out on their Top 25 level game (at South Carolina was canceled). While their traditional stats seem fairly similar to WKU; the advanced stats show that Marshall is 32 spots better (71st to 103rd) in the S&P+ rankings and better across the board in Offense (88th to 110th), Defense (59th to 84th) and Special teams (39th to 121st).
What that shows me is that Marshall is better at finishing drives and making stops when they need to. WKU has proven they can move the ball during the last two weeks against bad opponents, now they’re going to have to prove they can do it against a competent rival. Until they prove they can finish drives and are up to the task, I cannot pick WKU to win even if the game is at home. I think the game will be low scoring and competitive (what else would you expect from a Mike Sanford coached team) but ultimately WKU can’t finish drives well enough to overcome a more consistent offense. Marshall 31 — WKU 24. Let’s hope that I’m wrong for the second week in a row and the Tops give us something to believe in heading into the bye week.
Matt McCay, 3–1
WKU football is quickly gaining an identity as a team with a pretty good defense designed to stop the run. Offensively, WKU has a decent passing attack with a young, physical offensive line trying to solidify its identity.
Statistically, Marshall is very similar to WKU in all three phases. There are some different moving parts, but ultimately, both teams gain and give up nearly 400 yards per game. Both teams get some pressure from the defensive line, have talent at receiver, and have punters with modest numbers.
However, I believe Marshall probably has the more developed offensive line, has a little better receivers, and executes in the red zone. Fundamentally, I think Marshall is just a little bit better in a vacuum. At home, WKU turns this into a coin flip. However, WKU’s lack of execution in big moments, in addition to Marshall’s big play ability in the passing game, makes me lean towards Marshall. This game is totally in the Toppers’ grasp, and because of the first few games of the season, this is now a near must-win game for Western. I just think Marshall’s just a little too good at this point in the season. Come ask me in November and I would probably pick the Tops. Marshall 23-WKU 20.
Jared Rosdeutscher, 3–1
The Moonshine Throwdown started a few years ago with one of the most historic wins WKU has gotten in their history as a FBS team when they spoiled Marshall’s perfect season. A lot has changed since that Black Friday in 2014 for both teams so this year’s matchup has different things at stake.
WKU (1–3) definitely didn’t get off to the start we hoped that they would but as C-USA play begins at home against Marshall (2–1) now is the best time to get a statement win against a Thundering Herd team in front of a crowd that’s lost a lot of hope in this year’s team.
The Maine loss has definitely drained most causal WKU fans of their enthusiasm for the Tops this year but I feel like if WKU gets a win this Saturday, hope could be restored. Starting conference play is almost like getting a blank slate for this team so if they can get off on the right track in the C-USA, the season won’t be a total loss.
With all that in mind, I look for WKU to avenge the first home loss they had this season. WKU is starting to get things together at the right time despite injuries so I look for the Tops to snatch a win in the MSTD 31–30.
Sam Gormley, 3–1
Another hard game to predict. The old saying is “in a rivalry game, you through everything out the window.” I am hoping that is true, because on paper, Marshall is better and should win this game.
This game is going to center around the play of Steven Duncan and whether he can make sound plays while limiting mistakes. The winner of this game will also win the turnover margin, so it is extremely important for WKU to take advantage of this.
Another key to this game needs to be centered around keeping their emotions in check. Marshall will want to get in the head of WKU and cause them to hurt themselves with penalties. Being smart is extremely important for the Tops to win.
Overall, if this game was in Huntington, I would have very little confident, if any at all, in the Tops winning the game. With this game being in the Houch, I expect it to remain close, but Marshall will pull away in the fourth quarter to win 35–24.
Devin Stewart, First Prediction With Site
Western has had a rough start to the year, but they’re not the only ones in Conference USA to do so. Old Dominion not only lost to Liberty but they also beat Virginia Tech. Even with the loss to Maine, this season could make a turn around for the Tops. Besides a handful of Conference USA opponents, WKU could finish in the top half of the conference.
Marshall is weak against the pass and I believe with the RPO, WKU can capitalize on this weakness. On the other side of the ball, Marshall is starting a green quarterback in Isaiah Green (see what I did there), and even though he has thrown six touchdowns this season he has also thrown three interceptions as well. So I believe Devon Key and the secondary could be a contributing factor as well as Eli Brown (hopefully)who is also back. This could be a great defensive performance that was lacking against Ball State.
Pour me some Kool Aid, cause I’m taking the Tops, 24–23 WKU.