WKU Football: Arkansas Q&A with Arkansas Fight

Ross Shircliffe
Nov 6 · 5 min read
Photo from Ben Goff

We’re just three days away from WKU’s trip to Fayetteville to take on Arkansas. There is a lot a stake in this one. WKU is looking for a signature win against an SEC program and also still needs another victory for bowl eligibility. Needless to say, this is a big game. With that in all of that in mind, we thought that we’d get an Arkansas perspective on the game. Luckily for us, we got Tucker Partridge and Saul Malone from Arkansas Fight to give us their thoughts on the Arkansas program, the game, and some predictions. Without further adieu, here is our conversation with the guys from Arkansas Fight.


2019 was expected to be a rebuilding season for the Razorbacks but it’s hard to see anyone expecting the 2–7 start. Why has 2019 gone so wrong for the Hogs thus far?

Saul: We’re just bad on both sides of the ball. No identity on offense, no consistency at the QB position and a defense that is susceptible to giving up the big play.

Chad Morris is now 4–17 during his short tenure. Obviously he’s on the hot seat. Does a win Saturday move the needle at all and do you see him surviving another potential winless season in the SEC?

Tucker: I’ve already called for him to be fired in an article, but I don’t think he’ll lose his job UNLESS we lose to WKU. A win against WKU might buy him a little more time.

The Ty Storey back in Fayetteville narrative looms large on this game. How do Razorback fans view Storey and his time in Fayetteville?

Saul: Ditto.

Arkansas has juggled Storey’s replacements with Ben Hicks, Nick Starkel and John Stephen Jones all playing over the first 9 games. Who do you see playing Saturday and what are that player’s strengths as a signal-caller?

Saul: Chad recently said the John Stephen Jones is going to be our starter on Saturday with KJ Jefferson backing him up. He also said he expects both guys to play. JSJ has looked comfortable running the read option and commanding our offense all things considered. KJ is a FREAK athlete who is a home-run threat any time he has the ball in his hands.

Last Chance U fans might be familiar with Arkansas’s leading rusher Rakeem Boyd, How important is he to Arkansas’ offense?

Tucker: Rakeem has been the sole bright spot in an otherwise dark season on offense. I’ve said before that we don’t deserve him. He’s absolutely critical to our success.

Who are some other skill position players that WKU fans should worry about on Saturday?

Saul: Treylon Burks and Trey Knox are incredible receivers and freak athletes. If we can get them involved consistently, they can be matchup nightmares

Arkansas’ Defense has struggled mightily giving up 35 points and 443 yards per game. Do they have any impact players that could finally shine against WKU’s inconsistent offense?

Saul: We’ve got talent on the defensive side of the ball, particularly Bumper Linebacker Pool and defensive back Joe Foucha, though they’re coming off one of the worst games in their careers. I think playing you guys could hopefully get them back on track and get them some confidence going into LSU.

How do you see the game playing out? What is your prediction?

Tucker: Optimistic prediction: Arkansas 24–20.

Pessimistic prediction: Ty Storey has a revenge game and wins 34–14.


I want to thank Tucker and Saul for taking the time to do this q&a with us. You can read their work here and listen to their podcast Wooo Pod Sooie weekly here and can also follow their twitter account for fun analysis and reaction to Saturday’s matchup.

The Towel Rack

The Towel Rack is a place to hang your thoughts when it comes to Western Kentucky sports. Providing fans with a unique view on the Hilltoppers from news, rumors, opinions, previews, game coverage, recaps and more. Welcome to The Towel Rack.

Ross Shircliffe

Written by

Alot of WKU Sports talk (someone's got to do it), Occasional Reds, UofL & Conservative Politics

The Towel Rack

The Towel Rack is a place to hang your thoughts when it comes to Western Kentucky sports. Providing fans with a unique view on the Hilltoppers from news, rumors, opinions, previews, game coverage, recaps and more. Welcome to The Towel Rack.

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