WKU Football: Five Important Things Ahead of Wisconsin
This version of WKU football is mysterious. Mike Sanford has brought in some talent but in 2017, gaping holes in production and a lack of chemistry really left a bad taste in many fans’ mouths.
With three significant, captain-level departures (Iyiegbuniwe, Edwards, and Collins), can the Tops recover from losing so much star power from each phase of the game?
Last year, the Hilltoppers had some good pieces defensively, but defensive line injuries kept the defense from being dominant. Offensively, each unit, except quarterback and tight end, performed below expectations. Special teams took a giant step backwards, as well.
Clearly, Sanford lowered expectations. A program expected to compete for a conference championship ended up with a 6–7 record and didn’t sniff a championship.
Fast forward to the start of fall camp: Sanford has delivered on the recruiting trail, hauling in the first and second ranked WKU classes in history in his first two offseasons. As we zoom in on the Wisconsin game, let’s recap some things we should have picked up on during fall camp.
1. Everyone is healthy heading into Wisconsin.
Sanford made sure to point out that the 2018 fall camp has gone much smoother than 2017. Tens of surgeries riddled the WKU roster last year. This year, no starters enter the first week of the season with anything more than some bumps and bruises. Rewind a year ago: The defensive line was riddled with injuries, D’Andre Ferby was coming off of a serious injury from the previous season and Marcus Ward was a shell of himself. Imagine the difference a few minor injuries made, let alone over 20 significant injuries.
2. Sanford likes his team.
Never underestimate the power of comfortability. Sanford has assembled a roster and plugged the serious holes he had issues with last year. Last year, he was thin at offensive line, receiver, defensive line, and secondary in particular. Just from his eyes and body language, if we pay attention, he feels much more confident about the 2018 version of the Tops. He has some pieces to work with.
3. Ben Holt was unanimously voted captain.
This is a big deal. Every single person in the locker room knows who the team leader is. That is an incredible gift for Mike Sanford to have someone that stands out that much. Former Topper Defensive Coordinator, Nick Holt’s, son, Ben Holt has apparently blossomed into a real star this offseason. Always a play maker, Sanford glows about Holt’s newfound consistency heading into 2018. In addition to Holt, DeAndre Farris adds another natural leader on the defense. On a team trying to bounce back from disappointment, leadership is paramount.
4. Running backs and offensive line are still an issue.
I do believe Sanford feels better about these groups, but reading between the lines, he does not have a running back that he trusts in all situations. On the depth chart, he has five guys listed as possible starters. That means inconsistency. Last year, he had four possible starters listed. Not a good omen. The offensive line has solidified itself, but they’re all very young. Potentially, four of the five starters could play together in 2020 if they stick together. That’s a positive sign, but imagine the growing pains in this first year together!
5. Wisconsin is better than Maine.
There’s a bombshell for you. In all seriousness, as we watch this game in person or on ESPN Friday night at 8 p.m. (CT), let’s keep perspective. WKU is hoping to finish in the race for Conference USA’s East Division. Wisconsin is ranked fourth in the preseason polls for a reason. Every position on their team is impressive. Lines, skill positions, quarterback, offense, defense and special teams. They’re big, strong, and fast. Several guys are on multiple watch lists, and the running back, Jonathan Taylor, is in the first handful of favorites for the Heisman Trophy.
Who knows how good WKU is at this point? Regardless of the scoreboard, watch for star talent. Can WKU protect this year? Sanford has said his receivers are deep. Are they any good? Is the defensive line going to do anything against Wisconsin’s amazing offensive line? What about special teams?
The Tops are on at premium time on the first real Friday time slot of the first full week of the season. The whole country will be watching the Tops. As a Topper, you can’t ask for a better platform: Prime time on the road against a football giant picked in the preseason Top Five. Let’s see if they show something.
