WKU Football Gameday Information vs. MTSU
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.
Fast forward through eight games now. WKU is 3–1 in conference and in a three way tie for first. WKU is 4–4 after a nice quality win against Charlotte, extending the winning streak to three. WKU’s lone conference loss came to now-ranked UTSA (Oh wait nevermind, apparently they’re not a consensus top 25 team; thanks a lot, College Football Playoff Committee!). With a three way tie for first, WKU must beat MTSU to keep pace. FAU and Marshall play each other, so if WKU wins against Middle, they eliminate another contender and they would stand atop C-USA with a two way tie.
WKU (4–4, 3–1 C-USA) takes on a surprisingly quality MTSU squad (4–4, 2–2 C-USA) in the newest version of 100 Miles of Hate. The major story that may not be front page news for most WKU fans would be MTSU starting quarterback Chase Cunningham is out and actually third string QB Mike DiLiello is set to make the start. This is now the third backup quarterback in the last four weeks that WKU has faced. It seems like the stars have aligned for the Tops to make a run at a C-USA title. However, who stands in the way next? The oldest rival, the one team WKU has far and away played the most in Conference USA, Middle Tennessee, stands in the way of the next step for WKU.
So let’s set the stage for WKU and MTSU, shall we?
Location
Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium
Capacity: 22,113
Set near the bottom of a steep hill, LT Smith Stadium has housed the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers since 1968. WKU renovated “The Houch” as it transitioned to the FBS, adding 7,000 more seats and moving all WKU Football Operations into the new side of the stadium, finishing construction in 2009.
Time
Saturday, November 7, 2021 2:30 PM CST
Weather Forecast
Situated around 29 degree weather, the Tops luck out to see weather in the high 50s all game and the sun should be out and the crowd should be feeling toasty. It will be chilly in the shade, and if the wind picks up, it could be a little chillier than expected. Bring your jacket and again, bring layers.
TV
Stadium
Play-by-Play: Chris Hassel Analyst: Max Starks
Radio
Randy Lee (Play by Play), Terry Obee (Analyst), Jared Holland (Analyst)
Also, you can listen to the radio call anywhere in the world on the WKU Gameday App!
Gameday Information
WKU
MTSU
Around C-USA
Betting Lines from Sportsline.com
WKU -17.5
O/U 67
ESPN.com Match-up Predictor
WKU-73.3% chance to win
Current Records
WKU: 4–4 (3–1 C-USA)
MTSU: 4–4 (2–2 C-USA)
Last Time Out…
WKU is right in the thick of it after beating Charlotte 45–13. In a true comprehensive effort, WKU beat a quality team in all three phases. With each week, they play a game of Survivor that Jeff Probst would be proud of. This week, next team to eliminate is MTSU. If WKU can beat Middle, the Tops will still stand atop C-USA tied with either FAU or Marshall, who play each other this week. If WKU wins out, they win the East Division.
MTSU has really surprised Conference USA so far this season. Perhaps the positive surprise of the league, MTSU stands at 2–2 in conference after beating USM 35–10 last week. Middle is no slouch, with a quality defensive line, a defense that is designed to create chaos, and a win against Marshall (by way of forcing six turnovers) to prove it.
Coaches
Tyson Helton- 3rd Season- 18–15 (18–15 Overall)
Rick Stockstill- 16th Season- 98–96 (98–96 Overall)
Series
35–34–1 MTSU
Last Meeting
WKU and MTSU met early last year in the third game of the season for WKU. Western and Middle both struggled to score in the first quarter, but the second quarter opened up for both teams with both entering halftime with ten points each. WKU took control over Middle scoring the game’s next ten points. In typical rivalry fashion, MTSU made it interesting by scoring a touchdown with two minutes to make the final tally 20–17.
Relevant Reading
Conference USA Preseason Media Prediction
Injury Report
WKU
Questionable to Doubtful: TE Joshua Simon (foot) is still listed as questionable despite reports that he may not return this season. He has now missed every game since coming up gimpy near the end of the UT-Martin game. Does Joshua Simon even know Joshua Simon’s prognosis? Impact: Massive
MTSU
Left team after starting three games: Starting QB Bailey Hockman
Out for rest of season: QB Chase Cunningham (lower leg)
Excitement Level —6
I think surely fans will be excited to play Middle. This is always a good game, and any good WKU fan hates the MUTS. Also, look at the times, y’all! WKU is in position to win the C-USA East. Western just needs four wins to clinch a spot in the title game. If fans can’t get excited about a championship, what will they get excited about?
After this game, if WKU wins, the Tops will eliminate two teams from contention: Middle and the loser of Marshall and FAU. You can’t ask for a more important game to keep the momentum going.
It’s time to bring the hate, it’s going to be a pretty day, but let’s make it an ugly massacre of the MTSU Blue Raiders. Tops by 100.
My Little Pony: We’re coming for you, girlfriend.
Go Tops!
We’ll be providing live coverage and reaction. If you made it to The Houch, 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.
