WKU Football: Grading the Tops’ 52–46 Loss vs. UTSA

Well, now we know some concrete things about this football team. WKU finally gets into Conference USA play and takes on a quality opponent of equal or so talent, one who I will say is truly worthy of their record. After seeing UT-San Antonio in person, this is a big team that can make things happen when they want to. The defense is solid and can get stops when it needs to against anyone, they can run the ball virtually at will with a good running back, and the quarterback is good enough to deliver the ball, usually with accuracy.

WKU’s offense was basically at its peak. There were still a few moments that were obvious issues, like stone cold drops by reliable receivers, for example. But 670 yards against a good defense is plenty. The issue with the Toppers is now clearly confirmed to be the defense. Those without their head in the sand pretty much knew that to be fact, but at this point, it’s not getting much better, and it’s time to acknowledge that this defense is on pace to be nearly historically bad.

Hopefully they get their act together, because as Terry Obee and Randy Lee said on the Hilltopper postgame show, as good as this offense is, the defense just has to find a way to slow teams down enough to keep them under 35. As ludicrous as that sounds, it is a difficult task for them.

That being said, let’s break down each position and grade them on a scale of A-to-F. But first, let’s break down my Keys to Victory, and also I’ll comment on my pre-game prediction and eat some humble pie.

Grading the Keys to Victory

Keep Turnovers Even: B+

The turnovers were even, so this should be an A+, right? Pump the brakes. First of all, WKU’s first interception, which was glorious, should have probably been returned for a significant amount. WKU had 4-on-1 or so and somehow quarterback Frank Harris caught A.J. Brathwaite and forced a fumble and UTSA recovered the ball. Then UTSA essentially continued their drive and scored within 40 seconds. Then WKU comes down from that kickoff with a chance to take the lead and attempts a long field goal and misses to end the half. That’s a good swing of seven, if not 14 points. WKU was up three at the time. Imagine if WKU could have taken that ball and either scored another touchdown or kicked a chip field goal and gone into the half up at least three, if not six or ten points. Then they had possession to start the second half, as well. This was such a costly turnover that it cannot be graded as an even transaction.

Then WKU’s John Haggerty bombs a massive punt, the ball pops off of the returner’s shoulder pad, and WKU recovers the fumble. WKU actually took advantage and scored a touchdown to take the lead. However, in the waning moments, Bailey Zappe was trying to make a play on 3rd-and-goal at the 15 after a chop block penalty that had nothing to do with the play put the Toppers at the 20 yard line. Instead of being his normal accurate self, he throws behind his receiver, the ball stays in the air a little bit, and UTSA’s Hicks makes an incredible play, intercepting the ball at the three yard line. Ultimately, the Tops did keep the turnover battle even, but they don’t get full marks for the devastating nature of the timing on three of the game’s four turnovers.

Hold Your Own Up Front: B

I guess statistically, WKU’s lines were comparable to UTSA. They were somewhat present at times, but for those that saw that game, didn’t it feel like UTSA was more consistent on both sides of the ball? There was a consistent pressure issue Zappe had to worry about. WKU actually deflected a couple of balls, one resulting in the interception. What a concept! Those batted balls are game changers, even if all they result in is an incomplete pass. It forces the quarterback to think about getting it over the line.

Yes, they were present, but WKU only had one tackle-for-loss all game, and of course it was by DeAngelo Malone. That poor guy is a tackling machine at defensive end and frankly has no help. He can’t do what he normally would do, because he’s having to play part-time linebacker. I hate it for the guy, because NFL scouts are going to look at his declining explosive production and judge away. But the guy needs help. Also, part of holding your own up front is not getting penalties. Most of the WKU penalties were on linemen on both sides of the ball, including that devastating chop block penalty at the end. Whether you agree with it or not, why are two guys double teaming a UTSA player 25 yards from the ball? You have to be wise in those situations and realize that you cannot do anything questionable in these moments. Discipline once again bites the Tops.

Linebackers Need to Show Up: D

This is such a hole for the Tops. It’s extremely frustrating. Is DeAngelo Malone taking some tackles away from linebackers? Yeah, but one could easily argue it’s because he has to. But WKU’s linebacker position is a liability at this point. Will Ignont is an SEC talent, and he clearly has his moments, producing a couple of sacks on the season, getting involved in fumbles, and in this game, he had a pass breakup. That was wonderful to see something explosive from the linebacker position, but here is the total line for the linebackers: 11 tackles, one PBU. That’s it. No linebacker had over five tackles. Only three record statistics of any kind. By comparison, Rashad Wisdom of UTSA had 13 tackles on his own. Their next leading tackler? Dadrian Taylor, an outside linebacker with eight. This is how it should be!

You may be asking at home, “Why isn’t DeAngelo Malone getting sacks?” Because he’s having to play mop up duty for the rest of the defensive line and the linebackers! Remember the reverse play to the boundary as UTSA was heading towards the Hank Wilson zone as WKU was trying to claw back in the game? That play didn’t go for 20 yards because Malone tracked the reverse down from his position on the defensive line to make that a five yard gain. He does that several times a game and it’s astounding. It’s just frustrating to watch him struggle. Linebackers are supposed to produce every game. As a group, they’re not.

Be Sincere About McCormick: Keep Him Around 4 Yards Per Carry: C+

Honestly, this wasn’t that bad most of the game. He was held down for a good amount of the game, but in the second half, he took over for about a quarter and was able to gain five to ten yards per carry. He ended up averaging 5.3 yards per rush, but a majority of that uptick was a result of the second half. If WKU had been able to slow him down in the second half, I firmly believe the Tops would have gotten an extra stop or so and won the game. It’s unfortunate, because frankly giving up 120 yards is no real shame against the guy. But you wish he would have had to work a little more for it. It turns out an argument could be made his bludgeoning of the Topper defense late in the game gave them just enough to hold off the Tops.

Find Some Kind of Way to Run the Football: A+

I just cannot believe how much success WKU had on the ground! 147 rushing yards exactly doubles the former average UTSA’s defense was giving up each game (73). WKU was able to run it pretty much whenever they wanted. Sure, there was a drive WKU ran the ball three straight times and didn’t get it. But that was one drive and that’s play calling and not a lack of ability to run. If WKU can run the ball like that going forward, who else in C-USA can keep WKU to 46, or possibly score enough to keep up? You want to know what a difference the running game made? Look at the scoreboard. In games WKU has rushed for more than 100 yards, WKU has scored at least 46. In games they haven’t, they have scored no more than 35. The rushing attack makes the passing attack more explosive. Field goals usually happen because of a stuffed running play at some point in a drive after the offense gets behind the sticks. Being able to run forced UTSA to need 52 points to win, and WKU stayed fairly even in Time of Possession. It’s almost like the running game matters or something!

Channel the Adrenaline: B

I don’t know. On the one hand, once again, WKU got off to a slow start, but that was mainly because they kicked the ball away and UTSA scored first. Counting the muffed punt that WKU got to continue its possession on, WKU scored on its first four drives and attempted a field goal on its fifth. That’s not an indictment on the offense. Also, there’s no question the WKU defense fought and did what it could against frankly a pretty good offense that has weapons in both the running and passing game. I can’t think of one moment WKU was just completely out of position defensively. They just got beat, folks. It is what it is. 6'4" beats 5'11" if the ball is in the right spot 99 percent of the time.

I do think the dings have to be in the area of discipline. You get the blood pumping and make 52 more yards worth of penalties than the Roadrunners, especially ones that are awful timing. Regardless of the opinion on some of the calls, WKU was clearly less disciplined. No question. Also, in the biggest moments, who stepped up? Usually UTSA. How many times did WKU have a chance to take the lead and UTSA found a way to get it done? When UTSA had a chance to extend the lead, what did they do? They scored. When WKU had a chance to make a decision on whether to go for two late in the third, what did they do? They listened to their ego and adrenaline and didn’t make a sensible decision. I’m never ever ever ever going for two to create a field goal difference unless I think I’m only getting the ball back one more time. Then it matters. Otherwise, there are too many games with weird score lines because somebody got cute. If it works, yippee. If it doesn’t, you regret it almost every time in a close game.

Prediction: D

Yeah that prediction…in hindsight…was a little overzealous. 52–27? Oh the irony that UTSA scores 52. I’m sure UTSA nation is stomping on the grave of my article and its prediction. Oh well. Excuse me for believing in the defense. Unfortunately, they are officially just not going to be very good this year. I’m not sure what else there is to be said about the defense. I’m not picking anyone to score less than 30 unless they show magical improvement.

That being said, I knew UTSA’s offense was literally going to have to score 50 if they wanted to win. WKU’s offense is just insane. There’s no stopping them for any reasonable amount of stops per game. They’re going to make you feel like you’re a piece of crap. You will be humbled. But the WKU defense is equally as awful and gives opposing defenses a chance to just find a way to get a few stops and they’ll probably win if they keep WKU in the 30s or 40s.

WKU happened to click incredibly well, and I would like those that think I was being ridiculous to think about the end of that first half. If WKU does go up double digits and then gets to come out and take a shot at a 17 point lead, does that prediction not make sense? Imagine if WKU got a big lead. Is there any way they give it up at that point? That’s why I predicted that score. It was either going to be close on way or another, or WKU was going to play up to its potential and blow someone out. The offense was incredible, and UTSA was just better. They executed at a high level all night and found a way to hang 50. Congrats. You couldn’t do it again if you wanted to. You would need the WKU offense to sputter a couple more times to win on most nights. I stand by that. Deep down, UTSA people know I’m right here.

Position Grades

Quarterback: A

Zappe is going to go down with the single greatest offensive season in WKU history. It’s almost a foregone conclusion at this point. I may get into that in an article at some point soon, but believe it or not, he’s on pace to best Mike White and Brandon Doughty from their unbelievable single season numbers in virtually every category. The only ding for Zappe is the last play of the game. He threw it behind his guy and may have had Sterns open up the middle. But I’m not sure what more he can do. He’s leading a historically good offense. He’s leading the nation in passing. He’s sliding around in the pocket, probably making his offensive line look better to the tune of saving a sack or two a game. He’s able and willing to run if he wants, which White and Doughty never did. He’s (dare I say it?) a better field general. His arm is physically stronger. Give the man credit. He’s going to set the new passing standard at WKU and he’s going to blow them out of the water.

Running Back: A-

I’m really not sure you could get much more out of this group than what they produced Saturday. 147 yards is by far the most they have produced, and UTSA is one of the best run defenses in the country so far this season. Coming in to the game, they were top five in yards per game. I was hoping for any kind of ability to run, and WKU was able to at will. Sure, UTSA basically had to allow the Tops to run in order to stop the pass, but in what way could anyone possibly be upset at this rushing performance? You would like to see one guy step and be “the guy”. Whittington has largely been that man for a few weeks, but now Cofield shows up with 65 yards. Robichaux is the bruiser for sure. Whittington and Cofield both have shown an ability to make a catch or two out of the backfield as well as find a hole on the ground. The only reason this grade is not at maximum is somebody has to step up and be “the guy”. And also, no explosive plays. The longest play was 12 yards. Although they averaged about six as a group, none of the runs changed the feel of the game on their own.

Wide Receiver: A-

Keep in mind, the wide receivers are doing all of this damage without a consistent tight end. Joey Beljan has done a fine enough job since Joshua Simon has gone out, but he’s not nearly the producer Simon was. Consequently, nearly all but three to seven targets per game fall on the receivers. That’s a lot of pressure to run the right route with all of the focus on you. The only knock in this game was several drops, mostly by the Sterns brothers. Jerreth was amazing as usual, with 16 catches, but one in particular hit him in the numbers and would have given the Tops a first down on a crucial drive. Josh dropped a few that would have made some last minute drives easier and had some other opportunities. But the receiver room is still performing at a historic level, with multiple guys usually getting to 100 yards.

Tight End: C+

Joey Beljan is turning out to be a decent option for Zappe, and the tight end is not naturally a powerful position in an Air Raid offense. However, you’ve got to hope for a couple more catches, or a couple more nice plays. Or help bust a run loose down the field. Even if a tight end could contribute on special teams, or if WKU could put out multiple viable tight end threats on the field, the offense would add even more depth to its prowess. Joshua Simon coming back at any point would probably make WKU’s offense even a little bit better.

Offensive Line: B+

Honestly, this may be a little harsh, but I feel like the stats don’t tell the full story. The WKU offensive line was very good this game, and really every game. However, UTSA was not sending much pressure and still was able to get to Zappe several times, although he was only sacked once. But these guys are not — and really no one on offense are — the problem with this team. They’re doing their job, but I think it felt like UTSA had a little more control when they wanted to. But also, give these guys some credit for allowing one sack and no other tackles-for-loss. However, penalties were killer, including some by captain Mason Brooks. Also, the chop block at the end, regardless of whether it should have been called, is still something that if you weren’t up to questionable business in a crucial moment, would never have been called and it’s almost certain that WKU gets the go-ahead touchdown in that instance.

Defensive Line: D+

Malone: A+

Everyone else: D-

DeAngelo Malone is doing it all on his own, it seems like. Sure, the Tops actually do have some production at defensive end and tackle in terms of tackles made. Thank God for that. But they are very rarely getting in the backfield, including Malone. I already covered Malone a couple of times above, but I’m frustrated for the guy. He is on a terrible defense doing everybody else’s job. The defensive line has to man up and decide it wants to make an impact. The other parts of the defense need to step up, too. Juwuan Jones needs to step up. Jeremy Darvin has been ok at times, but he needs to be the clear second or third best player on the defense and he’s not consistently that guy. This defensive line was supposed to be very good. They’re not so far.

Linebackers: F+

I covered this position significantly already, too. Give them a little bit of credit I guess for a little bit of production by the starters, but even so, good linebacker groups need to be getting way over five tackles per game for each starter. Minimum production should be seven or eight per position. There should be linebacker production on special teams some, too. But the Tops aren’t getting anything of significance from this group and it is desperately needed. It’s not necessarily the fault of the guys in place. The linebacker position as a whole was decimated by a career ending injury to Clay Davis and the transfer of Kyle Bailey, for example. Others have bowed out or graduated, as well. But the fact remains somebody has to step up. This is the middle of the defense and it explains why WKU can’t stop anybody.

Defensive Backs: D

The safeties were ok, providing decent coverage at times (for giving up 52) and forcing both turnovers (although Brathwaite fumbled it away). The corners were frankly smoked and continue to be more often than not through five games. WKU just can’t figure out how to stop the passing game. UTSA just went deep and threw it to their big receivers. The coverage on those plays was not awful. They were there, but for the most part, plays could have been made and the players didn’t get in there, get a hand up, or whatever. At least get in his way a little bit. What’s frustrating is WKU’s defense is not horrendous in terms of soundness. For the most part, they’re on their men. The zones keep most huge plays at bay. The safeties are experienced and generally make good decisions. But it’s just plain not coming together for this unit.

Special Teams: A-

These guys are doing their jobs. Munson was absolutely perfect all game, not doing anything but launching touchbacks. Haggerty averaged freakin’ 61 yards per punt, including hitting one so far with length that the returner couldn’t judge it and the Tops got a free extra possession. Narveson missed a 55 yarder, so ding the group for that? But he made his reasonable kicks and he’s never missed an extra point. Heck, the return game from Beanie Bishop was great. If I’m Helton, turn that guy loose every return. If he wants to go for it, it’s on him. The only ding is the punt return unit giving up a 38 yarder. Although Haggerty may somehow blame himself, this one was completely on the coverage guys. The punt was angled outside the hash, and they had opportunity and room to tackle him and allowed a corridor pretty much straight up the field for him to run through. WKU was lucky not to give up the other 55 yards on the same play.

Coaching

Zach Kittley and the offense: A-

Everyone else: F

Total: D-

I mean honestly it’s about time to quit playing softball and blame the coaches. There have now been two games with obvious coaching deficiencies. The most egregious this game was going for a two point conversion down five with over a quarter left in a shootout. There is no way you must have have that extra point at that moment. You don’t know if you’re going to lose by 17 or win by 17. Either could have happened with how many points were being scored. Then you now have to go for it again on the next touchdown, and at that point, WKU has crossed the threshold from a one possession game to a two possession game if UTSA goes down to score a TD. Which they did. Disaster.

On top of that, my only issue with Kittley was running it three straight plays one drive. Also, running it on 3rd-and-7 for no reason in the middle of the game when you need points was baffling. But that may have been a Zappe check? Not sure, but garbage. Defensively, what the heck is going on? I don’t get it all around. I’m officially frickin’ frustrated with the defensive mindset and play calling. You are getting murdered. Take some risks. Screw solid defense. Your conservative crap isn’t working. Engage eight, baby. Turn everybody loose. Cover zero. Do what high schools do and roam everybody around and randomly choose a gap and hope for the best. I mean seriously junk it up. You are 123rd in the nation in yards given up. You are 124th in scoring defense. You have several standout players. Use them and quit using them for something they’re not as good at. For God’s sake, put some guys at different positions if you have to. Figure it out. Jeremy Darvin should be a safety. Hell, I don’t know, but come on, guys. It’s worse than awful.

Overall, as bad as the defense is, this team is not a hopeless mess. But if the defense doesn’t get better, it’s almost impossible for WKU to win the conference. It’s going to be difficult to be bowl eligible if they don’t improve at all. But maddeningly, WKU’s offense is far and away the best single offensive or defensive unit in Conference USA. Who could argue that fact? So if the defense can stop hell from freezing, the Tops should win most of the rest of their games. Frankly, as long as the offense doesn’t come back to Earth, WKU shouldn’t lose to many teams in the country. But the defense has to become a top 100 type of defense. That’s all. But that’s a long way to go, frankly.

We’ll see, but I’ll leave the audience with this, and I’ve said this before:

Without a running game, Mike White was 6–7 and lost a bowl game. With a pretty good running game, Mike White threw for one more yard per game and was a C-USA Champion and 11–3.

Without a defense, Brandon Doughty was 8–5 and had to score 44 points per game to do it. With a defense, Brandon Doughty was 12–2, the offense scored the same amount of points per game, and WKU only faced four real chances to lose all season, winning two of them.

Perhaps the running game issue has been fixed for Bailey Zappe and the Tops. That remains to be seen. However, without a proven running game, Bailey Zappe has WKU averaging over 40 per game and is throwing for 80 more yards per game than Mike White or Brandon Doughty ever did, and that margin is likely to increase since the Tops are now fully into conference play. In addition, Zappe is also positive in rushing yards, something Brandon Doughty or Mike White never came within 52 yards of doing.

The WKU defense is currently averaging giving up 38 points per game and allowing 480 yards per game. WKU’s worst ever defense was in 2014, when the Tops gave up a touch under 40 points per game 510 yards per game. However, that 2014 defense forced 23 turnovers. This version of the Tops has only forced five through five games, meaning a pace of 12 for the season. Let’s hope the Tops can turn it around vs. ODU. Stay tuned for in-depth statistical analysis each week pre and post-game!