WKU Football: Toppers Can’t Execute in Red Zone, Falter on Homecoming, 38–17

Western Kentucky is officially bowl ineligible after eight games in the 2018 season. WKU’s lone win came a long five weeks ago on the road at Ball State, a contest in which they lucked out with a comeback after being down the entire game. All told, WKU has had four games end in losses by a single field goal. The lone win was by eight, and three blowout losses mar the rest of the schedule.

WKU (1–7, 0–4 C-USA) came in desperate and motivated against an FIU team (6–2, 4–0 C-USA) that has come out of the quagmire of average teams in Conference USA to look like the strong favorite to finish atop the East Division.

In typical 2018 fashion, WKU came out firing in front of its 15,138 fans, only to stall after gaining 50 yards. WKU lined up for a 42-yard field goal, and also in typical fashion, faked it and didn’t make it. This now makes WKU 2-for-11 on fourth down conversion attempts this season.

Consequently, FIU, C-USA’s most consistent team through eight games played, took care of its business, driving 75 yards down the field, eating up over nine minutes off of the clock and taking a 7–0 lead after their first possession.

From there, WKU’s defense held strong for nearly a full quarter before relinquishing again to the immense pressure put on them by the field position battle. WKU’s punting was horrendous on the night, averaging 26 yards per punt, while FIU averaged over 50.

After a nine-yard punt off the side of kicker/punter Alex Rinella’s right foot, FIU took the ball down the field for another six play, 39-yard drive to take a 14–0 lead.

To its credit, WKU immediately responded with a field goal drive of its own, once again stalling out in the red zone in a situation that could’ve used a touchdown to slice the lead in half. Instead, WKU walked into the locker room down 11 needing a stop to start the second half.

Predictably, the Golden Panthers came out to start the second half and torched the Toppers in five plays, taking a 21–3 lead with 12:06 remaining in the third.

From that point forward, FIU was able to maintain control and the score would never come closer than 14, when WKU made its last push with 1:55 remaining.

WKU’s ensuing onside kick was batted around and nearly recovered by the Toppers, but ultimately, the ball skittered out of bounds and FIU sealed the deal with its final score on the second play of the ensuing drive.

Ultimately, Western fell to a better team, but WKU was not without its opportunities. WKU had six more first downs, had only one fewer trip inside the red zone, was comparable in most categories and, frankly, did enough individually to win the football game. However, in the biggest moments, WKU simply bamboozled itself. Removing the meaningless 61-yard run at the end of the game, WKU outgained FIU on the ground and in total yards.

Special teams destroyed the Hilltoppers’ chances Saturday night. First, Alex Rinella clanked a 22-yard field goal off of the goalpost. As was mentioned, FIU’s punter nearly doubled the production of WKU’s Rinella. In addition, WKU failed on a fake field goal, failed a two point conversion and roughed a kicker on a made field goal, which resulted in a touchdown. That is a double digit swing in points from special teams alone.

Next Time Out

WKU takes on Middle Tennessee this coming Friday in Murfreesboro. After four straight losses, WKU looks to bounce back against its most hated rival on a short turnaround. Middle is in contention for an East title for the first time in its short history in Conference USA.

Without question, Mike Sanford, Jr., is officially in deep trouble. Taking over a program that previously won a total of 23 games, two bowl games and two championships the prior two years, Sanford has managed to win seven of his first 21 games.

Obviously beating Middle never hurt a Western coach, but WKU’s remaining schedule is brutal and pressure-filled. Three of four are on the road, and the lone remaining home game is against a team with no wins. Surely, WKU must win two of these remaining four to give Sanford a chance to retain his position.

WKU football may be rebuilding, but virtually no one predicted the possibility of a 10 loss (or more) season within two years of a conference championship. WKU must plow forward, but one wonders what kind of kick is left in a team that has won two of its last 14 games.