WKU is in the win column for the first time this season. The win against a stout Florida International team was good medicine after a “sick” loss to Central Arkansas. Let’s breakdown the 5 things you need to take away from the game.

1. EN-GAEJED!

If Gaej Walker keeps up these type of performances, I’m going to run out of clever word plays on his name. But seriously, Walker is taking full advantage of his ascension to the top of the running back depth chart. Gaej’s 100 yards off of 27 carries and one touchdown helped set the tone for WKU. In fact, Walker was the ground game. Only 4 yards were gained rushing by someone other than the former defensive player.

I expect this will continue as Walker is proving that he can be the workhorse back the Tops will need this season. The only concern is the fact other running backs who could use some reps are getting lost in the shuffle and may not be able to answer the call when it’s time to put them on the field. Yet until then, might as well go with what’s working.

2. DEFINITELY DEFENSE

WKU’s defense came up big to right the wrongs of last week. Last week, the Tops were burned for 21 points in the final frame. Saturday, the Tops were able to hold serve against FIU. That major stop on 2nd-and-2 with just minutes left in the 4th quarter galvanized this much maligned defense and gave the Tops the victory.

Now, by no means was the defense perfect, but it added nearly 20 more tackles to it's cache than it had last week. Defensive coordinator Clayton White needs to tighten up the defense more, but I like where they are headed.

3. BETTER LUCK DUNCAN

Steven Duncan looked a lot better this week in his game management abilities than he did against UCA, except for that interception which led to 80-yard FIU TD. Duncan seemed to have better control of his offense and made overall smarter decisions. He’s going to need that presence of mind next week against Louisville.

He will need to be more productive and get more points on the board if the Tops hope to have any chance against the Cardinals.

4. RED ZONE SUCCESS

WKU managed to score each time it reached the red zone. Although the second half was only made up of two field goals, the Tops still were able to put points on the board, unlike last week. Second half red zone success is something that eluded WKU most of last season and appeared to do the same last week. However, if this Topper team can move the chains, then theoretically, the points will come.

5. PAYBACK AND MOMENTUM

A final takeaway from this game is that WKU is coming into the contest with Louisville with a .500 record and a chip on its shoulder. Last week, the Tops had the dubious distinction of being the bottom of the barrel in college football . Many of the Tops also are carrying the pain from last year's close loss to Louisville last year. So you know the Tops have an extra vested interest in winning this game.

The Tops will have their handful as Louisville comes off of a beat down of Eastern Kentucky. The Tops need to play loose and open up the playbook in order to have a shot. Another idea is to mix up the quarterbacks (Duncan and Ty Storey) and employ LaFrance more to get a two-headed attack on the ground.