Analyzing the Enemy: Houston Baptist Huskies (10/1/2016)

On the eve of WKU's first Saturday night game in two years, let's take a look at the Hilltoppers next enemy: the Houston Baptist Huskies.

Day: Saturday, October 1

Time: 6:00PM CST

Location: Houchens-Smith Stadium

Radio: Hilltopper IMG Sports

Series Record: 0-0 (never met). Both teams are 2-2 on the season.

Betting Line: N/A

Trust me, I hate being that person who completely dismisses another team just because they are FCS. However, as a preface, it is extremely difficult to gather a lot of statistics on FCS teams.

Offense

Despite some struggles, the Hilltoppers are averaging 29.2 points and 447 yards per game against the likes of Rice, Alabama, Miami(OH), and Vanderbilt. The Huskies are averaging 20 points and 366.5 yards per game after playing Central Arkansas, Texas Southern, Abilene Christian, and Sam Houston State.

What HBU lacks in quarterback (669 yards total, 2 touchdowns, 167.2 yards per game, 50%), they make up for in their run game. Running back Terrance Peters has 372 net rushing yards on the season and 4 touchdowns while averaging 93 yards per game. The Huskies have been averaging 178 yards per game. Although the Tops lost D'Andre Ferby to a season-ending injury, Ace Wales, Quinton Baker, and Marquez Trigg are slowly, but surely, piecing back together the run game. A healthy Ace Wales, as we saw against Vanderbilt, put up 152 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Other than the run game, WKU is simply the better team in every statistical category. Here is a brief look at some averages:

Advantage: WKU

Defense

Bottom line, the Huskies give up 38 points per game while the Hilltoppers give up 26.75 points per game. WKU's headline of the season, so far, might just be the defense. If offense works out the kinks, WKU will be a force to be reckoned with. Over the course of four games, WKU has put up the following stats:

-[Last I checked] WKU's Joel Iyiegbuniwe is ranked 9th nationally with 1.8 tackles for loss per game.

-Three of the Hilltoppers have recorded 30+ tackles.

-#27 in rushing defense

-#22 in sacks

This is not to marginalize Garrett Dolan of Houston Baptist who has accumulated 52 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 recovered fumble.

Advantage: WKU

Special Teams

Both teams are 6-9 on field goals. However, advantage goes to WKU due to punting (43.7 yds per game), kick returns (34.3 yds per game), and special teams coverage.

Advantage: WKU

What to expect Saturday

After a tough loss to Vanderbilt, WKU wants and needs to find their groove. Playing Houston Baptist could not have come at a better time. Expect some younger guys to have playing time while the more experienced fellas rest up for the C-USA showdown against Louisiana Tech (at Louisiana Tech).

Prediction

1st Half: 30-3

2nd Half: 27-7

Hilltoppers win 57-10.