Day: Saturday, September 8

Time: 6:30PM CST

Location: Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium

Network: ESPN+

Betting Line: WKU by 23

As it will be the case for this entire breakdown, a statistical analysis is not the most accurate representation of how each team fares in this matchup. Last week, WKU faced Wisconsin: a Top 5 FBS program. Maine (FCS) faced New Hampshire: a Top 25 FCS team. Ergo, WKU's numbers from the Wisconsin game will probably not be indicative of the remainder of the season.

Quarterback

It had been four months since the spring game, and fans were finally able to watch Drew Eckels in action. His debut, although without a touchdown, was extremely promising. Against a relatively young, but aggressive Wisconsin defense, Eckels completed 15-26 attempts (57.7%), threw for 167 yards, 6.42 yards per pass, and a long pass of 48 yards. Even more surprising and relieving was Eckels' [and Davis Shanley's] mobility. On 9 carries, Eckels ran for 38 yards and 4.2 yards per carry. His longest run was 15 yards. Shanley ran for 31 yards on 3 carries, averaging 10.3 yards per carry.

Maine's Chris Ferguson was highly efficient in the season opener: completing 21-31 attempts (68%), passed for 251 yards, 7.84 yards per play, and 3 touchdowns. The redshirt freshman was impressive, no doubt, but WKU's veteran secondary and pass rush will pose a more difficult challenge than New Hampshire.

Advantage: WKU

Running Back

WKU's 124 rushing yards were the team's best since Week 3 of the 2017 season (141 yards vs. LA Tech). Quarterbacks Eckels and Shanley led with a combined 69 yards and 7.25 yards per carry. Gino Appleberry Jr. (RB) rushed for 27 yards while Joshua Samuel (RB) averaged the best yards per carry (4.3) among running backs. Despite the 124 rushing yards, there is still much unknown. Only time will tell - likely through the Maine and Ball State games - who stands out and if the unit is in much better shape. For the time being, 3.6 yards per carry is a 1.6 yard per carry improvement from last season.

Maine's ground attack was led by Joe Fitzpatrick and Ramon Jefferson. Fitzpatrick had 17 carries, 80 yards, 4.7 yards per carry, and 1 touchdown. Jefferson posted 74 yards on 12 carries,and 6.2 yards per carry.

There is, simply, no conclusive evidence that the Hilltoppers' rushing attack will explode.

Advantage: Maine

Receivers

Through the first half of the game, WKU only tallied 33 receiving yards: 18% of their total through four quarters. Right now, I'm chalking the first half performance as an anomaly and jitters. By the second half, the receivers were a bit more reliable and consistent with more 10+ yard plays, a long of 48 yards, and less dropped passes. When asked by Bowling Green Daily News' Brad Stephens about needed improvement as a receiving corps going forward, Lucky Jackson stated: "just knowing our alignment and assignment...and being able to play all four positions, because we never know when we get in hurry up situations you've got to be able to go in at any position."

Maine's fifth-year wideout Micah Wright looks to continue his ascent as one of the program's all-time receivers. Last week, Wright had 4 receptions, 55 yards, 13.75 yards per catch, and 1 touchdown. Three of Maine's receivers had a 50+ yard game: Jaquan Blair, Wright, and Earnest Edwards. Combined, they totaled 179 (of 251) yards and 3 touchdowns.

Advantage: WKU

Offensive Line

Prior to the Wisconsin game, questions and concerns still lingered regarding WKU's offensive line. In 2017, the Tops allowed an averaged of 3.69 sacks per game. Against a sound Wisconsin defense, there was only 1 allowed sack. The guys up front looked vastly improved and more comfortable with their assignments. As a direct correlation, Eckels seemed comfortable in the pocket.

Likewise, Maine only allowed 1 sack last week. However, their line is with some gaps. The Black Bears lost three, four-year starters who [combined] totaled 111 starts of experience. Last year, the o-line allowed 1.9 sacks per game and made way for their conference's third highest rushing attack with 174.2 yards per game. Against a Hilltopper defensive front that seems to be on the rise, Maine's o-line will be tested.

Advantage: WKU

Secondary

In addition to the Hilltopper [veteran] secondary's 38 tackles and 3 pass breakups, Ta'Corian Darden forced one fumble while Drell Green was in on the fumble recovery.

The Black Bears' secondary was not as productive with 12 tackles, 4 pass breakups, and no forced turnovers.

Advantage: WKU

Linebackers

WKU's linebackers looked especially cohesive against Wisconsin. Masai Whyte led the team in total tackles with 11; additionally, Whyte accounted for 1 tackle for loss and 1 sack. Ben Holt came up with 6 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 1 pass breakup, and 1 quarterback hurry. This was all against one of the nation's best offensive lines.

The Black Bears will be without 2017 lead tackler Jaron Grayer due to a knee injury. Taji Lowe will be a game time decision; he was poked in the eye and his vision has not yet cleared up. Deshawn Stevens had 8 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery against New Hampshire. Sterling Sheffield accounted for 4 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 1 pass breakup.

Advantage: WKU

Defensive Line

The defensive line got a lot of help from the linebackers and their blitz against Wisconsin. DeAngelo Malone had 4 total tackles and 1 quarterback hurry. Jeremy Darvin posted 2 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 sack. Jaylon George had 2 total tackles and 1 tackle for loss. Again, they were facing one of the best o-lines.

Maine's d-line came up with a combined 18 total tackles, 5 sacks (of the team's 6), and 3.5 tackles for loss.

Advantage: Tie

Special Teams
WKU punter Alex Rinella averaged 35.17 yards per punt: not ideal, but not the absolute worst of the worst. Of his 6 punts, 1 landed inside of the 20 yard line. Kicker Ryan Nuss scored the team's only points on a 25 yard FG.

Maine's punter David Gelb averaged 31.63 yards per punt. Kicker Kenny Doak went 3/3 on PATs. The three kick returns were forgettable.

Advantage: WKU

Prediction

WKU 37
Maine 14