In collaboration with Ben Carlisle of BleedTechBlue.com, Hilltoppers fans can go behind enemy lines and get more insight into what they can expect tonight as the Tops take on the Bulldogs in Joe Aillet Stadium.
Jack Turner is coming off of a spotty performance against UTEP and has looked fairly average as a passer. With knowledge of the WKU defensive woes, is this a concern or not?
Jack was pretty good against Nebraska with 292 yards, one touchdown and a single interception. Tech only scored 14 points, but there was reason for optimism heading into UTEP. The Miners didn't back down and let him get comfortable in the pocket last Friday night. It led to a nine-for-20, 152 yard and one touchdown performance. His accuracy can come and go at times, which is the big concern. As far as what to expect on Thursday night, I think a lot of folks are wondering the same thing.
The Bulldogs defense sits 73rd in the nation, with the 129th ranked run defense and the sixth ranked pass defense. Why is there such a large gap? Who should Reed and Co. worry about?
The pass defense has been good, but Tech also hasn't squared-off with a dynamic passing attack like WKU has. Willie Roberts is first in the nation in forced incompletions, per Pro Football Focus. It'll be interesting to see if Tech has him follow Malachi Corley around, as that could be a really fun match-up. But overall, the pass defense has been good against the units they've faced. Thursday night will be a test of just how good they really are.
In terms of run defense, respectfully, it's a continuation of last season where they allowed 243 yards a game on the ground. The defensive line has improved, but they lack a real difference maker. The linebackers are also improved, but as a whole, it hasn't led to a huge change in production. Containing Reed in the scramble/run game will be a big key on Thursday.
Aside from Smoke Harris and Tyre Shelton, who would you expect to have a big game against WKU?
Cyrus Allen is the name to know at wide receiver. He's got elite speed, and he's really coming into his own as a sophomore. After only playing four games in high school due to injury and the COVID-19 epidemic, the New Orleans-native has averaged 22 yards per catch as a true freshman in 2022. He's backed that up with 18 catches for 331 yards and two touchdowns in his first four games (missed two due to injury) in 2023.
The Tech offense will go as Harris, Shelton, and Allen go. I believe Tech needs to get the trio at least 40 touches to win.
How does Malachi Corley and Austin Reed fare against the top-10 pass defense? Will they need the run game to succeed?
That's the big question for me. Tech's pass defense has been good, but they haven't faced a unit to WKU's caliber. Reed has also only been sacked three times all year, so if Tech can't at least get some pressure on him - it might be a long night.
How do you see this game playing out on Thursday night?
Last week, against UTEP, was the first time Tech had scored a first quarter touchdown against an FBS opponent since November 12, 2022. The Bulldogs have been slow starters for a while now, and if that happens on Thursday night, it'll be tough to overcome.
Secondly, Austin Reed is the best quarterback Tech has faced seen and will face this season. Can the defense keep the WKU offense under control? Tech's own offense hasn't shown the ability to put up 35-plus points consistently, so if it gets into a shootout type game, it'll definitely favor the Hilltoppers.
I think Tech keeps it close for a while, but I think WKU wins 37-24.
Hilltoppers fans can catch the game tonight at 7:00 PM CT on ESPN, as the Tops look to go 2-0 in conference play.
