Bounceback: Reviewing the Ohio State loss, what’s next
Western Kentucky traveled to Columbus, Ohio this past weekend and endured a tough loss against a nationally ranked Ohio State team.
Now, with the Buckeyes out of the way, the biggest challenges remaining for this Hilltoppers squad is coming up this Saturday at Troy and on October 24th against Liberty at home.
What did we gather from the Tops 63-10 loss against Ohio State:
Hint: Not Much - It’s very hard to pick out “what we learned” when it comes to a loss with a wide-margin points differential. The defense didn’t only underperform in comparison to weeks prior - it was outplayed in ways you can’t scheme against or plan for, and that’s just athletic plays, more talent, and depth.
Who Showed Out On Defense? - Edge Niko Cooper, defensive tackle Kenyonte Davis, and defensive tackle Jayden Loving had impressive outings and were reliable in their situations. Across all three games, defensive back Upton Stout, safety Rome Weber and edge JaQues Evans have been impressive and have proved to be the big-three pieces on this defense.
Malachi Corley and the Receiving Corps - Austin Reed completed 21 of his 37 pass attempts this Saturday, with eight of those going to star receiver Malachi Corley, who didn’t disappoint in his return to the field, averaging 11 yards per reception. Corley put up 88 yards and a touchdown against the Buckeyes. Aside from Corley, the ball was spread out, with tight end River Helms, receivers Blue Smith and Craig Burt Jr, and running back Davion Ervin-Poindexter coming down with a combined nine receptions for 101 yards. The offensive performance was underwhelming, yes, but being able to still spread the ball out against a top nationally ranked defensive unit is encouraging.
To offer encouragement, the Hilltoppers played hard against a very good, deeply talented football team. The coaching staff tested their chops and this earned offensive coordinator Drew Hollinghead and defensive coordinator Tyson Summers some experience chips. Ohio State was, by a very wide margin, the toughest team Western Kentucky will face this season.
Now, the Tops will have a chance to recoup, pull out some hat tricks, and really open the books against the 1-2 Troy, who is coming off of a 16-14 loss against James Madison.
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