WKU closes out the 2020 campaign riding a 3-game win streak after a dominant win over Charlotte, to push it's record to 5-6. So what led the Tops to such a strong performance Sunday against the 49ers. Let's jump in and find out.

First Things First

Ok, if I haven't said this before, let me say it now. WKU's defense is REALLY, REALLY good! Sunday against the 49ers further proved that. The Tops showed their teeth from the opening moments on. As with the case most of this season, when the offense couldn't get it going the defense stepped up big time. Led by Antwon Braithwaite and Kyle Bailey, who combined for 17 tackles, the Topper defense didn't allow much offense for Charlotte, particularly on the ground. The 49ers only managed 90 yards on the run while they did pick up 219 in the air. However, WKU held tough and played loose. This set the tone for the WKU offense, especially after an opening drive which came up inches short.

The Tops also did a great job of keeping the 49ers from getting very many first downs, which put Charlotte in peril often as it was hard to get much traction against that stout defense.

Piggy T vs Pigrome

Now I've been very critical of Piggy T (the player that runs first, doesn't pay attention to reads and isn't very effective) over the course of the season, but I've always liked Tyrell Pigrome (the steady hand with a strong arm and makes good plays with his arm as well as his feet). Sunday, we saw Tyrell Pigrome on the field. Pigrome was very efficient, passing 18-27 for 218 yards. He was able to get the ball to 7 different Toppers, with freshman Dakota Thomas getting the lion's share of the completed passes.

However, it was the demeanor of Pigrome that was the biggest cause for celebration. His patience in the pocket, his ability to see the play take form and his decision to make a decision which largely was not based on him running for the first down. Now, he did get a few nice runs, 8 for 60 yards, to be exact. However, he wasn't being asked to and wasn't looking to be the lead running back for the team. This allowed Gaej Walker to do what he does best carrying the rock.

It took a whole season to get him here, but its good to see Pigrome look like the player we all assumed he would be when he announced his transfer to the Hill.

First Things First

WKU's offense was much more efficient when it came to first downs and third downs. WKU managed 21 first downs on Sunday, which is up on average for what the offense had been able to muster this season. The Tops were also able to get it done on third downs, going 6-13 or nearly 50 percent. This is up from the usual fare for the Tops, which is 30 percent for the season on third down. This allowed the Tops to keep the chains moving, settle into a flow and tire out the 49er defense.

Also, the offense didn't look stagnant. There were some different plays called than we usually see. Not too much razzle dazzle, but plays that would keep the defense on its' heels and usually result in that first down.

Always Ready

The Tops were definitely ready on Sunday, especially in the second quarter. The game's momentum for Helton and crew changed when the opportunistic Tops were able to capitalize on fumbles by Charlotte for touchdowns that put the Tops up 14-7, and never looked back. Especially after the Tops were stopped inches short of a touchdown in the first quarter. This was a shot in the arm the Tops needed.

With that being said, kudos once again to kicker Brayden Narveson, for once again picking up the slack when needed. Between his 3 field goals and the two fumble recoveries for touchdowns, that made up 23 of WKU's points on the day. (Yes WKU only had only 1 rushing and 1 passing touchdown on the day. Remember, some times it doesn't matter how you score as long as you score.

Bowl or Bust

Normally a 5-6 record and some ugly losses like WKU has suffered would put an automatic stop to any talk about a bowl berth. However, in a COVID-19 world where everything is upside down, WKU has a viable chance at securing a bowl this season.

Think about it. There are conferences and teams that chose not to play at all this season or only a portion of the season. Because of the pandemic, some teams like likely decline an invitation to a bowl game. WKU is on a 3-game win streak. Based off of the entertaining First Responder Bowl that WKU won last year, that makes selling the prospect of a game with this team easier. The Tops have a wining record in the conference, going 4-3 this season. Finally, despite WKU's below .500 record, it is one of only a few teams to actually play a full season despite the pandemic. So it's not out of the realm of possibility.

The Tops have done all it can do. The record and the path through this season isn't nearly as impressive as prognosticators thought it would be. That being said, don't be surprised to hear WKU announced as a participant in a bowl game this season. ESPN, CBS, and several other media outlets are projecting the Tops to get a call to some bowl game this year. So don't put your WKU football gear away just yet folks.