Looking Ahead: The Houston Christian Huskies
This Saturday, the Hilltoppers will once again host an opponent in The Houch. This time, it’s a familiar-but-unfamiliar program: the Houston Christian Huskies.
If they sound somewhat familiar, it’s because just last season, they were Houston Baptist.
And the year before that?
Western Kentucky took Zach Kittley, Bailey Zappe, Jerreth Sterns, Josh Sterns, and Ben Ratzlaff from them. Then the Hilltoppers broke NCAA records.
What can we expect from the Huskies?
They Just Put Up 66 Points: That’s right. The Huskies just put up one of the highest point totals in college football this past weekend against Arkansas Baptist. Quarterbacks Justin Fomby and Colby Suits combined for 232 passing yards and three touchdowns, while running back Champ Dozier led the ground efforts, contributing 97 yards and three scores to the teams total of 241 ground yards and five scores.
A Rising Offensive Coordinator: Before offensive coordinator Jason Bachtel joined the Huskies this past spring, he served as the head coach at Howard Payne University, hosting a 14-6 record. In two seasons, Howard Payne quarterback Landon McKinney combined for 58 passing touchdowns and 5,716 passing yards, attached to 255 rushing yards and five ground scores.
That Defense…: The Huskies defense put up 16 tackles for loss, three sacks, two fumble recoveries, and an interception. They held Arkansas Baptist to 1.6 yards per carry on their 53 run attempts for 85 yards (recorded a 79 yard net loss!). The quarterbacks went 6-for-16 for just 47 yards. The defense was a well-rounded brick wall that didn’t allow a single point. While I don’t expect the Hilltoppers to have any serious trouble, the defense should be kept in mind.
What do we want to see from the Hilltoppers?
The Offense Clicks Right Away: The offense had some early stumbles against USF this past weekend. Against Houston Christian, the Hilltoppers must show off what the nation expects from them.
Depth Reps: From the great Mike Tomlin - “It’s difficult to box without sparring." An FCS opponent is nearly always the opportunity for a team to show its cards a little on the depth chart, and Western Kentucky needs to take advantage of that. This is where the offense and defense should be officially figured out.
Momentum, Tone-Setter Week: This is the weekend that the Hilltoppers should buckle down and the fireworks fly. Not to beat a dead horse here, but the team needs a high-scoring, one-sided affair.
The Hilltoppers should come away with a big, fun victory this weekend. Austin Reed, Malachi Corley, and the defense should come up with big plays that will make for an exciting afternoon.
Score Projection: 66 - 14, a Western Kentucky victory.
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