WKU (0-2) opened its 2018 home schedule against the seventh-ranked FCS team, Maine Black Bears (2-0) and like a house on fire the Hilltoppers ran off two successful scoring drives, with quarterback Drew Eckels finding Lucky Jackson for a 66 yard touchdown and again for a 32 yard strike. Topper defensive back Devon Key added to the fun by running back a pick-six 45 yards. WKU’s defense was smothering Maine and all seemed right with the world as the Tops led 21-0.

That is until the second quarter.

In that frame, WKU played an ultra-conservative style of football, reminiscent of last season. The Tops tried a more grounded attack but failed to get the same results. The Black Bear defense largely kept WKU out of their end of the field. Meanwhile, Maine’s offense was heating up. Chris Ferguson connected with Ramo Jefferson on a 51 yard pass play to make the score 21-7. Ferguson would close out the half with a second air strike, this time a 32-yard touchdown to Micah Wright.

The Tops clung to a 21-14 lead at the half.

The second half proved worse for WKU, who struggled to get first downs and move the chains. Maine’s Desshaw Stevens tied the game at 21 after returning a WKU fumble 50 yards. WKU’s offense spilled over into the defense as Ferguson found Wright again for a 15-yard touchdown that put Maine up 28-21.

Maine would extend the lead to 31-21 in the fourth with a 37-yard field goal by Kenny Doak. The Toppers would dramatically cut the lead on a 75-yard pass play from Eckels to freshman wide receiver, Garland LaFrance.

However, the Tops would inexplicably fall short on the last drive of the game.

After a major stop, WKU would get the ball back with just over two minutes left. Eckels would go down hard on his right shoulder after a quarterback keeper to gain 7 yards on third down to get the Tops to Maine’s 31-yard line.

He would leave the game and rather than employ a backup quarterback, WKU elected to go for the game-tying field goal on fourth down.

However, kicker Ryan Nuss’ attempt was blocked and recovered by Maine, allowing the Black Bears to take the knee and run out the clock.

WKU has now now lost seven of its last eight games. The Tops will travel up I-65 next week to face former head coach, Bobby Petrino and the Louisville Cardinals.