Western Kentucky extended its win streak to three games by defeating Army 17-8 on Saturday night at Houchens-Smith Stadium.

The Hilltoppers (4-2 overall, 3-0 Conference USA) led from start to finish and never allowed the Black Knights to get into it.

Here are five takeaways from WKU's win over Army.

1. THAT DEFENSE, MAN

Another week, another dominant defensive performance for WKU.

Coordinator Clayton White's crew has been the highlight of Tyson Helton's inaugural team through the first six games, allowing opponents to score just 18.5 points per game. Against Army, the Toppers gave up just eight points with a late touchdown and two-point conversion and held the Black Knights to a season-low in offensive production.

Through the past two games against Old Dominion and Army, Western has allowed just 11 total points.

2. OFFENSE IS COMING AROUND

While WKU's defense is right where it wants to be, the offense is starting to come around.

Although it scored just 17 points and is averaging just 21 per outing, the Hilltoppers' offensive unit took a step forward Saturday. Quarterback Ty Storey passed for 140 yards, while rushing for 62 yards and two touchdowns, and running back Gaej Walker tallied 132 yards on 25 carries as Western finished with 365 total yards.

While those numbers are improvements for WKU, committing no turnovers was also a major plus for the Tops.

3. WELCOME BACK, GAEJ

Gaej Walker put together an impressive bounce-back game Saturday.

After not seeing much rushing success the past few weeks, the running back Walker returned to his groove by rushing for 132 yards on 25 carries - an average of 5.3 per attempt.

Although Walker didn't score a touchdown, his presence was felt all night as he was all over the field making big plays.

4. MAKING A STATEMENT

Call it a "statement win" for the Toppers.

In the postgame press conference, Coach Helton and players were all labeling the victory over Army as a "statement." Well, with WKU now with three straight wins - one coming against a Black Knights team that nearly beat Michigan earlier this season and brought a high-powered offense into Bowling Green, I'd also say a statement was made.

It's safe to say that WKU is pretty happy with where it is at this point of the season.

5. SITTING ATOP THE LEAGUE STANDINGS

Being unbeaten in conference play is always a good thing.

The Hilltoppers -- who still sport an unscathed league record -- currently sit atop the Conference USA East Division standings at 3-0. Florida Atlantic is second in the East with a 2-0 mark.

Having that extra leg in the standings is a boost for WKU stepping back into C-USA play this weekend with a matchup against Charlotte.