First half observations:
- Western Kentucky got off to a great start on their opening drive, but failed to score any points after a fumbled handoff from Mike White to Ace Wales and then a disastrous special teams blunder that appeared to be a snap issue or a botched fake attempt (couldn't tell because of no replay in press box).
- Despite that first drive, the offense was locked in and virtually flawless throughout the first half utilizing Ace Wales and the short passing game early on which eventually opened things up down field where White connected with Taywan Taylor for a 45-yard touchdown.
- Unfortunately, as good as the offense played, the defense was the complete opposite. The Blue Raiders also scorched the Hilltoppers for 251 total yards in the first half and averaging 7.6 yards per play. Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Richie James has been a burden in the side of WKU's secondary with 97 yards receiving already, including a 28-yard touchdown reception.
- Another potential big momentum swing could be WKU's final drive of the first half that ended with Skylar Simcox nailing a 52-yard field goal as time expired to make things even heading into the locker room.
Halftime score: WKU 20 - MTSU 20
Second half observations:
- WKU's defense responds to open the second half, forcing the Blue Raiders to punt. The offense capitalizes with a 4-yard TD pass from White to Shaq Johnson which capped a 9 play, 86 yard drive and put the Tops in the driver's seat with a 27-20 lead.
- Another missed opportunity came in the fourth quarter after the big interception by Keith Brown that set WKU at the MTSU 33-yard line. The Mike White fumble under pressure was a killer. That was a lot of yards lost. Despite that, they were able to gain some back on a completion to Taylor for 21 yards, but Simcox missed a 49-yard FG attempt to keep the game tied at 27.
- Credit Mike White at the end of the game. Tucked it and gave it his all to try to score, but came up just short according to replay. Thought it was also key to throw the ball away under duress to give the Tops a chance to at least tie at the end of regulation.
Sure, you could have went for it. But, it was an easy chip shot field goal to extend the game.
Overtime:
- Great play by Deon Yelder to block the Blue Raiders extra point attempt on their second touchdown drive. Turned out to be the game clincher.
WKU needed that win, 44-43 final in 2OT
- Western Kentucky got off to a great start on their opening drive, but failed to score any points after a fumbled handoff from Mike White to Ace Wales and then a disastrous special teams blunder that appeared to be a snap issue or a botched fake attempt (couldn't tell because of no replay in press box).
- Despite that first drive, the offense was locked in and virtually flawless throughout the first half utilizing Ace Wales and the short passing game early on which eventually opened things up down field where White connected with Taywan Taylor for a 45-yard touchdown.
- Unfortunately, as good as the offense played, the defense was the complete opposite. The Blue Raiders also scorched the Hilltoppers for 251 total yards in the first half and averaging 7.6 yards per play. Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Richie James has been a burden in the side of WKU's secondary with 97 yards receiving already, including a 28-yard touchdown reception.
- Another potential big momentum swing could be WKU's final drive of the first half that ended with Skylar Simcox nailing a 52-yard field goal as time expired to make things even heading into the locker room.
Halftime score: WKU 20 - MTSU 20
Second half observations:
- WKU's defense responds to open the second half, forcing the Blue Raiders to punt. The offense capitalizes with a 4-yard TD pass from White to Shaq Johnson which capped a 9 play, 86 yard drive and put the Tops in the driver's seat with a 27-20 lead.
- Another missed opportunity came in the fourth quarter after the big interception by Keith Brown that set WKU at the MTSU 33-yard line. The Mike White fumble under pressure was a killer. That was a lot of yards lost. Despite that, they were able to gain some back on a completion to Taylor for 21 yards, but Simcox missed a 49-yard FG attempt to keep the game tied at 27.
- Credit Mike White at the end of the game. Tucked it and gave it his all to try to score, but came up just short according to replay. Thought it was also key to throw the ball away under duress to give the Tops a chance to at least tie at the end of regulation.
Sure, you could have went for it. But, it was an easy chip shot field goal to extend the game.
Overtime:
- Great play by Deon Yelder to block the Blue Raiders extra point attempt on their second touchdown drive. Turned out to be the game clincher.
WKU needed that win, 44-43 final in 2OT
