Week 12: MTSU at Western Kentucky

This is No. 4 of five straight games versus future Sun Belt foes for Western Kentucky, which joins the league next season. The Hilltoppers suffered tough losses in the last three, but there’s reason to believe their fortunes could change in this one. Since beginning its transition into FBS, WKU is 1-12 versus current FBS members, with its only win coming against MTSU last season.

WKU shocked MTSU, then the defending Sun Belt champion, 20-17 last season in the former Ohio Valley Conference rivals’ first meeting since 1991. MTSU was hampered in last season’s meeting by an injury to starting quarterback Joe Craddock, and then-freshman Dwight Dasher made his first career start. This time WKU is challenged behind center, where starter David Wolke is ailing from a back injury. Wolke, who left after the first drive last week, should be a game-time decision.

MTSU can focus on stopping the run, especially if Wolke is out or limited. The Hilltoppers have averaged only 105 passing yards in the last six games, relying almost solely on the ground game to move the ball. The Blue Raiders have had opposite offensive troubles, as their rush offense is ranked 114th nationally. But MTSU has put points on the board lately, scoring in its last 13 trips to the red zone. Steady scoring should be enough to beat WKU, but the Hilltoppers were an underdog by a similar margin last season when they knocked off the Blue Raiders.

Notes:

MTSU coach Rick Stockstill said his defense will try changing from a four-man to three-man front for a second straight week in order to put more speed on the field.

MTSU freshman kicker Alan Gendreau has made seven straight field goals, the second-longest streak in school history.

An MTSU running back has not rushed for 80 yards in 19 consecutive games.

WKU has had seven leading rushers in 10 games this season.

Key Player (Blue Raiders) — Joe Craddock, QB

The senior sat out last season’s game due to injury. He faces WKU for the first time amid one of the best statistical passing seasons in school history.

Key Player (Hilltoppers) — David Wolke, QB

If he plays through a back injury, WKU has a decent chance of beating MTSU again. If he doesn’t, WKU’s reserve QBs may get swallowed up by MTSU’s blitzing defense.

MTSU by 7