I will admit that I have exiled myself from blogging about Hilltopper football after watching the North Texas debacle. A performance like that causes a fan to be uninspired to talk about a team that shows no effort against a team that is beatable, its North Texas not Nebraska!
However, after showing an inspired effort and guts in their one point overtime victory over Arkansas State, I made my way to L.T. Smith Stadium for the home finale against Middle Tennessee. For the first three quarter I was impressed with the play of WKU, they put together a complete game as Bobby Rainey ran wild and the defense played lights out. Even special teams were playing decent, blocking a couple of punts to set up scores. That made up for Middle's Eric Russell 97 yard kickoff return touchdown and that Casey Tinius extra point that was blocked.
The positive outlook changed on one play in the 4th quarter with the Hilltoppers leading 26-13, 4th down and one yard away from the end zone. Coach Taggart decides to put this game away and go for the touchdown, I liked the call until I saw Kawaun Jakes fumble the snap and the Blue Raiders' Rod Isaac scoop and score for a 99 yard touchdown. The Hilltopper lead is cut to 26-20. All of a sudden, I had flashbacks to the Louisiana-Monroe game. Sound familiar:
- The offense stalls on their next possession
- MTSU puts together a 10 play, 77 yard drive capped off with a Ben Cunningham 6 yard touchdown run. 27-26 MTSU with the lead.
- The offense puts together a drive and sets up Casey Tinius for a 34 yard field goal with 2:26 remaining, only to have Blue Raiders defensive lineman Jarrett Crittenton block the attempt. Game over.
Notes: The Good, The Bad, The Horrible
- Bobby Rainey had a monster game with 45 rushes for 248 yards and 2 touchdowns.
- Kawaun Jakes was once again inconsistent, going 9-22 for only 98 yards and the goal line fumble.
- The defense held MTSU to 208 total yards and allowed only one touchdown.
- Special teams were good and terrible. Back to back blocked punts helped set up early touchdowns for the Hilltoppers. However, a kickoff return for a touchdown and causing the Blue Raiders to block an extra point and field goal attempt cost WKU big time.
- I have a feeling that special teams will be emphasized in practice this week.
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