WKU 31 – ULM 10: Initial Reaction
Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
To paraphrase Skip Caray, “Tops win! Tops win! Tops win!”
WKU is finally in the win column in Sun Belt play, and finally winning a game they should (yes, we are looking at YOU South Alabama). The Hhilltoppers went into Monroe, Louisiana following a big win, and the Warhawks came into the game already down, essentially, with the absence of starting QB Kolton Browning. And, while WKU cruised, it took a while for things to happen.
The Tops let ULM hang around, as it seems to be a tradition, but it was a little different. The Warhawks were hanging around early in the game, only being down 4 points at the half. And, unlike past meetings, the 2nd half is when WKU blew the door wide open.
Your final score from tonight – WKU 31 (4-2, 1-1) – ULM 10 (2-4, 0-1)
Three Stars –
With hockey season upon us (not that WKU and hockey have anything in common, whatsoever), I figured we can start here what is a long-standing tradition following 3 periods – honoring the 3 players that had the biggest impact that night. So, without further ado, Wave The Red Towel’s first ever 3 stars:
Antonio Andrews: It took him a while to get things going (as it seems to always), but once he got going, he couldn’t be stopped. A.A. finished the night with 155 yards on 27 carries, down in total production from last week (182) but gained yards more efficiently this week (A.A. gained 182 on 32 carries). Andrews also had a 22 yard reception, and a 25 yard punt return. Andrews continues to lead the nation in yardage, and continues to prove himself as the most important piece to this offense.
Brandon Doughty: The man had himself a night. 24/36 through the air for 370 yards and 2 TD’s. He did have another interception though, and made a couple of questionable decisions by taking a sack instead of throwing it away, but overall, the redshirt-Junior proved that he deserves the starting job.
Hendrix Brakefield: No, this is not a joke. Brakefield had 3 punts inside the 20, and 2 inside the 3, and totaled nearly 200 yards on 5 punts. It isn’t often that a punter makes an impact, and tonight (in the 1st half, at least), Brakefield helped keep the Tops in the game…well, more like kept the ‘Hawks out of it.
Honorable Mention: Cam Thomas, with a nice interception late in the 4th quarter. It didn’t necessarily decide anything, but the defense played tough all night, and it was great to see this group bend, but not brake.
Stand up and cheers, Hilltopper nation. The Tops are victorious once again!