WKU Q&A with The Towel Rack

We wrap up our week of content by welcoming long time friend of the pod Jared Rosdeutscher to the site for a question and answer interview to get the pulse of Bowling Green ahead of Saturday’s Conference USA Championship rematch. Thanks to Jared for taking the time to answer our questions on short notice! Be sure to check out The Towel Rack’s coverage on their website, as well as their podcast preview of this week’s game.

1. Austin Reed’s production has been pretty dang close to Bailey Zappe’s at WKU. Are they also similar in styles of play and capabilities as well?

I definitely see a lot of similarities. I think Zappe was a little more accurate, especially with the deep ball but Reed is able to do more with his legs and run than Zappe did so that’s come in handy in a few different situations. Reed was able to come in as a D2 transfer and beat out Jarret Doege, who started at WVU, in camp this summer he’s been viewed solely for his talent since he got here and has been working hard and improving since getting the starting job.

2. It looks like WKU has by and large reloaded in the transfer portal after losing a lot of talent from last year’s roster, but is there any spot on the depth chart where you feel the Hilltoppers are still searching for some answers?

Defensive line has been a little bit of a struggle at times this season as well as the secondary. Offensively, things still seem pretty stable all things considered but losing two starting offensive lineman to Power Five schools was rough because of what they were able to do last season with how well they protected Zappe.

3. What’s been your impression of first year coordinator Ben Arbuckle so far?

Overall I think he’s done a really solid job. WKU’s offense looks about the same as it was last year so to be able to have that kind of production consistency, even with a slight drop off, after losing so many star players and refueling through the transfer portal is very impressive to me.

4. To put yourself in Defensive Coordinator Tyson Summers shoes, what would be your game plan for attacking UTSA’s offense and their talented passing game?

WKU has always had a bend-don’t-break philosophy on defense so being able to hold the Roadrunners drives back from touchdowns to field goals could be the difference in this game. Troy only had 280 passing yards in their win against WKU but were able to run the ball more effectively so I’m personally as concerned about how well the Tops contain the run as I am about Harris and the passing game.

5. Vegas is expecting a high-scoring affair with an over/under of 72 points. How do you see the game playing out on the Alamodome turf on Saturday?

I’d love to see WKU come into this tough road environment and get a win. It was something they were so close to doing last season but didn’t have enough time to complete the comeback. I definitely see this game having some scoring but this will be the biggest road test the Tops have had this season. I see UTSA and WKU both making some big plays on offense but the Tops’ defense breaking a little more than I’d like. I predict UTSA to beat WKU, 38-28.

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