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UAB's offense destroyed WKU's defense on Saturday in a 42-39 win, as quarterback Cody Clements threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns while maintaining an 88% completion percentage. These impressive numbers came as a bit of a surprise to me, but I should have known better. UAB was facing the same defense that I saw give up 456 yards and three scores to Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt and 342 total yards and three touchdowns to Middle Tennessee quarterback Austin Grammer. WKU defensive coordinator Nick Holt preaches that improvement is key this season, and I totally agree with that. But has WKU's defense gotten ANY better almost half-way through the season? Let's have a look at the numbers:
Total Defense (108th in FBS: 516.8 yards allowed per game)
- Week 1 (vs BGSU): 465 yards allowed, 0 turnovers forced
- Week 2 (at Illinois): 520 yards allowed, 3 turnovers forced -55 yards, +3 TO (from the prior game)
- Week 3 (at MTSU): 541 yards allowed, 0 turnovers forced -21 yards, -3 TO (from the prior game)
- Week 5 (at Navy): 467 yards allowed, 2 turnovers forced +74 yards, +2 TO (from the prior game)
- Week 6 (vs UAB): 591 yards allowed, 3 turnovers forced -124 yards, +1 TO (from the prior game)
Although the Western Kentucky offense has struggled a bit to finish off opponents, they've done more than their share to win a ballgame. Jeff Brohm knows this, and I wouldn't be surprised if defensive coordinator Nick Holt is on the hot seat.
What say you, Topper fans? How much is Nick Holt to blame for WKU's struggles this season? Feel free to leave a comment!
Can the Hilltoppers turn their season around? Brohm and Holt will have some time to reflect on their defense during WKU's BYE this week. The Hilltoppers' next opponent: Florida Atlantic (Oct. 18).