Western Kentucky and Southern Miss Square Off As Both Teams Need A Win

Time and Date: Saturday, November 14th at 3:30 PM ET

Network: CBS Sports Network

Location: Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium

Spread: Western Kentucky (-8.0)

All Time Series: WKU leads 3-0

Last Meeting: WKU won 28-10 in 2019

Outlook

It’s been far from a dream season for both the Western Kentucky HIlltoppers (2-6) and the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (2-5). With a number of opt-outs and injuries to start the regular season for Southern Miss on top of losing two head coaches since the start of the season, the Golden Eagles were in a hole from the very beginning.

While the Golden Eagles are coming off a victory from last week against Northern Alabama, they received even more bad news this week. Starting quarterback Jack Abraham has opted out of the remainder of the season after facing a mix of COVID-19 and concussion complications at different points this year. Their hopes for success in the home stretch of the season now seem to rest on running back Frank Gore Jr. He finished the UNA game with 103 yards, marking his second 100-yard rushing performance this season.

The Tops have had their own set of offensive issues averaging a league-worst 15.3 points per game. There hasn’t been much rhythm established as Gaej Walker has only been able to follow up his breakout 2019 season with 44 rush yards per game. This can also be partially attributed to a slew of injuries along the offensive line.

Tyrell Pigrome does seem to be settling in at quarterback, however, his supporting players didn’t give him much help in last week’s loss to Florida Atlantic.

If there is a highlight for WKU, it’s been their defense which has totaled 13 sacks and picked off four passes.

Prediction

Provided Western Kentucky are able to contain Frank Gore Jr. and get some offense going of their own, this should be their third victory of the season. WKU win 28-13.