Know Your Opponent: Week 3 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

The No. 4  Indiana Hoosiers (2-0) will close out non-conference play with a familiar foe in the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0-2). The game will air on Peacock/NBCSN at 4 pm on Saturday.

Head Coach: Tyson Helton  (8th year at WKU)
Overall: 57-38 (.600) 11th year
At WKU (57-38)
North Texas All-Time Bowl Appearances: 18
Last Year’s Record: 9-4 (6-2) Won New Orleans Bowl
This Year’s Record: 0-2 (0-0)
Postseason Appearances Since 2000: 12 Appearances (8-4 Record)
Mascot: Big Red
Colors: Red and White
Outfitter: Nike
National Titles: 1
Conference Titles: 13
Heisman Winners: 0

FUN FACT

•    Big Red

It is a red, furry blob created by Ralph Carey in 1979. Big Red is meant to symbolize the spirit of WKU students and alumni as well as the sports teams’ nickname, the “Hilltoppers,” a name chosen because the school’s campus sits atop a hill 232 feet above the Barren River.

 1. This Isn’t Your Typical WKU Team

For those who have been Indiana fans for long enough, you know that Western Kentucky usually brings an explosive offense and just enough defense to keep things close. They have been a model of consistency in C-USA as one of the best run Group of Six programs. Head coach Tyson Helton has been there for eight years, which is uncommon for a G6 coach with a .600 winning percentage.

However, this year’s Hilltopper squad does not look like a vintage WKU team right now. They are last in C-USA in scoring offense at 17 points per game and last in passing as well. Some of that is due to the fact that they played at Georgia, but WKU also only scored 14 points at Nevada.

The Toppers do run the ball alright, averaging 137 yards per game on the ground.

2. Be Prepared for Two Quarterbacks

Western Kentucky opened the season by naming sophomore Rodney Tisdale the starting quarterback. He edged out Florida State transfer Brock Glenn in fall camp for the job, but IU needs to be prepared to see both quarterbacks throughout the game.

Tisdale has struggled early, completing just 30 of his 54 passing attempts for 234 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. He has been sacked four times as well. He is not a threat with his legs, with 24 yards on 10 non-sack rushes.

WKU will use Brock Glenn in short-yardage situations to try and pick up a first down with his legs. The Hilltoppers’ offense woke up in the fourth quarter against Georgia with him under center, so expect him to play a bit more than he has. Glenn has completed 12 of 23 passes for 84 yards, one touchdown and one interception. While he can throw the ball decently well, his biggest weapon may be his feet. Glenn has 14 carries for 70 yards and two touchdowns. IU will have to be alert for the QB run when he is in the game.

3. Hilltoppers Struggle on Defense Could Lead to Big Day for IU Running Backs

Western Kentucky is at the bottom of C-USA in every major defensive statistical category. They are giving up 59.5 points per game (last), 278.5 rushing yards per game (last), 211 passing yards per game (9th) and 489.5 total yards per game (last).

Indiana’s offense should be able to do whatever they choose to on Saturday afternoon. It is tough to envision WKU slowing down either Indiana’s rushing or passing attack.