WKU Football aims to maintain its momentum following a thrilling 28-27 overtime victory over Louisiana Tech as they prepare to host New Mexico State for Homecoming at Houchens-Smith Stadium on November 1. The Hilltoppers are looking to capitalize on their recent success as they return home to engage with their fans.
Redshirt freshman Rodney Tisdale Jr. is set to take the helm for the second consecutive week, stepping in for the injured Maverick McIvor. In his recent outing against the Bulldogs, Tisdale Jr. showcased his potential by throwing for 227 yards, accompanied by a touchdown and an interception. Head Coach Tyson Helton praised Tisdale Jr.’s performance, noting, “He brought a spark and handled the offense pretty well. He’s still young and learning, and he had a few lessons in the game.”
However, the Hilltopper defense faced challenges in the last game, particularly in the passing game, where they allowed 340 yards to Louisiana Tech’s sophomore quarterback Blake Baker. Improving the defense will be essential as they prepare for the Aggies, who are also coming off a tough overtime defeat, this time against Missouri State. Junior wide receiver Donovan Faupel had a standout performance in that game, racking up 84 yards and a touchdown.
Senior quarterback Logan Fife’s struggles against the Bears, which included only 207 passing yards and four interceptions, have raised questions about the Aggies’ offense as they head into this matchup. Despite their challenges, the Hilltoppers are positioned third in Conference USA with a solid 4-1 record in conference play. They trail only Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State, both of which hold 4-0 records.
Helton remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, emphasizing the importance of the remaining games in the conference. “We are still in this conference hunt, so there’s a lot to play for,” he stated. “I’m just excited to be back home more than anything and get an opportunity to play in front of our home crowd.”
Last season, WKU emerged victorious against the Aggies with a score of 41-28 at Aggie Memorial Stadium. However, the previous year saw New Mexico State defeat the Hilltoppers 38-29 during homecoming, setting the stage for an anticipated rematch this year.
The Homecoming game is set to kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT, and the Hilltoppers are eager to showcase their determination and skills on their home turf.