“We are ready to get to Saturday,” EKU DT Ryan Jackson said in the Tuesday Press Conference. The Colonels took a gut punch last week in a loss to Gardner Webb after leading 21-7 at one point. All eyes are looking forward for EKU, as they still have a UAC Championship in their sights. A long road trip to Utah is in store this week as the Colonels face off against Utah Tech for the first time ever. EKU looks to get things back on track in a game they should win. Here is my EKU vs. Utah Tech preview.
What to expect from Utah Tech
The young Utah Tech team is 2-5 on the season but is starting to find its footing with a win two weeks ago and a one-point loss last week. On offense, the Trailblazers are a pass-heavy offense that spreads the ball around. QB Kobe Tracy had 397 yards and 3 TDs last week and has 1,682 yards, 13 TDs, and 9 interceptions on the year. Two wideouts, Rickie Johnson and Beau Sparks, have combined for 84 catches, 975 yards, and 10 TDs on the year. The run game has not been very impactful, but Ronnie Walker is the go-to back with 97 carries, 423 yards, and 3 TDs.
Defensively, Utah Tech has allowed 31 or more points in every game. They have recorded 7 sacks and 5 interceptions on the year.
What to expect from EKU
The offense has found their version of Thunder and Lightning in the ground game. Braedon Sloan and Joshua Carter have had multiple 100-yard games. A mixture of consistency and big plays has bolstered the EKU offense. QB Parker McKinney has struggled to find his form from last year. Although the run game has taken some of the load off Parker, his 11 TDs just outnumber his 9 interceptions. The team (and this fan) have full confidence that Parker will find his groove soon. WR Jaden Smith has grabbed the attention of the opposing defenses but still finds ways to get his touches. Lexington, KY native Jalen Burbage has emerged as a consistent threat each week as well.
Defensively, LB Logan Blake is a heat-seeking missile. The front seven controlled the run game for most of the season, but have had a step backward recently, more than likely due to an attempt to help the coverage woes. The DLine and the rushing linebackers have been able to put pressure on QBs, and the D as a whole has been forcing turnovers, including 4 last week. The DBs have shown improvement, but are still the biggest concern, especially against a spread offense in Utah Tech this week.
Vince’s Final Thoughts and Prediction
I know the EKU coaching staff is better at their jobs than I would be, but my thought has been to put more DBs on the field. They have been asking linebackers to cover receivers all year, and it has not worked out too well. Whether they do that or just tweak their current setup, EKU has to stop the pass this week. Utah Tech is not bad, but they should not be able to match up with EKU this week. The long plane ride might impact some teams, and the altitude will be different, but the GW loss should help cure any issues. I expect EKU to have 200+ yards rushing, Parker McKinney to have a clean game passing, and the EKU D to put a whooping on the Trailblazers. I’ll take EKU winning this one 46 – 23.
Vince recaps and previews every EKU Football game on Monday nights on the Sports Stove Local Hour. Follow Vince on Twitter for more EKU coverage. Also, check out Belly Up Sports for more sports content. All pictures used in this article were taken by members of the EKU staff.
