Renewing an in-state rivalry looked fun on the schedule but not so much on the field. The Colonels traveled to play Western Kentucky on Saturday after a social media feud over the uniform selections. WKU did not let the visitors have much fun. Even with the loss, there are some positive takeaways. Here are my EKU week two pros and cons.
Pros
Run Game:
The Colonels ran the ball well for the second straight week. EKU split the carries almost evenly between Joshua Carter and Brayden Latham. Latham had 15 touches for 85 yards, including a huge 42-yard run. Carter led the team with 19 touches for 100 yards. Cameron Hergott got a couple of series at QB and ran five times for 13 yards.
Run Defense:
While not perfect, the run defense for EKU looked respectable this week. They held WKU’s Elijah Young to only 52 yards on 13 carries.
Braden Sullivan:
Getting his first start as a Colonel, LB Braden Sullivan gave some solid stability to the second level of the defense. He finished the game with five tackles.
Cons
Offensive Play Calling:
The Colonels showed very little mojo on offense. The playcalling was very conservative for the second straight week. If it worked, it would not be a con, but 7 points over 8 quarters is proof that something needs to change. On the best drive of the night, the Colonels went 17 plays for 89 yards, took up 11:46 of the clock, converted two 4th downs, but then settled for a field goal attempt from the one-yard line. Why?
The All-UAC tight end, Hunter Brown did not receive one target all night. EKU had only 43 receiving yards in the first half. Matt Morrissey won the starting QB job because of his leadership and arm, but we are not getting to see it.
Pass Coverage:
EKU had 9 pass plays of 15 yards or more. Eight of those plays were short passes with long gains after the catch. Half of those were towards the same EKU DB. The Colonels sub players in and out all game, but feel they have their CBs apparently, because we did not see much subbing at that position. Of course, the DBs made good plays as well, but this is an area that needs to improve quickly.
The Final Score:
Every loss stinks, but getting shut out really stinks. Getting shut out by a team you prodded during the week by not allowing them to wear the uniform of their choice… you get the idea, it was a bad week.
Final Thoughts
The Colonels may have opened the season with two losses, but it is not the end of the world. The real season kicks off next Saturday as EKU hosts their first conference game of the year. Make sure to come out and support the Colonels for the 6:00 kickoff vs West Georgia.
Tune in Sunday night at 6:00 as Jonathan Duff and I recap the WKU game and are joined by an EKU football player and an EKU volleyball player on the Sports Stove Local Hour. Follow me on Twitter/X for more EKU opinions. All photos used were taken by members of the EKU staff.
