The First Responder Bowl is no stranger to electric finishes. Last year, this bowl game was considered a no-contest after a severe lightning storm led the officials to call the game with 5:08 remaining in the first quarter. With a projected temperature of 58 and partly sunny, this game should finish without a problem.
How They Got Here
Western Kentucky (8-4)
They began their season in the worst way possible, losing to the University of Central Arkansas, an FCS team. Head Coach Tyson Helton, fortunately, got the team back on track and led the Hilltoppers to an 8-4 season, with a 6-2 record in conference play.
Ty Storey transferred from Arkansas and was believed to be the starter at the beginning of the year. But by the time camp came around, Helton named Steven Duncan the starter. After the subpar showing in the first three games and a broken foot, Storey was thrust into the starting role.
Storey ended out the season strong, winning seven out of the last nine, including a 45-19 victory over his former school. He threw 12 touchdowns to 5 interceptions and completed 70% of his passes.
The Hilltoppers money maker is their pass defense, holding teams to under 200 yards on average and a 53.1 completion percentage. Juwuan Jones and DeAngelo Malone do a great job of getting into the backfield. Both have at least 10 TFLs and 5 sacks.
Also, I can’t imagine writing an article on Western Kentucky without mentioning one of the craziest endings in bowl history.
Western Michigan (7-5)
It was an average year for the Broncos. They never lost more than one game in a row on the season, but put together a three-game winning streak at the end of the season. They’ve won at least 6 games every year since 2014 and look to improve on their bowl record, which is 1-5 during that span.
The Broncos have found a lot of success behind their running back, senior LeVante Bellamy. Averaging 5.7 yards per carry, he rushed for 1,412 yards and 23 touchdowns. He is currently questionable for this bowl game. Western Michigan is hoping he is ready to go, as he is undoubtedly a huge part of their offense.
Jon Wassink led the Broncos as QB of the team. He completed 60% of his passing for 2,904 and 19 TDs. One of his favorite receivers is senior TE Giovanni Ricci, and they’ve connected for 622 yards and 8 TDs on 47 catches. Skyy Moore is another top target for Wassink, catching 47 passes for 734 yards and 3 TDs.
Defensively, the squad is anchored by Treshaun Howard. He leads the team in tackles (132), is second in TFLs (11), and second in sacks (4.5). The junior LB has also forced and recovered a fumble.
The team does a really good job of getting in the backfield. Four players on the team have at least five sacks. They also have 81 TFLs on the season, which puts them in the top 40 in all of FBS.
Player to Watch
Western Kentucky: DeAngelo Malone
I mentioned the talented pass rush of Western Kentucky, but Malone’s impact can’t be understated. He leads the team in TFLs (20.5), sacks (11.5) and a defensive touchdown. He is tied for 10th in the country in sacks and tied for 5th in the country in TFLs. A win for the Hilltoppers likely means that Malone or the aforementioned Juwuan Jones had a big day.
Western Michigan: Levante Bellamy
Who else could it really be? 11th in rushing yards in the country, tied for first in touchdowns, he really is the Broncos best player. Averaging 5.7 yards a carry, his efficiency is the grease that gets the WMU offensive wheels turning. Anything under 150 yards and two touchdowns would probably be a disappointment for him and the team.
Betting Picks: Western Kentucky -3.5 O/U 52.5
This matchup between premier defensive linemen and one of the best statistical running backs in the country is gonna be a good one. I like the over in this one for sure, 52.5 seems to easy to achieve, especially in a college bowl game. I’m pretty torn on this one, but my gut is telling me Western Kentucky, so go ahead and lock it in.
