Tag: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

WKU’s Bailey Zappe throws for 577 yards, 4 TDs in C-USA title game

Western Kentucky fell just short in the Conference-USA title game, but Bailey Zappe still put up more huge numbers

It somehow wasn’t enough, but Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe did everything he could to lead the Hilltoppers to a conference title Friday night.

Despite the 49-41 loss to UTSA in the Conference-USA championship game, Zappe kept putting up the same ridiculous numbers he’s posted all season long, throwing for 577 yards and four touchdowns.

The 2022 NFL draft class doesn’t have a clear-cut front-runner at quarterback, and while Zappe isn’t likely to be the first passer off the board, his incredible production this season makes him one of the more intriguing prospects in the group.

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Western Kentucky QB Bailey Zappe is putting up some ridiculous numbers

If you’re looking for an under-the-radar QB prospect in the lackluster 2022 class, Western Kentucky’s Bailey Zappe might be your guy

If you’re looking for an under-the-radar quarterback prospect to get excited about in this year’s lackluster class, Western Kentucky’s Bailey Zappe is doing everything he can to be that guy.

Zappe has put up video-game numbers for the Hilltoppers this season, throwing for nearly 5,000 yards and 52 touchdowns. Those numbers aren’t far off from what we saw back in 2019 from Joe Burrow at LSU, when he delivered the most statistically dominant season from any quarterback in college football history.

Though he may not have high-upside physical tools, Zappe has plenty of skills to work with at the next level, and there’s no denying his ability to be productive. If he lands in the right spot during draft weekend, he could develop into a quality starter.

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‘Good to have both’: Western Kentucky women claim first post-COVID Division I win

Not only is Western Kentucky competing, but the Hilltoppers logged the first Division I win post-COVID stoppage at the USA Intercollegiate.

Most college golf coaches (maybe every college golf coach?) know the uncertainty Adam Gary faced this summer. Would his Western Kentucky team play in the fall or wouldn’t it? Would he get all his players back? The answers depended on the week.

For Gary, it felt like the stars had aligned in Mobile, Alabama, on Monday. Not only is Western Kentucky competing, but the Hilltoppers logged the first post-COVID Division I win. The team finished nine shots ahead of the field at the USA Intercollegiate.

Afterward they piled in the van for the eight-hour drive back north to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Highway miles are a small price to pay, as far as Gary is concerned.

“I don’t know which is better, winning or being back playing golf after this break, but man it’s really good to have both,” Gary said.

Scores: USA Intercollegiate

Western Kentucky competes in Conference USA, which left it up to individual institutions to decide whether or not fall sports would play. Gary credits a supportive athletic director for letting the season go on.

It’s a particularly good thing considering that Gary thinks he might have one of the strongest teams of his seven-year tenure. A 6-under 858 total at Magnolia Grove Crossings Golf Course was the Hilltoppers’ second-best 54-hole total in program history. This is Gary’s eighth career title at Western Kentucky, making him the winningest coach in program history.

“It was a total team effort really from top to bottom,” Gary said.

Western Kentucky placed three players in the top 10 at the six-team USA Intercollegiate. Gary brought two freshmen to Mobile – Rachel Rich and Rylea Marcum, winner of the AJGA Justin Thomas Junior Championship last month. They had perhaps less rust to knock off than their older teammates – many juniors tournaments carried on throughout the summer – and Marcum played second individually in Mobile with her 5 under total.

South Alabama junior Julie Hovland won the individual title with a remarkable 12 under performance for 54 holes, which included a closing 66.

At this point, it remains a privilege simply to compete.

“I felt like we really couldn’t lose because we were back playing,” Gary said. “There are not many teams in the country that are going to have this opportunity this fall. To help us learn and prepare for the spring, I always felt like you learn more form a tournament than you do at home practicing.”

Every player in the field had to pass a COVID test within 72 hours of the start of the tournament. Players used golf carts (riding as singles) and all three rounds began by tee time as opposed to shotgun to limit crowding at the practice facilities.

Flagsticks remained in the hole and players played the ball up in bunkers, considering there were no rakes.

The season will continue to look different in many ways and require an extra checklist – from remembering to bring your mask in case you need to enter an indoor area to knowing whether or not a hotel is offering a continental breakfast.

“I felt safe the entire time,” Gary said. “My team did also. It’s just good to be back.”

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Meet Lucky Jackson, Western Kentucky’s gem of a WR prospect

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Western Kentucky wide receiver Lucky Jackson

The 2020 NFL draft class is loaded at wide receiver, with big names from powerhouse programs likely to dominate the early rounds.

But if your favorite NFL team is looking for a steal in the later rounds of this year’s draft, their search should turn up plenty of intriguing options, including Western Kentucky’s Lucky Jackson.

Jackson recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about how he got his nickname, how he was able to put up such big numbers for the Hilltoppers, and what kind of skill set he brings to the next level.

JM: How did you get the nickname “Lucky?”

LJ: It came from my parents actually. They only planned to have one child which was my older sister. I kinda came along and they considered themselves blessed to have a second child. They nicknamed me Lucky and it stuck with me ever since. That’s what everybody calls me now.

JM: I feel like that name could have been in “The Irishman” or something. Let Martin Scorsese hear about it, and he’d cast you immediately.

LJ: Yeah, that’s what people tell me (laughs). My coaches always used to joke around that I could be a country singer or something with a name like that. That’s another funny story, I get that a lot. “Lucky Jackson? You should be a country singer!”

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

JM: It just so happens that you’re a pretty good football player, as well. You posted 94 catches last season, and more than 1,100 receiving yards. How do you look back on the 2019 season?

LJ: It was a good season. It was a great accomplishment for our senior class. We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs together, we went through a coaching change. We bounced back in a major way after going 3-9 the year before. We put together a great season and won a lot of games over some great opponents like Charlotte.

We went on to compete in a bowl game and to come out with a win over Western Michigan was the icing on the cake. It was the greatest season I ever had and a terrific team accomplishment. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without our great coaching staff.

JM: What was it about your game in 2019 that allowed you to be so productive?

LJ: I would credit that to me being a student of the game. I learned a lot off the field this year. It’s kinda funny when people think it just happened overnight. I put in a lot of work off the field. The game extends far beyond game-day. If you put in work behind the scenes, I promise you that you’ll see it pay off. I spent a lot of time in the film room and in my playbook. I spent a lot of time in the weight room. I understood where to be on the field at all times.

I think that my football I.Q. is the strongest part of my game. Spending that extra time in the classroom slowed the game down for me. Everything just became so much easier. It all starts to make sense. I was able to play fast.

JM: Do you have a favorite route to run?

LJ: Not in particular. I like any route that gets me the ball (laughs). I can run every route and I would say that I enjoy them equally. I can’t single anything out. I just wanna go up and get the ball.

(AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

JM: Who are some of the best defensive backs you’ve squared off with?

LJ: I wouldn’t single out any names in particular but there’s some programs that come to mind. FAU had a good group of cornerbacks. They played some physical defense against me. They’re a long, physical group. We played against Louisiana Tech two years ago and they had a good group, as well. Amik Robertson definitely stood out in that game. He’s pretty well known nation wide, he’s a member of this 2020 NFL draft class. We had some good battles.

JM: If you could catch a pass from one NFL quarterback, who would it be and why?

LJ: It’s tough to pick just one, but I would probably go with Tom Brady. He’s been around forever and he’s the greatest quarterback to ever play the game. Who wouldn’t wanna catch a pass from Tom Brady? Whether you even play football or not, everybody wants to catch a pass from the GOAT. To have that opportunity would be crazy for me.

JM: Why should an NFL team give Lucky Jackson a chance?

LJ: They should give me a chance because I’m a guy that’s gonna come to work every day. I’m gonna give it my all. I’m a reliable guy they can trust both on and off the field.

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First Responder Bowl: Western Michigan vs. Western Kentucky odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s SERVPRO First Responder Bowl betting odds and lines between Western Michigan Broncos and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers with betting picks, tips and bets.

The Western Michigan Broncos (7-5) and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-4) meet up in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl. Kickoff at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas 12:30 p.m. ET Monday. We analyze the Western Michigan-Western Kentucky odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Western Michigan vs. Western Kentucky: Three things you need to know

1. The Broncos head into this game with a 1-8 straight-up (SU) career record in bowl games, while the Hilltoppers have won three of their five all-time appearances.

2. Western Michigan ranked 23rd in the nation with 457.3 total yards per game and are 24th in the country with 212.7 yards per game on the ground, while posting 34.2 points per game to check in 25th.

3. Western Kentucky covered in seven of its final nine games despite the fact it ranked just 87th in the country with 380.0 total yards per game on offense. The defense is rather stout, however, allowing just 20.1 PPG to rank 21st.

College football season is almost over! Place your bets on this game, or others, at BetMGM now. Place your bets and win, win, win!

Western Michigan vs. Western Kentucky: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 9:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Western Kentucky 24, Western Michigan 21

Moneyline (ML)

WESTERN KENTUCKY (-164) is a moderate favorite. Playing the moneyline isn’t a bad bet since the Hilltoppers are laying 3.5 points. Anything less and the play is to just look to the spread.

New to sports betting? Every $1.64 wagered on the Western Kentucky ML will profit $1 if the Broncos win.

Against the Spread (ATS)

AVOID. Western Kentucky (-3.5, -106) is laying three and a hook, and I expect this to be a one-possession game. I’d rather play the moneyline and cheer for a straight-up win. Western Michigan (+3.5, -115) could easily cover the line and still lose this game, which should be a close, defensive slog.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 54.5 (-106) is the way to go, as Western Kentucky’s defense has been stout this season. Western Michigan can sling it, but expect the Broncos to struggle finding as many open spaces as they’re used to in MAC play.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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