WKU beats La. Tech in a possible preview of the C-USA title game

Thursday’s game between Louisiana Tech and Western Kentucky could have been a preview of the Conference USA title game.

At least, we can only hope so.

Western Kentucky won 41-38, but it came down to an onside kick bouncing out of bounds to seal the victory.

Louisiana Tech cut the lead to three with 27 seconds remaining, but couldn’t complete the comeback from 14 points down in the fourth quarter.

Western Kentucky, which was dominated by Louisiana Tech a year ago, jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and appeared to be on cruise control. The Hilltoppers led by as many a 17 early in the second quarter before the Bulldogs slowly started to crawl back into the contest. They closed the gap to 10 at halftime and got an early touchdown in the third to get within three.

Western Kentucky started the second half well, but was shaken up after star running back Leon Allen suffered a devastating hit that caused his leg to bend backward at an awkward angle. He was helped off the field and later carted to to the locker room. Allen, who finished the game with 12 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown, and one catch for 53 yards, sported a knee brace and didn’t return.

However, after the initial shock of the injury, Western Kentucky running back depth came through as D’Andre Ferby and Anthony Davis combined for 68 yards, and Ferby got the touchdown that put the Hilltoppers up 38-24 heading into the fourth.

Western Kentucky quarterback Brandon Doughty, who struggled in the season-opener against Vanderbilt, rebounded to complete 73.6 percent of his passes for 441 yards and a touchdown.

Louisiana Tech quarterback Jeff Driskel, the recent Florida transfer, completed 28 of 48 passes for 357 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Running back Kenneth Dixon added 22 carries for 168 yards and two scores.

Both of these teams are the favorites to win their respective Conference USA divisions, so this might not be the last time we see them face off. However, Conference USA is a gauntlet full of teams that put up some big offensive numbers. It’s not going to be easy for either one of these program to be back for the rematch.