Ohio State Football Week 3: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Overview
After two straight wins, the Ohio State Buckeyes now await Western Kentucky at home for Week 3 of their 2023-24 campaign.
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have never faced coach Ryan Day's squad in school history, but behind an explosive offense, they will look to deliver an early-season upset in the third week of the season.
"We continually strive to play a compelling and challenging non-conference schedule, and Ohio State is certainly one of the most accomplished programs in the history of college football," Western Kentucky AD Todd Stewart said. "Facing a program that has had elite success on a national level like Ohio State is an outstanding opportunity and will likely bring national television exposure."
Sure, the TV exposure will be greatest than what the Hilltoppers are used to, but whether or not they will be able to compete with the Buckeyes' high-powered defense is another story.
Ten of Western Kentucky's offensive starters have at least one year of playing experience in the program, with redshirt sophomore tight end River Helms being the lone newbie — though he's familiar with the program in every other aspect.
Senior quarterback Austin Reed led the NCAA in passing yards last season, racking up close to 5,000 yards and 40 touchdowns on the season. After the success he found last season, numerous Power-5 schools offered him NIL deals upwards of six-figures, but the quarterback decided to stay in Kentucky to finish out his college career, signing a smaller deal with the Hilltoppers.
"The decision was not about money, but any kid would appreciate being taken care of, right?" Reed told Bleacher Report. "I appreciate having some sort of NIL money for all the work we put in. It meant a lot."
Behind him will be junior running back Davion Ervin-Poindexter, the Hilltoppers' third string last year, who will be looking to notch a breakout season on the rushing front.
Be sure to stick with BuckeyesNow.com as we preview every aspect of the Buckeyes' Week 3 matchup against Western Kentucky:
2023-24 NCAA Football Week 3: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
2022 Record: 9-5, 6-2 Conference USA
Head coach: Tyson Helton
Returning Offensive Leaders:
Passing: QB Austin Reed
2022 stats: 389-603, 4,746 yards, 40 touchdowns, 11 interceptions
Rushing: RB Davion Ervin-Poindexter
2022 stats: 116 carries, 525 yards, 4.5 yards per carry, 3 touchdowns
Receiving: WR Malachi Corley
2022 stats: 101 receptions, 1,295 yards, 12.8 yards per catch, 11 touchdowns
Returning Defensive Leaders:
Tackles: OLB JaQues Evans, 106
Interceptions: CB Upton Stout, 1
Sacks: OLB JaQues Evans, 8.5
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