Missouri State (1-4, 0-1 in CUSA) entered this week’s game against Western Kentucky (2-4, 1-1) with high hopes.
Instead of starting the Casey Woods Conference USA era on the right foot, the Bears struggled in their 34-13 loss on Thursday, Oct. 8.
“Not good enough that was a disappointing performance,” Woods told Missouri State radio. “We got our butts whipped on both sides of the ball.”
Missouri State has yet to defeat an FBS team this season. The Bears have lost to two similarly sized programs, Marshall and the Hilltoppers.
In the defeat to Western Kentucky, Missouri State couldn't make big plays or flip momentum. The Bears made it hard on themselves at every turn.
Third-down
conversions and red-zone offense continue to be areas that need improvement. Missouri State had two trips to the red zone, ending in two field goals. The offense also went 4-for-15 on third down and 1-for-4 on fourth down.
Midway through the third quarter, starting quarterback Skyler Locklear limped off the field. Second-string Henry Belin IV marched the Bears downfield and threw a gorgeous 36-yard back-shoulder touchdown to Isaiah Myers.
Myers’ catch was the Bears’ only highlight, cutting Western Kentucky’s lead to 21-13. After the big play, Western Kentucky scored 13 unanswered points.
In Missouri State’s final three drives, the Bears gained 48 yards, ending with two turnovers on downs and a punt.
Locklear completed 12-of-24 passes for 89 yards and one interception. He did lead the team with 76 rushing yards on eight attempts. Belin threw for 115 yards on 8-for-14 passing and one touchdown.
“Henry came in and gave us a little bit of a spark, felt like it was good. Skyler was hobbled,” Woods said. “We have to go evaluate the film, see where we are at, see what’s best for our team.”
Missouri State’s defense allowed the Hilltoppers to accumulate 464 total yards. This was Western Kentucky’s best offensive output versus an FBS opponent this year. The Hilltoppers went 9-for-17 on third-down.
Looking ahead, the Bears cannot let this result snowball. Missouri State hosts defending CUSA champions Kennesaw State on Wednesday, Oct. 13.
The Owls will be hungry after losing by one point to Jacksonville State earlier this week.
Western Kentucky’s quarterback Brock Glenn rushed for 95 yards on 15 carries. It was the second-most rushing yards in the game behind teammate Jay Allen. Missouri State struggled against a mobile quarterback.
Kennesaw State's mobile quarterback, Rickie Collins, leads the Owls in rushing yards. Stopping the quarterback run has to be a priority for Missouri State.
“The quarterback run game is something we are going to have to clean up,” Woods said. “He (Glenn) came out and whipped our ass the whole time.”
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State cannot let 'disappointing performance' snowball into more losses
