Famous Toastery Bowl: Western Kentucky vs Old Dominion
By Rory Daniels
Welcome to Bowl Season! 84 teams, 42 matchups, 35 different cities; if you thought the College Football postseason was restricted to the four teams in the playoffs, think again. In this game preview, we turn our attention to the Famous Toastery Bowl:
Where and When
Famous Toastery Bowl
Location: Jerry Richardson Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Date: 18th December 2023
Time: 2:30pm (ET)
Story so far…
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have been a fairly consistent force under Tyson Helton, younger brother of Clay, the former USC head coach. Now in his fifth year, he has had four winning seasons and is aiming for a third consecutive bowl victory. Their record did drop slightly, to 7-5, but there was plenty of stiff competition on the slate. They suffered an early season beatdown to Ohio State and also had to face an unbeaten Liberty. However, victories over Sam Houston and FIU leave them in good shape heading into this one.
Old Dominion’s season followed a similar path. A tricky three-game losing skid against James Madison, Coastal Carolina and Liberty threatened to derail their bowl chances, but they hit back with two wins to finish the season. A last gasp, walk off touchdown securing their bowl status. The Monarchs actually surpassed the Associated Press expectations who predicted they would finish bottom of the Sun Belt East division. It shows the progress head coach Ricky Rahne has made with this group since they moved to the objectively more difficult Sun Belt from Conference USA.
The Quarterbacks…
Austin Reed was brought to Western Kentucky from Division II West Florida. Having won a National Championship there, the intention was for him to replace Bailey Zappe who left for the NFL. Reed has done a good job on the whole, even if statistically he is slightly worse than 2022. His turnover worthy play rate of 3.7% and 11 picks this year will be something a strong Monarchs defense will hope to exploit.
Monarchs QB Grant Wilson transferred from Fordham in the offseason following offensive coordinator Kevin Decker to Old Dominion. His knowledge of the system meant he secured the starting spot and did a solid job leading the offense. His 459 yards on the ground also mean Western Kentucky must be aware of his dual-threat ability.
Prospects to watch…
Western Kentucky
Malachi Corley, Wide Receiver – It’s refreshing to see star players opt to play IN bowl games and at the time of writing Corley has said he will play his final game for the Hilltoppers here. He has already accepted his Senior Bowl invite and will be the highest rated player on either side.
Anthony Johnson Jr, Cornerback – Another transfer from West Florida, Johnson has immediately adapted to life at the FBS level, becoming the Hilltoppers top defensive player. He had 3 interceptions and 5 pass breakups in 2023, earning a PFF coverage grade of 90.1.
Old Dominion
Keshawn Wicks, Running Back – It’s unlikely that Wilson can get it done on his own at QB so the run game will be important to Old Dominion. Both starters Keshawn Wicks and Kadarius Calloway were injured for the final regular season contest so hopefully both can be fit. Wicks should lead the group and averages 5.1 yards per carry.
Wayne Matthews III, Linebacker – The undoubted star of the Old Dominion defense is Jason Henderson, however the linebacker will miss the bowl game through injury. The starter next to him is Wayne Matthews III who amassed 121 tackles including 8.5 for a loss. It was impressive considering it was his first year as a full-time starter.
Prediction
The fact that Old Dominion are missing their leader on defense in Jason Henderson as well as Western Kentucky getting the boost of Malachi Corley playing, means I lean to the Hilltoppers in this one. The Reed and Corley combo could have one last explosive outing for the bowl win.
Western Kentucky 36-19 Old Dominion
