The Ryan Conference USA Championship game on Friday night pits an 11-1 UTSA team against an 8-4 West Kentucky team. Despite the difference in their records, it’s actually WKU that comes into the game on a more solid footing, as the Hilltoppers have earned seven straight wins since their home loss to UTSA on October 9.
The Roadrunners, on the other hand, just suffered a stunning 45-23 loss to North Texas last week that ruined their chances of a perfect season. The loss came just two weeks after UTSA was taken to the home wire by a struggling Miss South team. But it’s still been an amazing season for the program under the guidance of sophomore coach Jeff Traylor. A victory in the C-USA title match would only be another validation of the progress the program has made in a decade since joining the ranks of FBS.
For WKU, a win would be a decisive victory for the pass-happy system put in place by first-year offensive coordinator Zach Kittley under the guidance of third-year head coach Tyson Helton. The Hilltoppers lead the country in passing yards per game at 424.8 and have only refined the system since their 52-46 loss to UTSA in the first meeting. It should be an exciting game as these two teams go head to head with a conference title on the line.
CBS Sports will be with you all Friday night bringing you live updates and highlights from the 2021 Conference U.S. Championship game.
