WKU Football: Analyzing Bailey Zappe-dos
How a Transfer QB is looking to electrify Houchens Smith Stadium this year
It is no secret that Quarterback Bailey Zappe was a record setter at Houston Baptist U (D1-FCS) who led the program’s high flying offense to many victories over his time. But is he ready to take a literal step up, from FCS to FBS next year? My opinion? Yes he is! Let me break it down for you.
In a 2020 season defined by uncertainty due to Covid-19, one thing was certain: Bailey Zappe was going to get his. And he did. The HBU Huskies may have only played in 4 games, but the stats put up by Zappe in those 4 games reflect a high level of play. Let’s have a look at the season passing totals for both Bailey Zappe and Tyrell Pigrome side by side:
- Pigrome: 11 games played, 171–297, 57.6% completion pct., 1615 yards, 9 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
- Zappe: 4 games played, 141–215, 65.6% completion pct., 1833 yards, 15 touchdowns, 1 interception.
Zappe played 7 less games, yet had 6 more touchdowns and 218 more yards. Now I know what you are thinking — Zappe played against FCS level competition while Pigrome played against FBS competition!
Here is the amazing thing about that. In those 4 games, Zappe and the rest of the huskies faced 3 FCS opponents, 2 of which were actually Conference USA teams (North Texas and LA Tech), the third being Texas Tech. On top of that, the 4th opponent was EKU, who we all know is on the cusp of joining the FBS ranks and has been trying for a few years now to do so. Overall, the sample size is small for Zappe’s 2020 season, but the competition was that of what you would expect from a D1 FBS team. Lets break down his stats vs each team:
- @ North Texas. 39–62, 62.9% completion, 480 yards, 3 TDs, 0 interceptions.
- @ Texas Tech. 30–49, 61.2% completion, 567 yards, 4 TDs, 0 interceptions.
- @ LA Tech. 37–58, 63.8% completion, 406 yards, 5 touchdowns, 1 interception.
- @ Eastern Kentucky. 35–46, 76.1% completion, 380 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions.
Against Conference USA opponents Zappe went 76–120, 63.3% completion, 886 yards, 8 touchdowns, 1 interception. That’s pretty darn good if you ask me, especially considering all 4 games were on the road.
Disclaimer though, the HBU Huskies went 1–3, with all three losses coming to the FBS schools and the lone win coming against Eastern Kentucky. However, they almost knocked off Texas Tech, losing 35–33 where Zappe lead a potential game tying drive with 5 minutes left, covering 96 yards to score and pull within 2. Sadly, the 2 point attempt did not work out, so they lost. But that doesn’t take away from how impressive it was to see Zappe drive 96 yards in 2 minutes to get a touchdown when they needed one. Unfortunately though, as was the case in the other FBS games, the defense had a hard time pulling up their end and making a stop to get the ball back. But Zappe doesn’t play defense, so we shouldn’t hang our hats on how many points were scored on the Huskies this season.
My final thoughts are this: Zappe had the credentials to go to the NFL draft and get away with being a late round draft pick for a team. Instead, the kid decided to use that extra year of eligibility and try to compete at the highest level of college sports (FBS level, conference USA isn’t exactly the highest level within the FBS) to prove that he is more than a potential Mr. Irrelevant in the draft. I respect the heck out of that drive to want to prove yourself. And I think he will.
Need more on Bailey Zappe that isn’t from me? Here are a few links to highlights and interviews with the man himself:
- NFL Draft Diamonds article: https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2020/09/bailey-zappe-5/
- 2020 Highlights: https://youtu.be/PEKqX72mzYc
- Draft Diamonds Zoom Interview: https://youtu.be/6s0aOfe1_qo
Be on the lookout for a wild Zappe-dos to appear at a stadium near you in 2021 Western Kentucky Fans. Hopefully his skills are as shocking as the legendary Pokémon itself!
