The coach had just watched his Western Kentucky team collapse in the fourth quarter, blow a lead and lose its Conference USA opener, 23-22 to Louisiana Tech.
WKU performed through the first three quarters much better than it did a week ago in a 20-7 loss at Illinois. Through 45 minutes, the Tops led 22-13, having run for 153 yards and three touchdowns.
Louisiana Tech then turned around and dominated WKU in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs outgained the Hilltoppers 153-18 in total yards. They held a significant fourth-quarter edge in yards per play, 6.4-1.2.
La Tech marched 58 yards in eight plays over 1:53 before Barnes’ third field goal of the night completed a spirited Bulldog comeback.