None of Western Kentucky’s first six opponents last season scored more than 23 points against the Hilltoppers. Then the final seven all scored at least 27.

Part of that was undoubtedly due to a tougher schedule. WKU’s back half of the season included four Conference USA games against bowl teams, plus Southeastern Conference foe Vanderbilt and the Cure Bowl.

Still, it’s hard not to look at Evan Sayner’s season-ending injury Oct. 14 against Charlotte as a turning point for the Toppers’ defense.

The defensive tackle went down that afternoon to a knee injury against the 49ers. Combine Sayner’s situation with another season-ending injury suffered two weeks prior by fellow D-tackle Jalen Madden, and WKU’s depth in the interior of its defensive line was greatly affected.

Sayner is back healthy again this fall after rehabbing his knee throughout the offseason. He and his teammates were scheduled to hold their ninth fall camp practice Monday morning.

Less than three weeks of practice remain before the season opener Aug. 31 at Wisconsin.

“It’s a great security blanket knowing you have Evan Sayner back,” D-tackles coach Kenny Martin told the Daily News. “He makes a big difference. He’s a man amongst guys in there. He brings a lot of energy, a lot of passion and is very strong.”

Sayner started each of WKU’s first six games last season as a redshirt junior. He’d played in 2015 and ’16 on special teams and as a reserve on the defensive line.

The Paducah native stepped into his new starting role last season and recorded 18 tackles, including 3½ tackles for a loss and his first career sack in a win over Ball State.

Sayner’s value was felt beyond his stats. His ability to take on multiple offensive linemen and stand his ground allowed linebackers to come in and behind him and make tackles.

“We play a huge role,” Sayner said. “If you don’t have good D-tackles up front, our linebackers are going to get eaten up by offensive linemen. Basically, we’re the O-line of the defense.”

Sayner and Chris Johnson, an All-Conference USA honoree, combined to make a formidable defensive tackle duo to start the season. At the time of Sayner’s injury, WKU led the conference in rushing defense.

“I mean, I kind of knew right whenever I did it,” Sayner said of his injury. “You just feel that pop and you just know. I knew my season was over. I can’t really describe how disappointing that was.”

Without Sayner, the Hilltoppers slipped to No. 6 in the league by the end of the season in yards per carry allowed (4.43). WKU’s pass rush, meanwhile, produced only 12 sacks, third-fewest in C-USA.

Sayner’s back now as a redshirt senior, listed at 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds. He’s one of only 10 seniors on WKU’s roster, six of which – him, DeAndre Farris, Drell Greene, Julien Lewis, Der’Quione Mobley and Masai Whyte – play on defense.

“Oh man, it really makes me cherish it,” Sayner said of his return from injury. “I want to live in the moment and take each day to get better.”

Sayner leads a D-tackles group that also includes Lewis, a healthy Madden, Jeremy Darvin and Jaylon George as its veteran members.

Martin has worked with Sayner on his footwork and balance, with the Hilltopper defensive tackle saying he feels more technically sound.

“With Evan it’s going to be play with technique,” defensive coordinator Clayton White said. “Don’t always rely on your strength, his 400-pound bench press.

“He’s a big man in the middle and it means a lot to have him.”{&end}