WKU Red vs White Game

Like in years past, the WKU football team will open up its final practice to the public in the annual Red vs White spring football game. However, unlike years past, this event actually carries some significance. Head Coach Willie Taggart set a goal to get 15,000 fans to attend the event, which would make WKU the first Sunbelt Conference school to ever get 15,000 fans at a spring game. Although I enjoy the enthusiasm that Taggart brings to the program, the goal may be a little high. Looking at the attendance numbers from last season, the Hilltoppers only achieved an audience of 15,000+ twice (20,772 vs. Indiana and 15,142 vs. ULM). Down the stretch in the other three home games, WKU averaged just 12,300 fans including just 10,275 fans for the FAU game. However, I like the new attitude that Taggart brings to the program. By setting the goal so high, Taggart shows that he won’t settle for mediocrity in any aspect- including fan enthusiasm- as he tries to turn WKU into a top-ranked Sunbelt team. Taggart is trying to prove to students, players, and the rest of Hilltopper nation that this team will be different from years past. WKU has heavily promoted the event for the first time in a long time. This shows that Taggart feels comfortable with his team and isn’t afraid to show off his team to the public. He is slowly bringing excitement back to WKU football, excitement that has been lacking since their transition to Division I-FBS and their infamous 26 game losing streak. Willie makes a great face for the football program, and his excitement for the program is spreading. Although I did not see him, people around campus say that earlier this week Taggart walked around campus with a bullhorn yelling for all students to stay at WKU this weekend and support the football team. What other Division I football coach would do something like that? This excitement he brings is spreading around campus. I have heard numerous students express their excitement for the football game tomorrow- a definite change in attitude from the beginning of last year’s football season. Though the goal may go unmet, everyone should come out and support the football team. Fans need to realize that the football team needs their support. The team improved significantly under Taggart last year, and he expects only greatness and excellence this upcoming year.

Saturday’s Teams

Red Team

Coach: Walt Wells (WKU Offensive guards and centers coach)

Notable Players

Bobby Rainey (RB)

Jamarcus Allen (DL)

Wes Jeffries (OL)

Antonio Andrews (RB)

Brandon Doughty (QB)

Kenny Martin (DT)

Tye Golden (LB)

Bar’ee Boyd (LB)

Tyree Robinson (CB)

Kiante Young (S)

Jonathan Dowling (S- University of Florida Transfer)

White Team

Coach: Lance Guildry (WKU Defensive Coordinatior)

Notable Players

Kawaun Jakes (QB)

Jared Clendenin (DL)

Rico Brown (WR)

Joel German (WR)

Jamarielle Brown (WR)

Quanterus Smith (DL)

Ben Duvall (LB)

Xavius Boyd (LB)

Arius Wright (CB)

Kareem Peterson (S)

Ryan Beard (DB)