The WKU Football team took the field in full stride at the annual Red vs. White Football game, despite nasty conditions. These conditions put a definite damper on fan attendance, but you couldn’t notice amongst the WKU Players and Coaches who showed great intensity and enthusiasm throughout the game. Despite the unseasonably cold conditions, the game started off hot with a huge kickoff return by Bobby Rainey. However, besides that the Red Team struggled to find offense, especially in the first half. The White Team, led by game MVP Kawaun Jakes, found their stride early and never looked back. One of the focuses going into this game was the QB battle between Junior Kawaun Jakes and Redshirt Freshman Brandon Doughty, but Jakes made a great bid to keep his starting spot. Jakes looked very good on his pass attempts and even scrambled well under pressure. One of his weaknesses last year was hesitating under pressure, but he remained cool, collected, and committed to finding an escape route. Coach Taggart played his usual role in bringing excitement to the game. Although attendance fell well below his goal of 15,000, his spirit was if the stadium was sold out. Overall, there were many bright spots to the WKU team, especially with a solid QB performance from Jakes. However, there is room for improvement. If WKU wants to be a legitimate threat this year, they need to have a deep threat. Very few balls were thrown deep, and most of the routes kept the receivers within 10 to 15 yards of the line of scrimmage. If they can find this deep threat, it will open up the short game, which will allow the talented Bobby Rainey some room to run. Overall, Taggart appears to have the team in shape for the season in hopes of finally bringing a win to the fans in L.T. Smith Stadium.
Notable Stats:
White Team:
Jakes (QB): 10-16, 157 Yds, 2 TD; 9 carries for 40 Yrds
Simpson (RB): 23 carries, 52 Yrds, 1 TD
German (WR): 3 Catches, 25 Yrds, 1 TD
Red Team:
Doughty (QB): 6-23, 72 Yrds, 1 TD
Rainey (RB): 7 carries, 21 Yds, 3 Kick Returns for 123 Yrds
Boyd (LB): 8 Tkls, 1.5 Tackles for loss
Odom (LB): 9 Tkls, .5 Tackle for Loss
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