Indiana St. Sycamores Shock WKU

In THE GAME that many people thought was a sure victory for WKU, the Hilltoppers failed again to get their first home win in 3 years. The home winless streak has climbed to 17 as WKU fell 44-16. The Indiana St Sycamores rallied after the opening kickoff, in which Gordon Cheeseborough was carried off on a stretcher, and scored to get up early. Indiana St. never trailed after that.

After looking strong in the season opener against UK, the WKU defense has been shaky. They allowed over 500 yards of total offense vs. Navy last week, and continued their struggles giving up 430 yards to the I-AA team. Ronnie Fouch, Jake Locker’s backup from Washington, exploited the Hilloppers secondary throwing for 227 yards and 3 TD.

The biggest question going into the game was who would be taking the snaps for WKU this weekend. To the surprise and excitement of the fans, Brandon Doughty was announced as the starting QB. However, excitement quickly ended as Doughty left the game due to injury after taking only 3 snaps. He could be seen walking the WKU sideline on crutches the rest of the game.

Turnovers rocked the WKU offense. Every time the Hilltoppers started to gain some momentum on a drive, it seemed like a fumble or interception ended it. Down by just 11 with less than a thirty seconds left in the 2^nd quarter, the Hilltoppers were on Indiana State’s 24-yard line. However, Kawaun Jakes’ pass on 3^rd and six was intercepted by Larry Carter and returned 65 yards. The interception led to a 43-yard field goal to put Indiana St. 14-3 at half. Coach Taggart tried to get his team back on track after the half, but it quickly ended. On just the 4^th play of the 2^nd half, Antonio Andrews fumbled. Indiana St. capitalized and marched down the field for a touchdown, basically ending WKU’s hope of a comeback. WKU ended with 4 turnovers- 3 fumbles and an interception. Its hard to win games giving up the ball so often.

One of the few positive moments came when Bobby Rainey reached 100 rushing yards on the game. With it, he tied a school record set by Antwan Floyd for 8 straight games with 100+ rushing yards. However, Rainey was lucky to get the record. Indiana State’s D- Line dominated most of the game. Rainey was held to just 73 yards until the 7:00 in the 4^th quarter. In their final drive of the game, Rainey rushed for 26 yards and then for another 6 yards to get to 105 yards.

Other Notes:

Indiana St. assistant Athletic Director said Gordon Cheeseborough was experiencing pain in his neck, but had movement in all his extremities.

The Win against WKU was IN State’s first non-conference road-win since 2004 and their first win against an FBS team since 2001.

Official attendance for the game was 15,793.

WKU has a bye week this week. Next game vs Arkansas St

Skinner leading WKU to the Top

The Hilltopper volleyball team is on a seven game winning streak and off to a 10-1 start. Hosting LSU, Xavier, and Wake Forest this weekend; the Lady Toppers didn’t falter. They defeated each team by at least two games and filled Diddle arena. You’d be hard pressed to find an environment quite like Diddle Arena in the rest of the country when it comes to volleyball. Plenty of students came to support the team as they always do; and they got to see a show put on by Jordyn Skinner. Skinner dominated every game with killer spikes and energy that led the team through tough volleys and long sets. For her efforts at the Lady Toppers tournament, Skinner was named the Sports Imports/AVCA Division 1 National Player of the Week. 80 kills and 50 digs in 4 games aren’t too shabby but what really makes Skinner stand out is her leadership and moxie on the court. With the loss of Emily Teegarden, the Tops had a gap to fill up front physically and emotionally. Skinner has done that and then some. The Lady Tops may in fact be the best team on campus this fall and they deserve the respect and attention of Hilltopper nation. The Lady Toppers are on a roll; and if you want to see some of the finest athletes on campus, be sure to stop by Diddle Arena this Fall and watch Coach Hudson’s team.



Navy Too Strong on Eve of 9-11

On Saturday, the WKU football team did something very special. No, they did not finally bring a win back to L.T. Smith Stadium, but they did partake in a much more significant feat. On the eve of the 10^th anniversary of 9-11, WKU had the honor of hosting the U.S. Naval Academy. Not only was the matchup about the game recognizing the men and women who risk their lives for our nation. On that fateful day 10 years ago, the nation came together, just as Hilltopper Nation did 19,000 fans strong on Saturday night.

As for the game, the Hilltoppers looked like a completely different team than week 1 against UK. The defense, which was WKU’s strength in week 1, could not figure out how to stop Navy’s option offense. The Hilltopper defense surrendered 410 rushing yards, 50 of which came off the first touchdown run by running back John Howell just two minutes into the game. Its tough to say, but after Navy jumped out to the early lead, it was almost apparent WKU would have a tough time getting back into the game. The defense showed some major lapses as 3 of Navy’s 5 offensive touchdowns came on plays of 40+ yards. The Hilltoppers would go onto lose 40-14, a definite step backwards from week 1.

The game did have a few positives. Bobby Rainey rushed for 131 yards on 21 carries (6.2 yards per carry). This extended his streak of 100+ yards rushing per game to seven. This performance was also enough for Rainey to pass the 3,000 career rushing yard mark, only the 6^th player in WKU History to reach this milestone.

The major story coming out of the game will be who will take the starting role in the QB position next week against Indiana State. Coach Taggert finally did what many students having been asking for a while now; giving another QB a chance. Coach Taggart pulled Kawaun Jakes in the middle of a drive in the third quarter. Backup QB Brandon Doughty came into the game and managed to bring some success to the WKU offense, finishing that drive by leading the team down the field setting Rainey up for a 1 yard touchdown run. Doughty finished off the game looking poised and confident while sitting in the pocket, something Jakes didn’t show most of last year. Doughty finished the game 12/21 with 102 yards, compared to Jakes’ 7/12, 51 yard performance. Taggert will need to legitimately consider starting Doughty and it will be interesting to find out who takes the field in what many students are calling a “guaranteed” win next week against Indian State.

If WKU was to lose a home game on the eve of 9-11, at least it was Navy that handed WKU the loss.

Navy vs WKU Preview:

Many people called the game vs UK a “morale victory.” This week the Hilltoppers need to come away with a real victory at home, something the Hilltoppers have not done in nearly three years.

Defense-

WKU’s rush defense looked great next week and will need to continue the success against Navy’s threatening rushing game. Last Thursday, the Hilltoppers came out strong forcing two 3-and-outs and an interception on UK’s first three drives. WKU didn’t allow a completed pass in the 2^nd quarter and held UK to just 190 total offensive yards. Defense might prove to be the key to a victory this weekend. Last week, Navy ran all over Delaware with 391 rushing yards. The main threat comes from Navy’s option style offense which is something the Hilltoppers rarely see. This style allowed 10 different Midshipmen to carry the ball last weekend alone. If the Hilltoppers can quickly identify the ball carrier and not allow the numerous fake handoffs to fool them, they have a good chance to be competitive in the game. The Hilltopper defense should never be underestimated, and last Thursday’s game proved that.

Offense-

As always, WKU will have Bobby Rainey carrying the ball. Last week Bobby Rainey rushed for 107 yards and will look to increase his yardage this weekend. Quaterback Kuwaun Jakes will look to match the spectacular performance he had the last time the Hilltoppers played the Midshipmen. In his first career start, he put up 276 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown against Navy on September 26, 2009. The Hilltoppers led that game until about 2 ½ minutes in the first half before losing 38 to 22.

Navy has made 8 straight bowl appearances and is arguable the best college football program to ever come to LT Smith field. However the Hilltoppers have a great chance to pull off the victory. This year’s team is significantly better than the 2009 team which put up a great fight for a half. After Thursday’s impressive game by the Hilltoppers on national TV, Navy Head Coach Ken Niumatalolo said this week "They went toe-to-toe with not only an in-state school, but the state school and an SEC school.” His squad is concerned the Tops will come out on Top. All I can say is that It would be great to see WKU victorious at home.

Special Notes: This weekend marks the 10^th anniversary of 9/11. WKU has gone above and beyond to honor our US armed forces. The game will indeed be a special event that will be remembered for a long time. Special promotions for the game include (from WKUSports.com):

· Military Appreciation Day – anyone showing a military ID can purchase unlimited tickets for $6.

· 23,000 American flags will be handed out to all fans upon their entrance to Houchens-Smith Stadium.

· Prior to the National Anthem there will be a moment of silence for the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and service men and women who have lost their life defending our nation. Taps will be played by the Navy Drum and Bugle Corps following the moment of silence.

· WKU’s new ROTC Cadets will be sworn in and then help unfurl a large American flag on the field.

· National Anthem will be performed by the WKU men’s choir.

· A pregame helicopter flyover is scheduled to take place following the national anthem.

· WKU honorary captain is former WKU football player and Army Lieutenant Colonel Scott Walker. A 1990 graduate of WKU and three-year letterman on the football team, Lieutenant Colonel Walker’s distinguished career has included multiple combat tours as a member of the Army’s Special Forces unit in Somalia and the Middle East.

· The Wounded Warriors attending the game will be recognized during the game.

WKU Athletics will collect the following items at each main entrance to Houchens-Smith Stadium for the troops from the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (6-4 Cav) from Ft. Knox currently serving in Afghanistan: Purex 3 in 1 laundry sheets, beef jerky, hard candy, deodorant, nail clippers, body wash, q-tips, shower shoes, disposable razors, shaving cream

Positive Night for WKU

WKU football may finally be a contender in the Sun Belt. Granted it was just one game, but the Hilltoppers looked like a team the hill hasn’t seen in a long time. The defense was the big story in the UK game, allowing only 190 yards. WKU outgained UK, totaling 234 yards. 107 yards came on the ground from Bobby Rainey. It was obvious the Cats keyed on Rainey, blitzing the entire game. The game plan of making Kawaun Jakes beat UK through the air, worked for the Wildcats as Jakes struggled to get into a rhythm all night. Andrew Jackson was the big story, starting at Middle Linebacker and registering 12 tackles along with 1 sack. WKU now faces another tough test in Navy and their Triple Option offense. We’ll have a full preview later in the week.

#WESTERN KENTUCKY DAWG!

                                                           Courtesy of Hilltopper Video