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 10th 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 6th 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.
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