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