(AP photo)
As some scouting report fodder for Kentucky football’s Thursday night tip-off, oops, kick off against Western Kentucky, I called on former Herald-Leader intern and current College Heights Herald sports editor Cole Claybourn for a five-question rundown of the Hilltoppers.
1) What are reasonable expectations for this season?
I think the expectations for this season are higher than last season, but that’s not saying a whole lot. I think a reasonable expectation is four wins, with the possibility of six. They lost four games in the fourth quarter last season, so they theoretically could have done the same. With more experience and better size, some of those close games might go their way this year.
2) Biggest difference fans should see from last year’s WKU team?
They’ll see a much more mature quarterback in Kawaun Jakes and they’ll see a much improved defense. That’s saying something because their defense was pretty solid in the Sun Belt last season. Also, I think the passing game will be a much bigger weapon. The big question will be if their main receivers can stay healthy. Tight end Jack Doyle and wide receiver Marcus Vasquez are both coming off significant injuries and both wore yellow “non-contact” jerseys throughout fall camp.
3) What has Willie Taggart done right and wrong so far?
He’s certainly brought a new excitement around WKU football that was never there, at least not since their 2002 D-IAA championship year. People are legitimately interested in the program now. Football-wise, I think he’s been instrumental in the progression of Bobby Rainey. He tutored Toby Gerhardt to being a Heisman candidate while at Stanford and you have to believe that he’s had the same type of impact on Rainey. I wouldn’t necessarily say this is something he’s done wrong, but I’m still not convinced he’s an “X’s and O’s” coach yet. The excitement and enthusiasm is there, but the gameplanning isn’t, in my opinion. Granted, he’s only had one year so I’m willing to give him a pass and see what will happen this year. But losing four games in the fourth quarter really sticks out to me.
4) Are Western fans excited about this UK-WKU game?
Yes and no. There are plenty of fans who are excited about it. It’s an in-state rivalry and there are plenty of UK fans at WKU, so the trash talk is in full force. Fans are also excited that the game is on ESPNU and that it’s at L.P. Field. However, there really should be more excitement. The idea of the game being in Nashville is really a turnoff to some people, especially since it’s on a Thursday night and some people have class. Others are simply still apathetic toward the football program, thinking it will never get any better.
5) Now into the process, does fan base think school made right decision moving up to FBS?
I think they did. The ceiling is only so high at Division I-AA. Sure, you can become a D-IAA (or now FCS) powerhouse, but then what? College athletics are about money, and that means going to the FBS.Unfortunately, most WKU fans seem to have short-term vision and are just focusing on whether or not the team is winning now. It will take a few years for WKU to catch up to most other FBS teams. But five years from now, I don’t even think this will be a discussion.
