September 2, 2012
Saturday, the Hilltoppers won their first season opener since 2005, beating Austin Peay 49-10. So what conclusions can we make the following day? Well, not that many.
I give the Toppers credit. They did what they were supposed to do and beat a below average FCS program by a wide margin. And they looked impressive doing so. But the Governors are the worst team WKU will face all season. Kawaun Jakes will no longer have all day to throw the football. And the Tops will not face another running back shorter than me.
Life gets much more difficult for the Hilltoppers next Saturday at Alabama. In case you missed the Tide’s game against Michigan, they’re really good. And they’re already nearly a 40-point favorite on Saturday. But let’s honest, we’re not going to know anymore about the Hilltoppers next Sunday than we do today. Neither Austin Peay nor Alabama are good measuring sticks for WKU. We really won’t get a good idea of who the Hilltoppers REALLY are until they play Kentucky on September 15. Until then, enjoy the blowout win over the Governors and don’t get your hopes too high for Alabama.
That said, some observations from Saturday night:
-Antonio Andrews looked like the Toppers’ No. 1 running back.
-While Kawaun Jakes had all time in the world, he made some very sweet throws. His pass to Austin Aikens was one of the best I’ve seen him make. Pretty good catch too.
-WKU must find a reliable kicker. The kicking woes will eventually cost the Tops a game, at least.
-Keep an eye out for Gavin Rocker. He played well in the spring game and started the season with a fumble recovery and a sack on 4th down. I have a feeling he is going to be a good one.
-Jonathan Dowling is going to have a phenomenal season.
-Folks, 16,000 fans will not cut it. Yeah, the forecast called for rain. But guess what? It didn’t rain. No excuse not to go in three weeks.
