Don McPeak-US PRESSWIRE
COACH: Willie Taggart — At Western Kentucky and overall: 9-15, 2 years
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Willie Taggart
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Lance Guidry
LAST LEAGUE TITLE: 2002, Gateway Football Conference co-champs
LAST BOWL: None
RETURNING STARTERS: 16; 8 offense, 7 defense, punter
PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Kawaun Jakes, RB Keshawn Simpson, TE Jack Doyle, LB Andrew Jackson, DB Jamal Forrest, DB Jonathan Dowling, DL Jamarcus Allen
PRIMARY STRENGTHS: The team’s defense has plenty of potential with both a deep and talented linebacking corps and secondary. Not too many teams can also say they have a group of four tight ends that contributes regularly to the team’s aerial assault.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: The Hilltoppers have three potential playmakers to replace record-setting RB Bobby Rainey. But if those three — Simpson, Antonio Andrews or John Evans — can’t perform, WKU will be in trouble. Western Kentucky is a run-oriented offense that relies on play-action and time of possession. Forcing QB Jakes — who doesn’t have a strong statistical history — to carry the offense is a risky proposition.
