2010 Western Kentucky Football Predictions
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers didn't exactly make the best impression in their
first season as a member of the football subdivision, but then again what could you really expect from a team making such a big transition. The Hilltoppers went winless at 0-12, but to their credit they really started playing better football towards the end of the season, with three losses by six points or less. This year the Hilltopers have a ton of experience back, as 18 starters return from the 2009 season. To get a better idea of what Western Kentucky will look like this season, here is quick breakdown of what they will send to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my prediction on where they will finish in the Sun Belt Conference.
Offense:
The Hilltoppers actually weren't all that bad on the offensive side of the ball, as they averaged just over 20 points a game last year, and with nine starters back they figure to only improve in that category this season. The key to the Hilltoppers getting off to a good start will be how much starting quarterback Kawaun Jakes improves in his second season. Jakes threw for 1,516 yards with nine touchdown passes in 2009.
Jakes is also a big threat in the running game, as he finished second on the team with 366 yards and five touchdowns last season. The Hilltoppers averaged 173 yards a game last season thanks to sophomore running back Bobby Rainey, who finished the season with 939 yards and three scores. Heading into his junior season, I look for Rainey to only get better this season, and he should have no problem topping the 1,000 yard mark this season.
The Hilltoppers will have to replace their top threat in the passing game, as 2009 top receiver Jake Gaebler is no longer with the team. However the Hilltoppers do return seniors Seth Tamme and Quinterrance Cooper from last season. Added to the mix will be sophomore Marcus Vasquez. This unit will improve as long as Jakes improves this season.
One reason that you have to like the chances of this offense really taking a step forward this season, is the fact that they get four starters back up front on the offensive line. The only change that the Hilltoppers will have to make is at center where sophomore Luke Stansfield is expected to start.
Defense:
The defense really struggled to stop anyone last season, as the Hilltoppers gave up just under 40 points a game last season, but with nine starters back on this side of the ball the Hilltoppers should make some solid progress this season.
Up front the Hilltoppers return both starting defensives ends in sophomore Rammell Lewis and junior Jared Clendenin. The duo will have to find a way to get more pressure on the quarterback this season, as they combined for just 1 sack last season. In the middle the Hilltoppers return sophomore Kenny Martin, and will more than likely team him up with fellow sophomore Jamarcus Allen.
The Hilltoppers will have a much more experienced bunch at linebacker this season, as all three starters are back in seniors Thomas Majors, Mike Gothard, and Chris Bullard. Majors led the Hilltoppers with 101 tackles last season, but this unit will need more out of Gothard and Bullard to make significant improvements this season.
Three more starters return in the defensive backfield, including the starting safety duo of junior free safety Mark Santoro and senior strong safety Orlando Misaalefua. Sophomore Jamal Forrest is the lone returning starter at the corner position, and heading into the fall it looks like another sophomore in Kareem Peterson will take over the other starting spot.
Sun Belt Prediction: 8th:I have the Hilltoppers improving this season, but only by a win or two, as they just don't have the talent to really compete at this level. The only team I think the Hilltoppers have a legit shot at going into the game and winning is against ULM, but they could surprise a couple teams if they don't take them seriously.
For a complete look at how the conference will finish up this season, check out our
2010 Sun Belt Predictions.
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2010 Western Kentucky Football Predictions
By: Jimmy Boyd
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