Coming
off a scrimmage during Wednesday afternoon‘s practice, the Western Kentucky
University football team was right back to work Thursday morning, practicing in
shorts and shells at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. WKU has moved past
the midway point of the 2012 fall camp, as it takes the field for practices 13
and 14. The Hilltoppers are just 10 days away from breaking camp on Aug. 25.
Offense
Shines In Scrimmage — During Wednesday‘s practice, the Hilltoppers were able to
go through simulated game situations in a full scrimmage, and third-year head
coach Willie Taggart spent Thursday morning praising the play of his offense.
“I
thought our offense came out really focused, and it was mission accomplished
for those guys,” said Taggart.
“Our
passing game looked fantastic. All three of our quarterbacks did a great
throwing the ball down field and being efficient, and our receivers did a great
job catching the ball. Again, we had some guys making some big-time catches,
and that’s exciting to see.”
Still
Correcting Mistakes — With referees out officiating the scrimmage, it served as
a reminder for Hilltopper players that the season is right around the corner,
and that it is time to start tidying up their play.
Defending
The Skies Is What The Secondary Is LookingTo Do — Getting thrown into the fire
early in their career is proving to pay off for what are now veterans in the
Hilltopper defensive backfield. Between the seasoned returners, and a talented
crop of newcomers, that unit has set high expectations for itself in 2012.
Depth
on the Backfield — The one constant
question that continues to circle around Hilltopper camp is the running game.
With all-time leading rusher Bobby Rainey now spending his time in camp with
the Baltimore Ravens, many outside of camp are wondering how that will effect
the WKU offense. But those competing to get on the field at that position are
ready to prove that they can carry on the recent success.
We‘re
all coming out here every day trying to compete for a starting spot,” said
junior Antonio Andrews. “It‘s always fun coming out and going against those
guys because someone different steps up. I’m really proud of our young guys for
coming out and picking up the offense right away.”
Western
Kentucky Hilltoppers are looking to continue their wins this fall, last season
they finish with a 7-5 season the first since they have been in FBS and Sun
Belt Conference.
We
will be watching to see how this team fair this fall with some great starter’s
gone and new replacements takes the field.
