Know Your Enemy: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
By Zach Ragan
Aug 31, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers running back Keshawn Simpson (34) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats with teammates Western Kentucky offensive linesman Ed Hazelett (60) and offensive linesman Cameron Clemmons (52) during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Who: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers — Bowling Green, Kentucky
Distance From Knoxville: 213 Miles
Head coach: Bobby Petrino (First season at Western Kentucky)
Conference: Sun Belt
2013 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
All time series: Tennessee leads 1-0
Last meeting: Tennessee – 63 WKU – 7 (September 5, 2009)
Western Kentucky is coming off a 35-26 win over the Kentucky Wildcats. The Hilltoppers are led by former Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino, who was hired this off-season.
The Hilltoppers used a balanced offensive attack to knock off Kentucky last Saturday. Of Western Kentucky’s 487 total yards, 216 were gained on the ground, while 271 came through the air.
Antonio Andrews paces the rushing attack for Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers also rely on running backs Keyshawn Simpson and Leon Allen.
WKU also features a reliable passing game. Junior Brandon Doughty completed 27 of his 31 passing attempts for 271 yards and one touchdown, in the win against Kentucky.
Western Kentucky returns seven defensive starters from their 2012 squad that went 7-6.
There’s no doubt that Bobby Petrino will have his team ready to play in Knoxville.
After all, Petrino is no stranger to competing in the SEC. Petrino’s 2011 Arkansas team blew out Tennessee 49-7.
Petrino was quick to complement Tennessee earlier in the week, saying the Vols are “well-coached” and “they know what they’re doing running the ball”.
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