WKU Bloggers Speak

Each week we will be doing a Q&A with a blogger from the rival team to give us an idea of what to expect from their team.  This week we have Chad Bishop from Toppatime and the Bowling Green Daily News.

Created in August, 2011, Toppatime is Chad Bishop's personal blog relaying all the pertinent information as it relates to Western Kentucky University athletics. Chad is the Bowling Green Daily News beat writer and strives to put forth an unbiased, yet opinionated blog site to make WKU fans think realistically about the future of their sports programs.

Last season saw the WKU program win their first NCAA I-A games.  What are the expectations for this season and do you have a chance to compete for and win the Sun Belt yet?

Realistic expectations for the Hilltoppers this season are set at around four wins – which is double the total from 2010. There's still an excitement around the program, and despite the youth on the roster, the overall size and athleticism has improved. Winning, however, is earned and not given, and this program is still learning how to win. Competing for a Sun Belt title? Probably not yet. While the league is usually up for grabs, WKU still isn't on the same level as, say, Troy or FIU.

Who are the key players Kentucky should watch out for?

Bobby Rainey, Bobby Rainey and Bobby Rainey. It's no secret WKU will give him the ball and UK wants to stop him. The running back is primed to become the Hilltoppers all-time leading rusher and WKU's offensive success is predicated on his ability to gain positive yardage. On defense, sophomore middle linebacker Andrew Jackson has become a favorite of coaches in fall camp. Coach Willie Taggart said fans will soon know his name by heart, but we'll see how he performs on the big stage.

What are your thoughts on coach Willie Taggart and the West Coast system he has put in place?

I'm always a fan of any team that runs the football and runs it with consistency. I think Taggart has done a stellar job in instituting an offense that relies on strength and getting the job done in the trenches. What would complete the system is a quarterback that can use play-action to throw for some big-time yardage. Kawaun Jakes hasn't proven he can be that guy yet, but the QB is just a junior and still a work in progress.

Does WKU have the ability to upset UK or Navy?

I think the answer to both is yes. But do I think it will happen? No. In the end, WKU doesn't have enough depth to hang around with a Kentucky team that plays well. They'd need quite a few breaks to go their way. I'd be more wary of Navy and it's option offense against a young corps of linebackers and secondary.

Being on top of I-AA or starting over in D-1...what was the right decision and where does the future lie?

I get asked that a lot. To me, it doesn't matter if it were right or wrong at this point – there's no turning back. WKU will never admit whether it was right or wrong, and for now, the future remains in the Sun Belt for quite some time. With teams like Troy or even Middle Tennessee State in position to dart for Conference USA during the pending conference realignment, WKU still will likely need another 5-10 year period to build, win and create a fanbase that is really nonexistent right now.

How do you see the recruiting at Western Kentucky and if not this year when do you think WKU makes a bowl game?

Recruiting is actually a major plus for the Hilltoppers. If Taggart has done one thing, he's gone deep into the heart of the south and picked the fruits of Florida and Georgia to help create a dangerous team. His class was ranked No. 1 in the Sun Belt last recruiting period (take that for what it's worth) and he continues to go for kids who have major FBS programs on their short list. If those kids are already choosing to come to Bowling Green, imagine what type of youngster will wear red and white should he see them on a December night in a bowl game.