Hilltoppers aim to stay on top of C-USA
“I like the makeup of our quarterbacks competing for the job.” Western Kentucky coach Jeff Brohm
Orlando Sentinel college insider Matt Murschel ranked all 128 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in the country entering the 2015-16 season. The Sentinel staff takes a closer look at a new team daily, counting backward from No. 128 to our projected No. 1 team. Today at No. 31: Western Kentucky
Coach: Jeff Brohm (20-7, entering third season; 20-7 overall)
2015 record: 12-2 overall, 8-0 SEC; first in East Division
Look back: Star QB Brandon Doughty fought his way through injuries and earned a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA, putting him in position for an electrifying senior season and one of the most successful runs in school history.
The Hilltoppers’ potent offense overwhelmed the majority of their opponents, faltering only against Indiana and LSU. WKU’s balanced attack rolled through the Conference USA schedule, defeating the top league competition by at least 17 points apiece. The Hilltoppers closed out the year with a 45-35 win over USF in the Miami Beach Bowl.
Offensive starters returning: 7
Offensive starters lost: 4
Defensive starters returning: 4
Defensive starters lost: 7
Key losses: QB Brandon Doughty, WR Jared Dangerfield, WR Antwane Grant, TE Tyler Higbee, DE Gavin Rocker, DT Jontavius Morris, DT Bryan Shorter, LB Dejon Brown, LB Nick Holt, DB Prince Charles Iworah, DB Wonderful Terry, K Garrett Schwettman
Top returnees: RB Anthony Wales, WR Taywan Taylor, LT Forrest Lamp, LG Brandon Ray, C Max Halpin, RG Dennis Edwards, RT Darrell Williams, DE Derik Overstreet, LB T.J. McCollum, DB Branden Leston, S Marcus Ward
Strengths: The Hilltoppers return five starting offensive linemen, including All-Conference USA first team LT Forrest Lamp. The line boasts 129 combined starts, which should help the team’s new starting quarterback.
The new signalcaller also will get a boost from RB Anthony Wales and WR Taywan Taylor. Wales posted seven 100-yard games during 11 games he played in 2015.
He finished with 1,091 yards. Taylor set the WKU single-season record for receptions (86) and touchdown receptions (17).
The defense lost seven starters, but the reserves saw considerable playing
time last season. S Marcus Ward, DB Branden Leston, DE Derik Overstreet and LB T.J. McCollum all will serve as leaders for the group.
Weaknesses: Western Kentucky’s biggest challenge will be replacing Doughty, who was 27-11 as a starter and helped push the Hilltoppers to their greatest FBS success. He earned a pair of bowls plus a conference championship and set a slew of school passing records. He wrapped up his career passing for 12,855 yards on 1,491 attempts.
“We’re going to miss him, without question,” Brohm told the Louisville CourierJournal. “We’ve got to find a way to replace that. We understand that. We have since the day he’s left. We’ve worked hard at it. I think our guys are putting in the time. They understand the importance of that position, playing at a high level. … I like the makeup of our quarterbacks competing for the job.”
USF transfer Mike White, Louisville transfer Tyler Ferguson, Drew Eckels and true freshman Steven Duncan will battle for the starting job during preseason camp.
Outlook: The Hilltoppers have won back-to-back bowl games and return a talented lineup. If the starting quarterback can avoid major mistakes, Western Kentucky could contend for another C-USA championship.