Making a Name: The Hilltoppers Story (NCAA 09)

[Marino]

Western Kentucky University

Location: Bowling Green. Kentucky

Nickname: Hilltoppers

Conference: MAC

[Marino]

Re: Making a Name: The Hilltoppers Story (NCAA 09)

Notable Players

HB #1 Tyrell Hayden

LOLB #6 Blake Boyd

WR #11 Jake Gaebler

QB #3 David Wolke

[Marino]

Re: Making a Name: The Hilltoppers Story (NCAA 09)

2008 Schedule

8/30 @Indiana L 28-41
9/6 Eastern Kentucky W 50-0
9/13 @ Alabama L 17-31
9/20 Murray State W 72-7
9/27 @ Kentucky L 23-40
10/4 @ Virginia Tech L 14-41
10/11 Ball State W 23-20
10/18 Florida Atlantic @ W 38-20
11/1 North Texas W 28-24
11/8 @ Troy W 17-7
11/15 Middle Tennessee State L 7-21
12/6 @ Florida International W 34-7
12/30 Bowl Game: Oklahoma State L 16-34
Final Record: 7-6



2009 Schedule
8/29 @Iowa State W 17-10
9/5 @Arizona W 35-25
9/19 @Ohio W 35-34
9/26 @Toledo L 26-38
10/3 @Central Michigan
10/10@Illinois
10/17 Ball State
10/24 Miami Ohio
10/31 Bowling Green
11/7 Buffalo
11/14 @Navy
11/21 @Akron

[Marino]

Re: Making a Name: The Hilltoppers Story (NCAA 09)

Yearly Recap

2008:
Record: 7-6
Bowl Game:Independence PetroSun

2009:

[Marino]

Re: Making a Name: The Hilltoppers Story (NCAA 09)

Recruiting History

2008-2009:
*** WR Antonio Frazier
*** WR Patrick Gould
** DE John Wright
** T Art Toth
** ATH Will Bailey
** CB Greg Swoopes
**ATH Matt Abdullah
**ATH Ty Turner
** CB Mike Hemphill
** CB Gary Mayes
** ATH Eric Crowder
** G David Butler
** FS Nick Ray
** WR Eric Shelton
** ATH Justin Mays
** CB Anthony Russell
** G Jermaine Ford
** MLB David Minor
* TE Jimmy Martin
* MLB Courtney Williams
* SS Aaron Bailey
* MLB Brandon Nunez

#69 Recruiting Class in the Nation

2009-2010:
** HB Shaun Brown

[Marino]

WKU(0-0) vs. IU(0-0)

Hilltoppers fall in 1st D-1A Game.



vs.





Location:

Memorial Stadium

Box Score:
WKU 0 7 7 14 28
IU 3 14 7 17 41

Player Stats
Western Kentucky
D. Wolke 20-26 295yards 1TD
T. Hayden 21att 58yards 1TD
J. Gaebler 4rec 91yards 1TD
A. Higgins 6tackles 1TFL 1INT


Indiana
K. Lewis 16-25 300yards 4TD 1INT
M. Thigpen 15att 71yards
T. Turner 6rec 123yards 1TD
J. Kirlew 6tackles 3sacks

Game Recap

Bloomington, Ind- Western Kentucky has never played a game before in FBS. After a promotion from FCS this past year, a new adventure began for the Hilltoppers. Under a new coach, the Hilltoppers came out with a fire not many thought they would.

"I want to see my players go out and play hard. Defense and strong running, thats how I want to win." said coach Kevin Rogers. He knows it will be a challenge early, but he has the whole city behind him and knows he can turn WKU into a winner.

WKU held their first lead of their FBS career in this game. 3 rushing touchdowns from 3 different backs, had the Hilltoppers thinking upset in Bloomington. The score was 24-21 Indiana with 6:24 left after Austin-Bruce scored a 1 yard TD.

But then Indiana just pulled away. "The boys played hard out there. Although it doesn't show it in the scoreboard, this team played hard and to win. We will surprise some people this year." said coach Rogers.

Game Ball: Quarterback David Wolke earns game ball honors after breaking a school record with 295 yards passing. The best part about Wolke's game was that he made no mistakes and did not turn the ball over.

Stat of the Game: 184.9. That was the passer rating David Wolke had after today's game.

Photo Gallery:

KJ Austin Bruce makes a big catch to put the Hilltoppers in the red zone in the 2nd quarter.


Stephen Willis runs it into the endzone in the 3rd quarter.


Jake Gaebler scores a big 61 yard TD to try and bring WKU back.


Clint Mitchell shows frustration after a 4th quarter first down by Indiana.


Up Next: Western Kentucky holds their home opener against FCS East. Game time is at 3:30pm, come out and support your Hilltoppers.

[doncoryell]

Re: WKU(0-0) vs. IU(0-0)

The Sun Belt doesn't get many looks come bowl season so you will have to be near perfect to get into a bowl game, unless the "big boys" don't have enough eligible teams.

Plus WKU is pretty new to the D-1 scene.

The Hilltoppers did show that they could compete some against the lower tier power conference teams.


I haven't had the $$$ to pick up the game yet. How do you like it?

[Marino]

Re: WKU(0-0) vs. IU(0-0)

The Sun Belt doesn't get many looks come bowl season so you will have to be near perfect to get into a bowl game, unless the "big boys" don't have enough eligible teams.

Plus WKU is pretty new to the D-1 scene.

The Hilltoppers did show that they could compete some against the lower tier power conference teams.


I haven't had the $$$ to pick up the game yet. How do you like it?

I think the game is quite enjoyable. It does play a solid game of football and is quite fun.

I know it will be hard with WKU but I want to establish my offense this year and get some decent recruits in for me.

[Marino]

EKU vs. WKU(0-1)

Hilltoppers roll in home opener.


vs.


Location

HOUCHENS INDUSTRIES-L.T. SMITH STADIUM

Box Score
EKU 0 0 0 0 0
WKU 14 17 7 12 50

Notables
Western Kentucky
David Wolke 12-17 184yards 3TD
Tyrell Hayden 158yards 1TD
Jesse Quinn 5rec 82yards
Terald Clark 8tackles 4TFL 1Sack

Game Recap

Bowling Green, Ky- After such a tough loss, the Hilltoppers returned home to take on rival Eastern Knetucky.

This game was not pretty from the start for EKU. Big plays by David Wolke and Tyrell Hayden led WKU to a 31-0 halftime lead. Gaebler showed off his play ability again with another nice touchdown in the first half.

Terald Clark, the captain of the defense, had a monster game against EKU. He tallied 8 tackles, 4 of which for loss, and had 1 sack.

The defense also forced a safety. Final score was 50-0 Hilltoppers.

Game Ball:Terald Clark. He played a big part as mentioned earlier and gave WKU the push to shut out the opposing team.

Stat of the Game: 229...The number of combined rushing yards by Hilltoppers players.

Photo Gallery:

Letcher makes a TD grab in the first.


Hayden punching it into the endzone.


Gaebler dives into the endzone.


Etheridge makes the big interception and returns it for a TD.

Next Game:
Western Kentucky travels to take on the Crimson Tide. Alabama is ranked #24 and this will be the biggest challenge for the Hilltoppers.

Prediction:
WKU 21
Alabama 41

[Marino]

Re: Making a Name: The Hilltoppers Story (NCAA 09)

Upset bid falls short in Alabama.


Western Kentucky(1-1)
@

#24 Alabama(2-0)

Location

Bryant-Denny Stadium

Box Score:
WKU 7 3 7 0 17
Bama 7 14 0 10 31

Notables:
Western Kentucky
D. Wolke 20-36 161 yards 2TD 2INT
S. Willis 16att 42yards
J. Gaebler 7rec 79yards 1TD
A. Higgins 9tackles 3TFL
O. Misaalefua 4tackles 2INT

Alabama
J. Parker-Wilson 10-18 134yards 2TD 1INT
M. Ingram 17att 69yards 1TD, 4rec 57yards 1TD
B. Greenwood 6tackles 3TFL 1sack

Game Recap

Tuscaloosa, AL-The Hilltoppers entered today's game with a chip on their shoulder. And after holding a brief lead in the 2nd quarter, who could blame them.

The game was very close and WKU had their chances throughout the whole game. But interceptions and a costly fumble turned the game in the Tide's favor.

In the 4th quarter, after a Misaalefua interception in the red zone, the Hilltoppers looked to try and take advantage of their chance, and only down by 4 they began to drive. But a costly fumble in Alabama terroritory ended that hope.

After holding the Tide to a FG, the Hilltoppers were down only 7 with 4 minutes to go. But a big drop on 4th down was all she wrote for Western Kentucky as Alabama punched it in one more time to finish the game.

The national media was there and could not believe the job coach Rogers is already doing with this team. "They will be scary down the road. This is a very well coached team." said Alabama coach Nick Saban after the game.

Game Ball: M. Ingram. After Alabama's starting halfback was injured, Ingram stepped up and played a great game. He had both a rushing and a recieving touchdown.

When it was over: When Gaebler dropped the pass on 4th and 11.

Stat of the Game: 3. The number of turnovers by the Hilltoppers that led them to fall to Alabama.

Photo Gallery:

Gaebler taking a big hit down field.


Wolke trying to make something happen with his feet.


Gaebler dropping the pass on 4th down in the 4th quarter.

Up Next: Western Kentucky gets to play another FCS team.

Prediction:
WKU 50
FCS 0

[Marino]

MSU vs. WKU(1-2)

Hilltoppers roll at home over Racers.


Murray State

vs.


Western Kentucky

Location:

HOUCHENS INDUSTRIES-L.T. SMITH STADIUM

Game Recap

Bowling Green, Ky- Bowling Green rolled against another FCS team this afternoon. This week's victim was Murray State.

Murray State threw 3 interceptions in the 1st half. The offense had a field day as they scored 72 points.

Orlando Misaalefua earned NCAA Defensive player of the week honors with his performance against Murray State. Misaalefua had 3 tackles, 2 interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery on the day.

Stat of the Game: 72. The number of points scored by Western Kentucky.

Game Ball: Orlando Misaalefua for his performance on defense.

When it was over: Western Kentucky coach held a news conference to tell Orlando of his winning of NCAA Defensive Player of the Week. He also discussed how WKU was feeling heading into their matchup with state rival Kentucky.

Next Week: WKU heads to Lexington to take on the Kentucky Wildcats. Coach Rogers feels like their is some unfinished business to take care of this week. He hopes for the win.

Prediction:
Kentucky 24
Western Kentucky 14

Photo Gallery:

David Miller leaps over a defender to get into the endzone.


Tyrell Hayden takes it 24 yards to the house.


Rashad Etheridge takes it to the house after a 1st quarter interception.


David Wolke runs it into the endzone.

Murray State vs. Western Kentucky

     1   2   3   4   F
MSU  0   0   0   7   7
WKU  21  24  7  20  72


Game Stats
First Downs: WKU: 25 MSU: 6
Total Offense: WKU: 459 MSU: 459
Passing Yards: WKU: 227 MSU: 204
Rushing Yards: WKU: 232 MSU: 29
Turnovers: WKU: 1 MSU: 9
T.O.P.: WKU: 16:01 MSU: 10:40
{/code}


Player Stats
D. Wolfe 10-17 116yards 3TD
T. Hayden 18att 101yards 1TD
Q. Cooper 3rec 24yards 1TD
O. Misaalefua 3 tackles 2INT FF FR
R. Dark 3 tackles 1TFL 1SACK

[Marino]

Re: Making a Name: The Hilltoppers Story (NCAA 09)

Week 4 Update:

Top 25

1. Oklahoma(38) 3-0
2. Florida(21) 3-0
3. USC(1) 2-0
4. Missouri(1) 4-0
5. West Virginia 3-0
6. Wisconsin 3-0
7. Texas 4-0
8. Georgia 3-1
9. Ohio State 3-1
10. Clemson 4-0
11. Arizona State 4-0
12. Texas Tech 4-0
13. Penn State 4-0
14. LSU 3-1
15. Kansas 4-0
16. Virginia Tech 4-0
17. BYU 4-0
18. Illinois 2-1
19. Texas A&M 3-0
20. Auburn 3-1
21. Tennessee 2-1
22. South Carolina 3-1
23. Florida State 3-0
24. Alabama 3-1
25. Fresno State 2-1

Dropped Out: Wake Forest(#20)


Heisman Watch

Tim Tebow(Fla)  64-92 734yards 10TD, 3INT; 42att 236yards 1TD
Chase Daniel(Mizzou) 86-112 1059yards 16TD 2INT; 31att 160yards 3TD
Graham Harrell(TT) 109-158 1489yards 17TD 1INT
Bennie Wells(OSU) 73att 533yards 7TD; 4rec 113yards 
Todd Reesing(KU) 83-124 1085yards 15TD 2INT; 43att 185yards 2TD

Players Of the Week

Offense: James Davis(Clemson) 25car 258yards 4TD; 3rec 60yards
Defense: Orlando Misaalefua(WKU) 3tackles 2INT FF FR

Conference Standings

1. Western Kentucky 2-2
2. Army 1-2
3. Norte Dame 1-2
4. Navy 1-3

[Marino]

WKU(2-2) @ UK(2-1)

Hilltoppers can not recover after shaky 1st.


Western Kentucky

@


Kentucky

Location:

Commonwealth Stadium

Game Recap:

Lexington, KY- The Hilltoppers rolled into Lexington, Kentucky with the hopes of upsetting an instate rival. Within 20 seconds, all hope was lost. Derrick Locke took the opening kickoff 103 yards to put the Wildcats up 7-0 early.

The Hilltoppers managed to put up 3 on the board, but then Locke struck again. He then had a 96 yards kickoff return to push the score to 14-3. "I still am not happy about that. The special teams better be ready for an intense practice because I will not be having this again." said coach Rogers.

Kentucky added another touchdown late in the 1st quarter to open up a 21-3 lead. Then WKU had a safety and the score was 21-5 going into the second.

Western Kentucky tried to rally back in the 2nd behind a 10 point run, but after allowing a field goal late, the haltime score was 24-15.

Kentucky managed to pull away in the second half behind 2 field goals and an interception return for a touchdown. Backup quarterback KJ Black came into the game late to drive Western Kentucky into the endzone but it was to late for the Hilltoppers.

Coach Rogers said later that he took out Wolke because he just did not look comfortable out there. Wolke threw 3 interceptions in the game but is expected to be the starter against Virginia Tech.

Game Ball: Derrick Locke earns game ball honors for his 2 kickoff returns for touchdown.

Stat of the Game: 295. That is how many kick return yards the Wildcats had.

When it was over: Western Kentucky returned back to Bowling Green and coach Rogers held his weekly press conference. He said that the Hilltoppers are making just to many mistakes at the moment and need to turn it around if they want a chance against the Hokies.

Photo Gallery:

EJ Adams take the pass into the endzone.


Demoreo Ford is hit hard when trying to return a kickoff.


Jake Gaebler scores a touchdown in the 4th quarter.


Jesse Quinn makes a nice catch in traffic.

Next Game: The Hilltoppers travel to Blacksburg, Virginia to take on the Hokies. Hopefully it will stay close.

Virginia Tech 41
Western Kentucky 24

Western Kentucky @ Kentucky

     1  2   3  4   F
 
WKU  5  10  0  8  23
UK   21  3  9  7  40

First Quarter

6:47 TD UK; D. Locke, returned kickoff 103 yards (L. Seiber kick)
4:46 FG WKU; Z. Minturn, 40 yard FG
4:33 TD UK: D. Locke, returned kickoff 96 yards (L. Seiber kick)
3:01 TD UK: E. Adams, 12 yard TD pass from M. Hartline (L. Seiber Kick)
0:06 Safety UK; Team Safety

Second Quarter

5:29 FG WKU; Z. Minturn, 37 yard FG
1:00 TD WKU; D. Miller, 31 yard TD pass from D. Wolke (Z. Minturn kick)
0:00 FG UK; L Seiber, 45 yard FG

Third Quarter

4:49 TD UK; T. Dixon, 3 yard TD run (2-pt failed)
0:22 FG UK; L. Seiber, 23 yard FG

Fourth Quarter

6:16 TD UK; D. Jones, returned interception 39 yards (L. Seiber kick)
4:12 TD WKU; J. Gaebler, 4 yard TD pass from K. Black (2-Pt)




Game Stats

First Downs: WKU-20 UK-13
Total Offense: WKU-337 UK-229
Rushing Yards: WKU-84 UK-56
Passing Yards: WKU-253 UK-173
Turnovers: WKU-4 UK-0
T.O.P.: WKU- 16:48 UK- 11:16


Player Stats

Kentucky

M. Hartline 15-20 174 yards 1TD
T. Dixon 14att 59yards 1TD
E. Adams 5rec 48yards 1TD
D. Ford 4rec 55yards 
J. Williams 15tackles 1TFL 1sack
D. Jones 6tackles 1INT 1TD

Western Kentucky

K. Black 12-17 91yards 1TD 1INT
D. Wolke 17-28 162yards 1TD 3INT
T. Hayden 22att 73yards, 9rec 53 yards
J. Gaebler 7rec 47yards 1TD
T. Clark 4 tackles 2TFL 1 sack

[Marino]

Week 5 News

Top 25

1.Oklahoma(40) 4-0
2.Florida(21) 4-0
3.USC 3-0
4.Missouri 4-0
5.West Virginia 4-0
6.Wisconsin 4-0
7.Texas 4-0
8.Georgia 4-1
9.Ohio State 4-1
10.Clemson 5-0
11.Arizona State 4-0
12.Texas Tech 4-0
13.Penn State 5-0
14.LSU 4-1
15.Kansas 4-0
16.Virginia Tech 5-0
17.BYU 4-0
18.Texas A&M 4-0
19.Auburn 4-1
20.South Carolina 4-1
21.Florida State 4-0
22.Fresno State 3-1
23.Illinois 2-2
24.Wake Forest 3-1
25.Boise State 3-0


Heisman Watch

Donald Brown(UCONN) 86att 505yards 7TD, 17rec 363yards 7TD
Tim Tebow(Fla) 90-124 937yards 11TD, 54att 302yards TD
Chase Daniels(Mizzou) 86-112 1059yards 16TDs
Jaison Williams(Oregon) 36rec 686yards 9TD
Cullen Harper(Clemson) 97-130 1089yards 12TD


Conference Standings

Independents
1.Norte Dame 2-2
2.Western Kentucky 2-3
3.Army 1-3
4.Navy 1-4

[Heisman316]

Re: Making a Name: The Hilltoppers Story (NCAA 09)

Hey Marino, I hope you don't mind that I used your layout for my Dynasty. I couldn't help myself it's great.