TROY FOOTBALL: Trojans head to struggling Western Kentucky

TROY — Two teams heading in different directions will square off today at Houchens-Smith Field in Bowling Green, Ky.

Troy has won six straight since starting the season 0-2, and with a 5-0 conference record, looks to be well on its way to a fourth straight Sun Belt championship. Western Kentucky is 0-8 this year, 0-4 in league play, and has lost 16 straight since last year.

The Hilltoppers, who host Troy at 4 p.m. today for their homecoming, have struggled mightily since moving up to the FBS level in 2007. This is the first year that WKU is eligible for a conference title and bowl game, but that, obviously, won’t happen.

But after hearing about the Hilltoppers putting up 49 last week against North Texas (while giving up 68), Troy players aren’t overlooking what could be the worst team in the FBS.

“They’ll put up points (at home),” Troy linebacker Bear Woods said. “I think they’re a lot like FIU. They’ll continue to hang around. We’ve just got to play four quarters. It’ll be a different environment and I know they’ll be ready to play us.”

WKU’s defense has struggled, but the offense has gotten some life with the insertion of redshirt freshman Kawaun Jakes as the starting quarterback over fifth-year senior Brandon Smith.

Jakes has hit 63 percent of his passes for 876 yards with seven touchdowns, but has also thrown seven interceptions. Jakes also has four rushing touchdowns.

Bobby Rainey has run for 533 yards, more than any Troy player. Leading receiver Jake Gaebler is back from injury and has 23 catches for 222 yards and three touchdowns.

“Their skill kids look good,” Troy defensive coordinator Jeremy Rowell said. “They’ve got some long bodies that look athletic up front. It’s a see what shows up type of deal. If they show up ready to play, they’ve got a chance to beat anybody.”

WKU’s defense could cause problems for Troy if the Trojans can’t adjust to the “odd front” defense (an odd number of defensive lineman) that the Hilltoppers have been running. WKU has held Troy to just two offensive touchdowns in each game during the past two seasons.

“They play hard, they really do,” Troy head coach Larry Blakeney said. “(They’ve got) a very competitive spirit. They used to be the only odd front team we see. Now everybody’s in it. Bowling Green kicked our butt with an odd front.

“They’re trying to get pressure on our quarterback, but they do foul our running game with those cross charges.”

Troy is the only unbeaten team in the Sun Belt. Middle Tennessee and UL-Monroe each have a loss, but Troy owns the tiebreaker over those teams. If the Trojans keep rolling, they could clinch the title before the season ends.

First things first, though.

“We basically underestimated them (in 2007, a 21-17 Troy win at WKU),” running back DuJuan Harris said. “We’re not taking that chance this year. We’re going to have good preparation this week and go in with a good head.”