8 Reasons Why You Should Attend WKU's Red-White Game

With WKU Football’s Red-White Game just 3 days away, I’M BACKKKKKK. Here are 8 reasons why you should attend: 

1. It is FREE

Free Parking, Free Tailgating, Free Admissions. Need I say more?

**btw - do not be a monster and take a free tank top without going to the game. Not cool.**

2. It is not at 11am

HA HA! You cannot use the 11am excuse! The game starts at 1pm. 

3. Your team cannot lose

Unless you are totally committed to the colors red or white, at the end of the day, WKU wins. 

4. You will not be sitting in someone's seat

Where I choose to sit will be my spot and you cannot make me get up! 

5. The weather will be perfect

However, I would not be too shocked if someone blamed the UV index or pollen count for not attending.

6. The QB Battle
With 4 quarterbacks vying for the starting position, this is going to be one heck of a show.

#gunshow

7. Watch star-studded returners 

First, I would like to thank the seniors from the 2015 season. You made WKU Football a force to be reckoned with. 

Second, with kids like Taywan Taylor, Forrest Lamp, Ace Wales, D'Andre Ferby, Branden Leston, T.J. McCollum, Marcus Ward, and Nacarius Fant (just to name a few), WKU Football will be alive and well. You will be able to watch WRs make spectacular catches, Thunder and Lightning aka Ferby and Ace, and a much improved defense from two years ago that continues to improve. 

Don't forget to get the team's autograph after the game!

8. Spring Sale










Per wkusports.com:  "the football team, along with other WKU programs, will host a 2016 Spring Sale where fans can get their hands on game jerseys, helmets, cleats and more straight from the WKU Football equipment room." Ok, that is pretty awesome.

#Swag.

_________________________

We have the team. We have the best coaching staff around. Now we just need YOU to come support the #24 football team in the nation!

Red-White Game

1:00pm, April 23

In Response to a WKU Herald Opinion Piece

Here it goes.

I promised myself that I would not write about the WKU Basketball situation. I thought that plenty of people had the subject covered. I thought whatever I wrote would be repetitive of what has already been said.

Then, I read a piece published by the Herald Staff:  Suspense permeates campus after player suspensions, Ray Harper’s resignation. I read the piece and my blood boiled. What I am about to say is not about WKU Basketball, but about this particular Herald writer's child-like reaction to administration not giving them “the scoop.”

“If you’re wondering “was it FERPA?” - congratulations! You’re correct.”

I worked in athletics for 3 years as a tutor for the WKU athletes. I am trained in FERPA. As a tutor, I had knowledge of athlete grades, class schedules, personal information, and some athletes would just want to spend 5 minutes talking about their day. I NEVER disclosed this information to anyone (and never will).

My question to the Herald is, do you understand the significance of FERPA? Do you understand the consequences of a FERPA violation? I am guessing you do not understand as indicated by your sarcastic statement.

WKU cannot disclose information to hungry writers because it would become a FERPA violation. A university that violates FERPA can lose their funding and likely have grounds to terminate employees. There are a variety of other state, local, and federal laws – in addition to common law and tort laws that could be carried out. In addition, people involved in the hypothetical violation (violator and victim) could sue for a whole slew of reasons.

Do you want that for WKU just so you can have your story?

"The law Stewart is claiming protects the players -- Fredrick Edmond, Marlon Hunter and Chris McNeal -- from the results of their University Disciplinary Committee hearing being publicized is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The act protects students’ “educational records,” which includes disciplinary information."

There is no “claiming.” You make it sound like he is using FERPA as an excuse to not give you the story. FERPA is EXACTLY why the players are protected. Many people assume FERPA only protects student grades; however, it protects EVERYTHING. It even protects the student who wrote this piece. It protects every single student.

“The fact that the administration is refusing to reveal any useful information is shady and makes it seem like they have something to hide.”

Aside from being a very juvenile statement, you have it wrong. Again.

You admitted you think administration should cater to your need for a story (“refusing to reveal any useful information”). What you forgot is administration knows the legal process way better than your 18-21-year-old self. If they cannot disclose information, they simply cannot disclose information. Simple as that. You can pout and write a whiny piece all you want, but administration will not read it and think “Oh, ok. Let’s violate FERPA. Let’s put this university in jeopardy because this Herald Staff member needs a story.”

They do not have something to hide. Jobs, funding, the university, athletics - they are all at stake if administration or the disciplinary committee reveal information in which they are legally not allowed to disclose. Not shady. They are handling the situation in a manner to prevent further issues.

"Social media is running wild with rumors and the university is keeping mum. Do they not recognize the dark cloud currently being cast over the men’s basketball program and the university as a whole - or do they just not care?"

They do care. That is why they are handling the situation the right way:  not the way a spectator and writer wants the situation handled. It may be hard to believe, but just because social media is running rampant with rumors does not mean administration has to open up to you about the situation.

____________________

I apologize if any Herald writers feel attacked by my statements, but the piece was published as "Herald Staff." This article, although in the Opinion section, represents your staff in some form or fashion.

I have said it once, and I will say it again. A university disciplinary committee (UDC) does not disclose reports and information due to FERPA. Revealing such information would be a FERPA violation and would be EXTREMELY consequential to the university and athletics. Rumors and speculation will not get you any closer to an answer. Let's spend less time on rumors and more time on supporting the basketball team and being excited for the future head coach.

The truth will come out in due time.

Go Tops!

Thank You, WKU Basketball

Dear WKU Basketball,

I will not sugarcoat it, the 2015-2016 season was rough (at least per WKU standards). It seemed like every time there was a glimmer of hope, misfortune would strike. From injury to the departure of a teammate, WKU could not catch a break. To make matters worse, too many fans were quick to criticize:  desperate for a swift turnaround and a dazzling record.

You could have called it quits. You could have played indifferently. But you never wavered in your dedication and commitment. Thank you.

You could have taken to social media to express frustration. You could have called out fair weather fans. But you remained mature adults. Your actions were so loud, it drowned out the criticism. Thank you.

You could have turned on each other. You could have blamed your teammates for mistakes. But you stuck together as a team should. Thank you.

Even when fans did not believe in the team, you were never fazed. Even when you were to play the #1 seed in the conference tournament, you never doubted. You DID NOT have a terrible season. The most remarkable part about the whole situation…the whole season…you pulled together during the conference tournament and looked SOLID. You ended on a high note.

To the 12 (give or take) returning players for the 2016-2017 season:  you have an edge against the competition. You have been down and made your way back. You know what it feels like to struggle. You know how to unite and defeat a favored team.

To Aaron, Nigel, and Aleksej:  thank you. You represented WKU with class – on and off of the court. We are all very proud of how you finished your playing careers at WKU. Thank you for sticking with the team through thick and thin.

My hope is that you are proud of yourselves. Do not be thankful that the season is over; instead, stay hungry. Remember all of your accomplishments. Remember your perseverance.

Thank you,

Hannah

WKU Athletes & Coaches as Superheroes - Part I

Because I have nothing better to do, here are WKU athletes and coaches as Marvel & DC characters. Enjoy.

1. Thoughty 

Obvious choice here, guys. Like Thor, Doughty redeemed himself in the eyes of WKU fans during the 2014 and 2015 season. While Thor’s weapon of choice is the MjoLnir (hammer), Doughty’s weapon of choice is the ole’ pigskin. Doughty’s arm and talent are out of this world.

Or maybe Doughty should be Hawkeye because of his crazy accuracy?

Moving on…

2. WKU Baseball Pitchers as Gambit

Gambit is knowledgeable and skilled in card-throwing. WKU’s pitchers are knowledgeable and skilled in pitching. Both will switch up their moves on you.

3. Rachel Engle and Kaelin Grimes as She-Hulk

She-Hulk possesses intelligence and emotional control; however, like the Hulk, she still becomes stronger if enraged. Off of the court, Rachel Engle and Kaelin Grimes recently earned WKU Volleyball’s Academic Award. On the court, both young women turn into [MARVEL]ous athletes.

3. Coach BatBrohm

Batman (Brohm) is a respected figure in the community, he protects Gotham (Houchens Smith Stadium) from bad guys, and he was trained by Ra's Al Ghul's League of Shadows (NFL). 

5. Forrest Lamp aka the Thing

He is a smart kid that morphed into super strength. He - part of the Fantastic Four aka the Offensive Line - protects the others with a combination of his brain and brawn. Very durable too.  

Bonus

Forrest Lamp before becoming the Thing.

WKU Football without Doughty

by:  Hannah Page

The progression of events is always entertaining to me.

SB Nation published an article assigning every FBS team a Pokemon character. Then, things escalated quickly between WKU and Marshall fans. WKU, myself included, relished in the fact that the article described Marshall as having weird fans and wins all of the time because they beat up on weak programs. Marshall fans’ best comeback was “Your Pokemon character is a rat” (never mind that WKU was described as “one of the best in the conferece, built on a deadly offense…”).

Yes, this was a real argument that occurred on Twitter.

You left out wku is represented by a rat https://t.co/qFsvi2k5GV

— Marshall Merritt (@marshallmerritt) February 22, 2016

@MoonShineTD @SBNation is there a pokemon that signifies a one year wonder? Asking for a friend #WKU

— Trace Johnson® (@Trace_Johnson94) February 22, 2016

Then, right on cue, a Marshall fan pulled the “Ya, but WKU will be without their [insert old age] quarterback this year.” If I had a dollar every time one of WKU’s rivals played that card, I would be filthy-stinking-rich. Some rival fans need new content, because their “burns” are getting pretty lame.

@WKURealist @MoonShineTD @Jeffreyfblair @TopsOrTransfer @SBNation We will beat u this year! You are not playing with a 25 year old QB!!!

— Toni Gibbs (@MinSch) February 22, 2016

Now, I am sitting here, writing about WKU without Doughty.

1. Yes, Brandon Doughty is AMAZING, but....

WKU is losing Tyler Higbee, Garrett Schwettman, Jared Dangerfield, Antwane Grant, Nick Holt, Prince Charles Iworah, and Wonderful Terry...just to name a few. Our rivals like to marginalize the fact that WKU has become the team to beat. Instead, and to make themselves feel better, they play pretend and daydream that WKU's success was solely dependent on Doughty.

2. Never mind the players still at WKU

Now, now Marshall fans:  hold your herd (see what I did there?). Before you get too excited and remember that WKU has more players graduating than just Doughty, need I remind you that WKU still has returning players? Nacarius Fant, Nicholas Norris, D'Andre Ferby, TJ McCollum, Taywan Taylor, Forrest Lamp, Ace Wales, Branden Leston, Marcus Ward...I am sure you have heard of them before. But here is a little reminder:

• Taylor (WR) - In 2015 had 1,467 receiving yards (2nd most in CUSA history), 17 TD (4th in CUSA single-season history), and 8 100+ yard games (tied for most in single season in CUSA).
• Norris (WR) - In 2015, he had 5 games with a catch of at least 54 yards and finished the season with 971 receiving yards (3rd most in a single season by a WKU player).
• Wales (RB) - Despite missing early games due to injury, in 2015 he pushed his season tally over 1,000 yards and had 7 100+ yard rushing games.
• Ferby (RB) - As a RS Freshman in 2015, watch what this stud could do:

• McCollum (LB) - Thanks to UAB's sudden and brief elimination of the football program, WKU was extremely fortunate to pick up this guy. 106 total tackles, 69 solo, 37 assists, 3 sacks, and 1 interception during the 2015 campaign. 
• Lamp (OL) - His stellar protection enables WKU's high powered offense to do what they do. He is listed as the #9/166 OT in the nation. 
• Leston (DB) - I have never seen someone play with so much passion. Entertaining as heck to watch. In 2015, Leston racked up 96 total tackles, 70 solo, 26 assists, and 1 interception. In 2014, Leston picked-off Marshall's Rakeem Cato 3 times...in the first-half.

3. Brohm 

I find it humorous that WKU rivals believe that because ONE specific player is gone, the program's future is eternally doomed. Honestly, I was not even worried until some of the coaching staff left. I was quickly reassured of the Tops future when Brohm methodically selected each of the new coaches. Under Petrino, Doughty struggled (2,857 yards, 65.8 CMP%, 14 TD, 14 interceptions, and 19 sacks). It was when Brohm took reigns that he was able to exploit Doughty's amazing, raw, untapped talent:  back-to-back years. So to WKU rivals:  Delight in Doughty's departure in three winks, for Brohm will exploit another quarterback's talent quicker than you can say "WKU will be without their 30 year old QB."

4. The QB Situation

There's no doubt about it, Doughty is one-of-a-kind. Most teams only dream of having a prolific player like Doughty; WKU was the lucky one. 

I will admit, I am just as curious about who will be the next QB as any other college football fanatic. However, some rivals act like WKU's quarterbacks were on the sideline twiddling their thumbs, making out shapes in the clouds while Doughty was slinging the pigskin. Wishful thinking on their end. Think again. Those guys were learning from Doughty, practicing with him, and prepared to be the next man up should Doughty be injured or pulled from the game. What do you think Brock Osweiler was doing while Peyton Manning was playing:  sipping wine and reading a novella? Then, when Peyton was injured, Osweiler delicately placed his glass and book down, and sashayed onto the field? 

There are six guys vying for the QB1 slot. I am confident that at least one of them is capable of getting the job done. Will they be Doughty? No. They will be their own player with their own talent:  willing to work their tail off all for the W.

_____________________

Sure, I will miss Doughty. You better bet I am going to buy a Doughty jersey from whatever team he ends up on. However, I will miss every other departing senior/graduate student, as well. Every team goes through a player departure. We missed Bobby, but we got Antonio. We missed Jack and Mitch, but we got Higbee. So yes, WKU is fully aware that their 6th-year senior Brandon Doughty has completed his collegiate career. We appreciate everything Doughty did for the program and will miss him tremendously, but WKU Football will be fine.

But, that is just my two cents from a brunette whose posts, apparently, sound blonde. 

4 Reasons Why "Stars" Do Not Matter

by:  Hannah Page

I’m feeling particularly energetic today. In other words, I’m about to throw down a rant.

When I started blogging, I worried that I would run out of ideas. I quickly learned that as long as there are twitter feuds between rivals (*cough* Marshall/MTSU) and spunky WKU fans, then I would always have something to talk about. National Signing Day was destined for greatness – at least in the social media realm. WKU, Marshall, and MTSU, you did not disappoint. The argument:  Do recruiting star ratings mean anything? Obviously, I am on #teamWKU.

@Phillips4WV @MoonShineTD @TheTitanTopper @TheHerdZone wku has been beating yall with 3 stars or less #youcankeepthestars #welltaketheWINS

— cole murphy (@12colemurphy) February 3, 2016

@TheHerdZone as long as we have a better class than WKU

— Brian Galford (@BrianG_NC) February 3, 2016

@BlueRaiderDJ Good Luck in upcoming season. Here's hoping we both smash WKU. Their recruit rankings were behind both of us I hear.

— RDstud (@RDstud16) February 4, 2016

When I talk about stars, I am not talking about celebrities or the Super Star from Super Mario; however, it seems that some fans think of their recruits’ stars as such. 

Recruiting star ratings are a quick estimation for recruiting services to convey the “talent” level of a specific athlete. For example, Marcus Mariota was a 3-star quarterback prior to his playing career at Oregon. Mitch Mustain was a 5-star quarterback prior to his playing career at Arkansas and USC. The more stars, the more supposed talent the athlete possesses.

Using recruits’ star rating as validation for a future season – a season that has not even occurred – is like bringing a knife to a gun fight. Here is why:

1. Fate is NOT written in the stars

What if athletes only played as their star rating indicated? Say what you will about their professional career – I am speaking only about college – but what if Russell Wilson (QB) only ever played up to his 3-star rating? What if Eric Fisher (T) only played like the 2-star rating he was given? Need I remind you that Fisher was the first overall pick in the 2013 draft?

Let's go back to Mr. Mustain. Mr. 5-star QB. At Arkansas, Mustain started 8 games and went 69-132, 894 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions before he was replaced by Casey Dick. Then, he transferred to USC where altered between second and third-string QB. He went 52-89, 505 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Simply put, Mustain was a "bust":  a 5-star who never quite lived up to his potential and praise. 

Being a 5-star recruit is not a right or a free-pass. For lower rated recruits, the star is not a limitation…it is a challenge. 

2. Talent vs. Skill

Actor Will Smith once said “The separation of talent and skill is one of the greatest misunderstood concepts for people who are trying to excel, who have dreams, who want to do things. Talent you have naturally. Skill is only developed by hours and hours and hours of beating on your craft.” 

Let’s be honest. For recruiting purposes, ratings are based on talent. If you worship at the feet of 4 and 5-star recruits, answer the following question:  have your 4/5-star recruits skilled and perfected their game? At the ripe, young age of 17/18, I highly doubt so. Talent comes first, then skill.

3. For WKU, stars mean nothing

Dear Marshall, MTSU, and any other teams' fans who touted their recruiting class based on stars, I give you two names:  Brandon Doughty and Tyler Higbee. Doughty was a 3-star while Higbee was a 2-star. Both, Doughty and Higbee, ended up being nationally recognized and the best in their respective positions in C-USA.

Then we get into class rankings, scores, and so on. People will search high and low for reasons why they are the best. If an entire season, nay, the entire program's future, is indicative upon some silly star-rating system, why did WKU win the C-USA Championship? Why did WKU go 8-0 in conference? This is a school who still had Sun Belt recruits on the team.

Citing a rating system as a measure of future success is, also, fatuous as most freshmen redshirt (go to class, practice with the team, dress for play, but not compete). A LOT can happen between "senior in high school" to "senior in college." Not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Unfortunately, some of those highly praised recruits will transfer, some will become academically ineligible, and some will be injured. It can happen to any recruit no matter the rating.

4. Coachability

A high rating means absolutely nothing if the athlete is difficult to coach. No matter how talented an athlete is, they will always need feedback in order to polish their game. If the athlete is not coachable, they will never develop. Then, a 2/3-star kid might come along, hungry and determined, who is extremely coachable. Bam! The 2/3-star kid just replaced the 4/5-star, cocky kid.  And there you wasted an entire pre-season convinced that 4/5-star kid was the next 1st round draft pick. Likewise, a high rating means nothing without the support of a stellar coaching staff. 

____________________

Judging a class based on the recruits' ratings has always bothered me. Doing so, you marginalize the value, dedication, and talent of the "lower rated" athletes. Here at WKU, we do not care about "stars." We trust our coaches' decisions. We have faith that the athletes will develop their skill-set. It is not about some gold star. It is about playing the game. You do not automatically win the game because you have a class of higher-rated recruits. Save the gold stars for kindergarten. 

WR Chris Cotto: "You can have five stars and not play at a high level. Sometimes kids with no stars are the ones with the bigger heart."

— Zach Greenwell (@zach_greenwell) February 3, 2016

Football: Train Keep A Rollin'

by:  Kale Butler 

...and keep a rollin' we must! Even though the implications of Steven Tyler's lyrics in this Aerosmith classic may be a little different than what it would imply for the Hilltopper football program, there could not be a truer motto to live by on The Hill right now.  

While I am sure we (myself at least) are still riding high off that incredible season we closed out just a little over a month ago, a lot of people may not be sure what is in store for The Tops in 2016. A lot of us are more focused on what we don't have:  Brandon Doughty, Tyler Higbee, Nick Holt Jr, just to name a few. Regardless of Brandon Doughty being on the fast track to having his jersey on the side of Houchen's Industries L.T. Smith Stadium; someone else is going to have to play QB next year, NCAA just wouldn't let us get year seven for #12.

It is looking like JR Mike White (Ft Lauderdale, FL) and RS-JR Nelson Fishback (Durham, CA) are the front runners to take over at QB for the 2016 season. Both seniors to be are more than capable of slinging the ball around and making plays. Will we be seeing laser shows like we did with Doughty? Only time will tell. The big question is, will “QB1” even need to do more than hand the ball off? We have had a slew of monsters in the backfield on The Hill for many years now.  Bobby Rainey, Antonio Andrews, Leon Allen, to name a few. But guess what, Leon is back! After the season ending injury Allen suffered early on, he was quickly granted a medical redshirt by the NCAA. Allen was often named “the best player on the team” by his coaches and teammates leading up to the 2015 season. Write that down, THE BEST PLAYER ON THE TEAM, a team that had the likes of Brandon Doughty, Tyler Higbee, Forrest Lamp, Taywan Taylor, a team that was 12-2, undefeated in conference play, Miami Beach Bowl champs, and when you ask any sane sports fan, the 2015 Kings of the Bluegrass.

...So yeah, you could say he is a kind of a big deal.

We are sitting here with this three headed monster in the backfield, of Leon Allen, D'Andre Ferby, and Ace Wales, pretty great right? Well, I also forgot to mention that every single offensive lineman is returning for WKU. Not just starters or guys with experience, but all of them!  

A lot of us are worried about the talent we have lost, but just the short list of guys mentioned above should remove any Dought (see what I did there?) of The Toppers returning to mediocrity. I didn't even mention the long list of veterans returning who caught all those touchdowns from #12 this past season, but let's just say, they're pretty solid, and that's putting it lightly.

But enough about what some random guy has to say;  I asked one of the guys closest to the program, its overseer, the Athletic Director himself, Mr. Todd Stewart, where he sees WKU football going from here:

“I believe we are just beginning to see the potential of the football program at WKU. To win a conference championship in just our seventh season as an FBS program and to finish ranked in the final Associated Press Top 25 is a tremendous achievement for the football team. It’s a testament to the hard work and commitment to excellence not only from our administration, but from all of the coaches and players who came before to get us to this point. The hardest part now is building on and maintaining that momentum into 2016 and beyond.”  

Todd Stewart, WKU Athletic Director

So as these long days of empty Saturday's approach, and all that is left to do is speculate and debate (and try to tune out those people wearing blue, talk about nothing but round ball), let us not be fearful of the 2016 season for what we have lost, but let us be joyful and excited for what we have!  Stick your chest out and wear your Hilltopper Pride where everyone can see it, because this train will keep a rollin', and it's got a full head of steam. I would hate to be an opposing team caught standing on the tracks in 2016.