
WKU Football: Defense has something to prove against Mocs
By NICK BAUMGARDNER, The Daily News, nbaumgardner@bgdailynews.com
Saturday, November 3, 2007 12:19 AM CDT
While last weeks 50-14 win over North Carolina Central brought smiles to many faces on the Western Kentucky offense, the same couldnt be said for players on the other side of the ball.
Although it only gave up 14 points, the Hilltopper defense was not satisfied with its effort a week ago. And thats something the unit hopes to rectify this afternoon at Chattanoogas W. Max Finley Stadium.
We talked about it right off the bat this week, their (North Carolina Centrals) offense last week wasnt as good from a numbers standpoint as maybe what weve seen this year, and we didnt play the way we were capable of, said WKU coach David Elson, whose defense allowed 333 yards of total offense, including 162 on the ground. But we addressed it, we coached it up on the film and we got to work on our next opponent (Chattanooga). And I think our leadership will take over.
(Linebacker) Dusty (Bear) will be back, and guys like (linebacker) Andre (Lewis), (nose tackle) Chris Walker and (safety) Bo Smith, our seniors, all have a lot of pride and they want to step up and make sure we come out and play the way were capable of.
The defense - especially the run-stoppers - will be tested again this week, as the Mocs bring a balanced running attack that features two backs with over 465 yards.
They like to run a lot of power and a lot of zone, Walker said. So thats a lot of movement up front. Theyve got good size and we just have to play our technique with them.
I mean theyre not small guys, so well have to be ready to use our hands and be ready to shoot off blocks.
Led by tailbacks Erroll Wynn (469 yards and three touchdowns) and Bryan Fitzgerald (467 yards and two touchdowns), the Mocs attack relies heavily on the ground game.
I think theyre always a team thats going to try and establish the run, Elson said. Both of their tailbacks have impressed us on film this week, and theyll try to get themselves in good third-down situations that arent long in yards so their quarterback isnt in a bad situation.
But hes a playmaker too, and a senior, so well have to expect just about anything.
WKU defensive line coach Eric Mathies likened the Moc offense to something very familiar.
They remind you a lot of a Gateway football team, Mathies said. When we were in the Gateway it was a lot of downhill, smash-mouth, physical football and thats the type of football team Chattanooga is. So well have our work cut out for us, but its fun. Itll be an alley street fight.
The Mocs quarterback, senior Antonio Miller, has thrown for 1,115 yards and 10 touchdowns. Hes also rushed for 100 yards and ran for three scores.
Millers top target through the air this season has been 6-foot 3-inch sophomore Blue Cooper, whos caught 34 balls for 435 yards and four touchdowns. Cooper has also been used in a trick-play capacity, as hes thrown two passes this season, both for touchdowns.
With its offensive numbers as balanced as they are, Chattanooga presents an interesting challenge by lining up in multiple formations.
Theyre going to be in some different personnel groupings, but thats the way they were last year, Elson said. I think theyll try to establish the run and use a quick throwing game, which is something people have tried against us this year as well.
While the task wont be easy - many of the Hilltopper coaches and players have dubbed Chattanooga the best 2-6 team theyve seen - the WKU defense seems focused on posting a better outing than last week.
Our kids are chomping at the bit to get back out there and play, Mathies said. They want to prove that theyre better than what they showed, and thats good because were playing a football team that when you watch on film, you ask yourself how the heck theyve only won two games.

