The expectations for WKU's football team in 2015 are higher than possibly ever before. Yes, that includes the year where we all (well, most of us) thought that Bobby Petrino was going to lead us to the promised land, we would run through our schedule undefeated and have the greatest mid-major season of all time.
Well, that sounds an awful like what people are saying this year, doesn't it?
Aside from the undefeated aspect of the season (because, the Geaux Tigers are in the mix), there is a lot of hope and thought that the 2015 Toppers can be similar to the 2014 Thundering Herd of Marshall - they'll run through the lesser or equal competition, they'll play with the big boys, and who knows, maybe even find their way into a Top 25 poll or something.
The folks over at Bloguin's The Student Section today ran a piece on which teams will surprise in C-USA on the gridiron in the coming year. Some respected CUSA bloggers and twitter personalities (which, I suggest following all of them) gave their takes on some teams to watch for, because they'll surpass expectations. FIU, FAU and Charlotte (who is playing in their first FBS season of football), are all mentioned, as well as...the Toppers?!
Here's what Bart Doan, staff writer at TSS, had to say about the Tops:
Marshall had problems with gaining respect last year, and their only week in the Top 25 was that fateful day in Huntington when the Tops hung nearly 70 points on them. But, I think WKU is primed a bit better than Marshall to find their way into a poll - non-conference games vs. the SEC (Vandy & LSU) and the Big 10 (Indiana), as well as home games against three of the best teams in CUSA outside of the Tops (Louisiana Tech, MTSU and Marshall).
The Tops have a chance this year to be truly special. And if we all thought they'd be good, and how good they're going to be is on a "surprise" list for the upcoming season - hang on to your red towels.
How do you think the Tops will do? Do you have a hunch at who might be a surprise this year in CUSA? Let us know in a comment below or on twitter (@FletchTopper, @WKU_Rivals).
P.s. - Bart Doan refers to Big Red as "Weird Grimace" at the end of the article. I kind of like that. Let's all adopt that. Okay? Okay.
Well, that sounds an awful like what people are saying this year, doesn't it?
Aside from the undefeated aspect of the season (because, the Geaux Tigers are in the mix), there is a lot of hope and thought that the 2015 Toppers can be similar to the 2014 Thundering Herd of Marshall - they'll run through the lesser or equal competition, they'll play with the big boys, and who knows, maybe even find their way into a Top 25 poll or something.
The folks over at Bloguin's The Student Section today ran a piece on which teams will surprise in C-USA on the gridiron in the coming year. Some respected CUSA bloggers and twitter personalities (which, I suggest following all of them) gave their takes on some teams to watch for, because they'll surpass expectations. FIU, FAU and Charlotte (who is playing in their first FBS season of football), are all mentioned, as well as...the Toppers?!
Here's what Bart Doan, staff writer at TSS, had to say about the Tops:
I’m going to go ahead and say the biggest surprise is how much of a national talking point Western Kentucky becomes. I think most people expect the Hilltoppers and their odd, bastardized version of Grimace-like mascot to be in and around the C-USA championship, but I think they could slip into the top 20, maybe hang a surprising skin on the wall if they play just some semblance of defense.
That is some very high praise. And that's just the opening paragraph of his explanation. (He also goes on to say WKU has a "national profile win," - I'm assuming he's referring to the Bahamas Bowl?)
Marshall had problems with gaining respect last year, and their only week in the Top 25 was that fateful day in Huntington when the Tops hung nearly 70 points on them. But, I think WKU is primed a bit better than Marshall to find their way into a poll - non-conference games vs. the SEC (Vandy & LSU) and the Big 10 (Indiana), as well as home games against three of the best teams in CUSA outside of the Tops (Louisiana Tech, MTSU and Marshall).
The Tops have a chance this year to be truly special. And if we all thought they'd be good, and how good they're going to be is on a "surprise" list for the upcoming season - hang on to your red towels.
How do you think the Tops will do? Do you have a hunch at who might be a surprise this year in CUSA? Let us know in a comment below or on twitter (@FletchTopper, @WKU_Rivals).
P.s. - Bart Doan refers to Big Red as "Weird Grimace" at the end of the article. I kind of like that. Let's all adopt that. Okay? Okay.
