The final score was WKU 17 Troy 21 but how many believed before the game that WKU would have the ball driving for a last minute score for the win.
Before the kick off on Saturday how many across the country gave WKU a chance to win this game? How many among the Hilltopper faithful truly gave the Hilltoppers a chance to beat Troy? As I trolled among tailgaters around campus that was the question most discussed among fans. While all fans would have loved a big upset, most felt that the Trojans just had too many weapons for the Hilltoppers to pull it off. Troy has whipped every team they faced in the Sun Belt conference, decimated a talented Oklahoma State team, and played competitive games against Arkansas, Florida, and Georgia.
As I told fans WKU had an outstanding week of practice and matched up well against the Trojans I was greeted with smiles and “Sarge, you would probably say that if we were playing the New England Patriots”. Folks who know me know I am optimistic but just being around the team all season and knowing the talent, ability and confidence, this team has, I knew without a doubt, we could play with Troy.
Most importantly the Hilltoppers knew and played that way all game long.
The game stats are not the most important information to take away from this game. WKU’s ability to not only compete but had a chance to beat Troy is the information that fans need to take away from this game. Fans need to tell everyone and their brothers, sisters, cousins, friends and anyone else that will listen. WKU is successfully transitioning to division one.
There should not be another article written claiming that this move was a poor decision or a decision.
If you did not make it out to campus Saturday before the game you missed a game day atmosphere that would rival any campus in college football. Yes, it was homecoming, but do not think for a moment that having a team in town with the name Troy did not have an positive effect on the excitement. With the schedules WKU has the next few seasons there will be several teams that will bring this kind of excitement on game day.
The Hilltoppers overcame early turnovers and a 14 point eficient to have a chance to pull off the upset. Troy and their fans were still biting their nails with under a minute to go in the fourth quarter. It was not untill WKU turned the ball over on downs, with seconds left on the clock, could the Trojan faithful take a deep breath and relax.
Regardless how much you may want to say to players or coaches they played a good game and you are proud of their efforts, be careful how you word your remarks. Instead of a gracious smile, you may be met with a painful grimace. WKU is not into moral victories or playing division one teams close any more.
The Hilltoppers, even in a loss, took a big step toward respectability in the Sun Belt conference Saturday night.
I took the liberty of talking to several Troy fans after the game. The Trojan fans mentioned several times how impressed they were not only with the team but with the campus and Hilltopper fans as well.
WKU still has much to play for in the last two games of the season. With a six and four record, the team has a chance to finish the regular season with a very respectable eight wins.
The Hilltoppers will be in a bad humor next Saturday in their final home game of the season against Morehead State. With a victory, the team goal of winning seven games will be achieved with the last game against North Texas left to put the icing on the cake.
The Hilltoppers have not lost the season and have indeed made history every step of their inaugural division one journey. The Hilltoppers have the opportunity to put an exclamation mark on this season with the remaining two games of the season.
Game picture galleries will be available soon.