Features
Teams to Look For in 2001
Western Kentucky
The Hilltoppers, in their final year in the Ohio Valley, stormed out of the gate, thanks to a highly underated and opportunistic defense that helped them to outscore their OVC foes 218-95 (404-145 overall). WKU, picked to finish 5th in the OVC by Street & Smith, finished at 11-2 with an appearance in the playoff quarterfinals and a #5 ranking.
If the Hilltoppers are to make the same kind of noise in the more competitive Gateway conference, the defense, led by super-soph Bobby Sippio, must again pave the road. On offense, WKU has for several years been one of the nation's leading rushing teams. The passing game, however, has been the Achilles' heel, ranking toward the nation's cellar year after year. Key for WKU in 2001 are continued execution in the defensive and rushing games, and a stark improvement in the passing game.
Tell me why your team will make a run at the 2001 D1AA title. Email your outlook to [email protected].
