For the fifth time in six week, the Western Kentucky University football team hits the road this Saturday to face #20 Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. The Toppers (2-3) are looking to rebound from a 41-3 loss at Kentucky last week. The Hokies, on the other hand, sit at 4-1 and have won four straight contests to get back in the top 25. Va Tech (4-1) was a 35-30 win at Nebraska last week. The only blemish on its record ia a 27-22 loss to East Carolina in the season opener. Following Saturday's game, the Hilltopers will play three straight games - and four of their next five - at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.
u Saturday’s game ends a run of five road games in the first six weeks of the season for WKU. Four of those five games coming against teams from the Big Ten, SEC and ACC conferences. Following a trip to Virginia Tech, the Toppers will play four of their final six games at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.
u WKU offensive coordinator Kevin Wright coached Virginia Tech’s leading rusher Darren Evans when he was head coach at Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, Ind. Evans earned Indiana Mr. Football honors during his senior season in 2006. Wright was head coach of the Warriors from 2000-05, winning three 5A state championships with Evans rushing for 166 yards and a touchdown during the 2005 title game as a junior. WKU’s Dexter Taylor was also part of those Warren Central teams with Wright and and Evans.
u Saturday’s game will mark the second time this season and fourth time under head coach David Elson that the Hilltoppers will face off against a ranked team from the Football Bowl Subdivision.
u Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer is familiar with taking on the Hilltoppers, and he compiled a 3-2-1 record while serving as head coach at Murray State from 1981-86. The last time a Beamer-coached team met WKU, his Racers finished in a 10-10 tie on Sept. 27, 1986.
u The Hokies are 15-2 at home since the start of the 2006 season. Those only two home losses came against ranked opponents a 38-27 setback to #24 Georgia Tech in 2006 and 14-10 loss at #2 Boston College last season.
