Nov. 22, 2013
WKU Notes | Texas State Notes
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Game Day Central
SAN MARCOS, Texas.-Returning from their final off-week of the regular, the WKU Hilltoppers (6-4, 2-3 SBC) will look to improve their bowl resume on Saturday as they travel to San Marcos, Texas for their final regular season Sun Belt Conference contest against Texas State (6-4, 2-3 SBC) on Saturday.
Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. CT and the game will be aired on the Longhorn Network with John Sadak and Kevin O'Connel on the call, along with Amanda Scarborough on the sidelines.
To find out if you have access to LHN, visit www.LonghornNetwork.com
The game can also be heard on the IMG Hilltopper Sports Network with Randy Lee, Leo Peckenpaugh and Terry Obee relaying the action.
Breaking down the contest, a cold, windy and rainy day welcomed the Hilltoppers in Texas and temperatures are expected to remain in the 40's by kick-off. With rain and windy coming into play, fans may look for a game of strength-on-strength as the powerful WKU rushing attack, led by All-American candidate, Hornug Award finalist and Doak Walker semifinalist Antonio Andrews leads the charge. Texas State features the strong run defense in the SBC, allowing just 128.4 yards per game while WKU is averaging 189.0 on offense.
Andrews has rushed for 100 yards or more in nine consecutive games, setting a new WKU school record in the process. That number is also the second longest streak in the nation. Additionally, he has 100 or more all-purpose yards in 23 consecutive games, nine games longer than any other player in the country.
Defensively, the Bobcats of Texas State, led by head coach Dennis Franchione, feature a pair of linebackers in Damion McMiller and Michael Orakpo who trail only Xavius Boyd and Andrew Jackson as the top tackling linebacker tandem in the league. Orakpo and McMiller have combined for 145 tackles and five sacks on the year.
For WKU on the defensive side, maintain discipline to stop the option attack will be key this week. The Tops have faced a pair of triple option teams the season with success, but Franchione's offense will pass the ball far more often with the ball coming off the hand of true freshman Tyler Jones. Jones is also third on the team in rushing with 261 yards.
Notes of the Game
Coaching connections in the game include: Head Coach Bobby Petrino and Texas State OL coach Gordy Shaw served on the same Idaho staff in 1989 when Petrino was the QB coach and Shaw the DC. WKU OL coach Neil Callaway was the OL coach for Franchione during the 2000 season at Alabama
WKU is 3-1 on the year against first-time opponents (South Alabama, Morgan State, Georgia State, Army) and the Bobcats are the fifth and final new opponent for WKU in 2013.
Since 2011, WKU is 9-2 on the road against SBC opponnents including a 2-1 record this season.
Following Saturday's game, WKU will return home for Senior Day on The Hill as they host SBC rival Arkansas State on Saturday, Nov. 30.
