BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - With a record-breaking, season-opening win in the books WKU Football turned its full attention to upcoming opponent Illinois with a two-hour practice session Tuesday afternoon at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.
The Hilltoppers set 12 school records on the offensive side of the ball in a 59-31 win over Bowling Green on Friday night but after Tuesday's practice offensive coordinator Tyson Helton stressed the importance of putting the performance behind and focusing on the Fighting Illini.
"You take it one game at a time," said Helton. "That football team we are about to play is a very good football team. We know what we are walking into. I expect a really good game."
WKU heads to Champaign, Ill. on Saturday to face a 1-0 Illinois team, a game which will be nationally broadcast on the Big Ten Network at 11 a.m. (CT). Saturday's game will mark the 30th straight televised contest for the Hilltoppers.
Helton's offense is led by redshirt senior quarterback Brandon Doughty, who has racked up numerous national accolades this week in lieu of his 46-of-56, 569 passing yards and six touchdown performance against the Falcons. On Tuesday, Doughty was named a Manning Award Star of the Week, the Reese's Senior Bowl Offensive Player of the Week, Athlon Sports Conference USA Player of the Week and added as an online vote candidate for the Davey O'Brien Quarterback Award.
WKU QB Brandon Doughty Honors (Week 1)
- Manning Award Star of the Week
- Reese's Senior Bowl Offensive Player of the Week
- ESPN College Gameday Performance of the Week
- CFPA National Performer of the Week
- Davey O'Brien Quarterback Award (online vote candidate)
- Athlon Sports Conference USA Player of the Week
- Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week
- CFPA Quarterback Performer of the Week
Doughty has handled the national spotlight with maturity and Helton is pleased by what he's seen from his signal caller as attention shifts to Illinois.
"I thought he handled it really well," said Helton. "He's an older guy. He's a senior and he has been through the fire. He knows what it's all about. He knows you are going to have some really good games and there are going to be games where you have to fight and scratch for everything you get. He enjoyed that win but the next day he was back in the office and he said 'Alright, I'm ready for Illinois.'"
The Hilltoppers return to the gridiron on Wednesday as they continue their preparation for their first-ever meeting with Illinois. For the most up-to-date information on WKU Football, follow the team on Twitter at @WKUFootball or on Facebook by liking `WKU Football.'
