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2009 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers NCAA Football Predictions

Written July 1, 2009 by Jason Lowry

western-kentucky-football-predictions-2009 The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers streak of 12 straight winning seasons came to an end last year, as the Hilltoppers went just 2-10 overall. This will be just the third season that Western Kentucky has been apart of division 1, as the Hilltoppers were 1AA up until 2006. The Hilltoppers will join the Sun Belt conference this season, and will hope to improve on their 0-5 record against teams in this conference last season. The Hilltoppers only bring back 12 starters from last season, and should have a solid mix of seniors and young players on the field this season.

On offense the Hilltoppers bring back most of their team from 2008, as eight starters return on this side of the ball. There will be a new starter under center this season for the Hilltoppers, and it looks as though redshirt freshman Kawaun Jakes has the early edge over senior Brandon Smith. The Hilltoppers return their leading rusher from last season in senior Tyrell Hayden, but Hayden was just one of many backs who carried the ball last season, as five different backs ran the ball at least 39 times for 200 yards. The Hilltoppers also bring back plenty of talent at the wide receiver position, as the leading receivers from 2008 are all back for the 2009 season, including senior Jake Gaebler, who led the Hilltoppers with 54 catches for 588 yards and 4 scores.The Hilltoppers also have one of the up and coming receivers in this conference in sophomore Derrius Brooks. The offensive line pretty much remains intact from last season, as the Hilltoppers have just one open spot at right guard, where junior Derrick Eldger is expected to take over. A lot will ride on the arm of Jakes at quarterback, as he will be the reason the offense improves or struggles again in 2009. Bet the Hilltoppers this season at Sportsbook.com.

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Where the Hilltoppers could really struggle in 2009 is on the defensive side of things, as they have just 4 starters coming back. Up front the Hilltoppers must replace all three lineman in their 3-4 scheme, and it looks like their will be plenty of youth up front, as sophomore Jared Clendenin and redshirt freshman Jamarcus Allen will hold down the two end spots, while junior Nick Hartnett holds down the nose tackle spot. The leader of this defense comes at the linebacker position in senior Blake Boyd, who is the leading tackler and sack artist coming back from the 2008 season. There will be plenty of experience at this position as seniors LJ Harbison and Taurean Smith, are expected to join Boyd and fellow senior Darvis McBride in the starting lineup. The secondary is also very young, as three sophomores are expected to be in the starting lineup, but sophomores Trent Calhoun and Ryan Beard return to the starting lineup after starting as freshmen. Senior Jihad Morris is expected to play opposite of Calhoun at the corner position, while sophomore Mark Santoro takes over at free safety along side Beard. This unit could be better than the 2008 squad, but that means a lot of the young talent is going to have to play at a pretty high level. Bet the Sun Belt Conference this season at Sportsbook.com.

My 2009 Prediction: 9th in Sun Belt Conference. I think the Hilltoppers just don’t have the talent yet to compete at a high level in this conference, but if the young talent develops the Hilltoppers could be a surprise team in this conference in the years to come.

For those of you looking to do some NCAA football betting this season, be sure to check back for our expert NCAA football picks and the latest NCAA football odds at Betfirms.

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