Fansided
Fansided

2016 Preview: Western Kentucky Looks to Defend Conference USA Crown

By Shawn Spencer

Sep 19, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers memorial stadium reflection seen in one of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers helmets during warms up before the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers memorial stadium reflection seen in one of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers helmets during warms up before the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Dec 5, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Southern Miss Golden Eagles running back Jalen Richard (30) is brought down by Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Marcus Ward (8) and defensive back Branden Leston (31) during the first half of the Conference USA football championship game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Southern Miss Golden Eagles running back Jalen Richard (30) is brought down by Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Marcus Ward (8) and defensive back Branden Leston (31) during the first half of the Conference USA football championship game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Starters

As a unit, the offensive line will be the most important position group for Western Kentucky. All five starters return and they’ll be protecting an inexperienced quarterback. How left tackle Forrest Lamp and company perform will determine whether or not the Hilltoppers can contend for another Conference USA title.

As an individual, the key starter on offense is wide receiver Taywan Taylor. After his record-breaking season in 2015, and Jared Dangerfield and Antwane Grant now in the NFL, opposing defenses will be game planning to stop Taylor. How he responds as the number one receiver will be key. Western Kentucky doesn’t know who will be throwing the ball to him this season, but Taylor must be a reliable target for whoever the quarterback ends up being.

On the defensive side of the ball, the key starter is free safety Branden Leston. In two seasons with the school, the 6-foot-3, 205-pound Leston has 159 tackles and five interceptions. He’s a very good tackler who has been stellar against both the run and the pass. He’ll have to focus more on the pass this season as a result of inexperience at the cornerback position. Western Kentucky appears to have a solid front seven in place, but the secondary is a big question mark due to the loss of both Prince Charles Iworah and Wonderful Terry. Leston is a big-bodied safety who will need to improve his range if the Hilltoppers are going to avoid being in a shootout every week.

Next: Final Prediction

Home/College Football