Hilltoppers offense guns down Falcons in 59-31 win
Wow, what a night it was at Houchins Industries L. T. Smith Stadium. The lights were on and the Tops and Falcons were ready to go at it in the first game of the College Football season.
The Hilltoppers entered 2014’s opening game as a 7.5 point underdog to the visiting Bowling Green State Falcons, with multiple question marks for the Hilltoppers as they entered the post Antonio Andrews era. Few thought that WKU would be able to find their groove in the first game of the season…oh how wrong they were.
BGSU would win the opening coin toss and elected to receive the ball. With a quick three and out they punted to WKU, which set up a Hilltoppers drive at the 27 yardline. Redshirt senior quarterback Brandon Doughty and company came out guns-a-blazon as they threw over seven times to drive right down the field. Leon Allen would be in prime position to rush in the first touchdown of the game, and set the pace for what was left of the opening 60 minutes as well. After a failed 4th down attempt by BGSU the Tops would take over and the route would commence. The Hilltoppers would run and throw for a new school record of 702 yards of total offense on their way to a 59-31 victory.
Lets get to some statistics, and there’s no better place to start than with Doughty. Mr. Interception as most would call him was, well UNSTOPPABLE tonight. The man was 46-of-56 for 569 yards and 6 touchdowns. I WILL REPEAT – he only had 10 incompletions on 56 passes thrown, for 569 yards (which, by the way, set a new school record) and 6 scores.
Allen rushed for 93 yards on 28 carries and a touchdown, and with regards to receiving, Taywan Taylor would be the number one wideout, with 12 catches for 185 yards and one score.
There’s really nothing else to say; the Hilltoppers came out rolling. This team is in no way identical to last years, this Hilltoppers squad playing this way can beat a lot of teams and leave a mark on CUSA for their first year in the conference. With Doughty clicking on all cylinders and the defense finding their way, the Brohm Squad is set for some special things.
The Tops have every right to enjoy this one, but they also need to remember their 24 hour rule, and get back to work this week to face a big time program in Illinois, on the road, next weekend. It’s a small sample size, and the boys (nor you fans) can get too carried away with it. Although, I got to admit, it is fun.