BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — After the cancelation of the Spring Game last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WKU Football returned to Houchens-Smith Stadium on Saturday afternoon for the 2021 Spring Game. The offense and defense traded exciting plays making for an entertaining scrimmage.
“It was a really good spring game,” head coach Tyson Helton said in his post-game press conference. “First of all, I really want to thank the fans. It was a great turnout today. It was great to have people back in the stands that made it feel like a real football atmosphere out there. I really appreciate all the fans coming out today.”
The offense showed just how dangerous they can be at the hands of new offensive coordinator Zach Kittley. Running back Jakairi Moses set the tempo for the offense early with a long rushing touchdown.
Moses believes the offense is headed in the right direction but there is still work to do: “Overall, the offense had a good spring. I think we need to come together just a little bit more, and connect everything – the O-line, the quarterback, the receivers – and get things rolling more smoothly.”
Wide receivers Dayton Wade, Terence Taylor and Kyle McNamara each recorded a touchdown reception for the Hilltoppers as well.
On the defensive side, newly-promoted defensive coordinator Maurice Crum had his side of the ball ready to go, as WKU made four interceptions – two of which were returned for touchdowns. Defensive tackle Darius Shipp and defensive back Barry Wagner, Jr. had two of the picks, while defensive backs T.J. Springer and Beanie Bishop took their interceptions to the house for scores.
Bishop says the defense unit has big goals for this season.
“We want to set the tone in the defense, and one of our goals is to be a top defense in the country. We had to put that on display and just keep attacking,” he said. “We try to have a Mamba Mentality. We want to outwork our opponents and do all the little things so we have an advantage against our opponents. Meeting extra, going extra in the weight room, being more focused in meetings, knowing our opponent and studying film.”
Helton made it clear that there is still quite a bit to work on going into the summer on both sides of the ball, but he was satisfied with the team’s spring practices over the past month: “We had a really good spring overall and I’m really pleased with the progress that we made.”
The 2021 Spring Game concluded WKU’s month of spring practices. The team will turn their focus to summer workouts and prepare for fall practices. The 2021 WKU football season is set to begin on Thursday, September 2 as the Hilltoppers host UT Martin.
-@WKUSports-
