Sept 15, 2012; Lexington, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers running back Antonio Andrews (5) runs for a first down against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium. Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Regardless of who opens up at QB for Western, their #1 priority should be handing the ball off to All-American Antonio Andrews. The six foot, 211-pound Fort Campbell native has proven to be one of the most versatile players in the country, as he led the FBS in all-purpose yards per game last season, and his 3,161 all-purpose yards was the second-highest total in FBS history, behind only Barry Sanders in 1988. Andrews had over 300 all-purpose yards in the last four games of the regular season, and will certainly be among the best playmakers in college football in 2013:
Andrews also led the Hilltoppers in rushing yards (1,728), touchdowns (15), scoring (90), kick return yards (726), punt return yards (234) and carries (304).
In the game against UK last year, Andrews went off for 125 yards on a career high 34 carries and three touchdowns, also a career best at the time. He also added a game-winning pass on a two-point conversion in overtime.
Simply put, Kentucky’s defense must contain Andrews to hold the WKU offense down enough to escape Nashville with a victory.
Now, to the defense.