With the future of the Western vs. Eastern rivalry uncertain, the Toppers cross state lines tonight in a possible rekindling of an old fire with an old nemesis.
Western (2-1) travels to Middle Tennessee State (0-3) tonight for a 6 p.m. kickoff at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium.
Although the two teams have not faced off since October 1991, they have played 57 times with a record of 29-27-1, favoring the Blue Raiders.
Because of proximity and the eventual Sun Belt Conference ties, head coach David Elson said he definitely foresees a rivalry developing.
“This is gonna be the big game on our schedule,” Elson said. “I’d like to see this game become our last game of the year. Our Ohio State/Michigan game.”
With the exception of one year, rivals Ohio State and Michigan have scheduled their final games of the season together since 1935.
While Western enters tonight’s contest coming off a blowout win against West Virginia Tech and a victory against Eastern Kentucky in the “Battle of the Bluegrass,” the Blue Raiders open up at home still searching for their first win of the season.
Middle Tennessee suffered losses to Florida Atlantic, Louisville and Louisiana State, the last two teams both ranked in the top 10 at the time of the contests. Florida Atlantic defeated Big Ten Conference member Minnesota 42-39 last week.
Because they are the only team in the country to have played two top 10 teams this season, Elson describes Middle Tennessee as “the best 0-3 team in the country.”
“For them to not have at least two losses would have been a national story,” Elson said. “They are going to win games this year, I just hope they don’t start (tonight).”
Sophomore wide receiver Jake Gaebler said the Blue Raiders are quick on offense and defense.
“They have a lot of athletes on the team,” Gaebler said. “They play a lot of man-to-man coverage and line up one-on-one against you. It’s going to be a tough game for us.”
While Middle Tennessee was unable to score against LSU, the Blue Raiders scored 42 points against Louisville.
“Those big plays that they made (against the Cardinals),” Elson said, “you’ve gotta pay attention to that.”
Sophomore defensive back Jihad Morris said the Blue Raiders will gain confidence offensively by watching films of the Toppers’ previous games.
“I know for a fact that they’re going to study that Florida game and think they can beat us deep,” Morris said. “But we’ve gotten a lot better than that Florida week, and we’re gonna be ready for Middle.”
Having two similar quarterbacks provides Western with versatility and depth at the position.
“I just think it’s going to be a great one-two punch for us,” Elson said.
Quarterbacks junior David Wolke and redshirt freshman K.J. Black have each played in every game this season, combining for 531 yards through the air with three touchdown passes. Wolke, the starter in each game, has also rushed for 102 yards.
Elson said 16 years is a long time to remember any kind of past rivalry between the two teams.
“The one thing I know is,” Elson said, “when they come out at 6 o’clock, they’re going to see what that rivalry is all about.”
Reach Will Perkins at sports@chherald.com
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