Teams typically schedule weaker opponents for Homecoming games.
But for Western, this will not just be another typical Homecoming game.
This game will mark the first time a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent has ever traveled to Bowling Green.
The Toppers (6-3) host Sun Belt Conference afflilate Troy (6-3, 5-0 SBC) at 4 p.m. Saturday at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.
“It’s a sign of things to come for our fans and for our players,” coach David Elson said. “There’s going to be big game atmosphere right here in Houchens Industries- L.T. Smith Stadium.”
Unlike its past three contests, which were against Football Championship Subdivision opponents, Western will face an opponent that has an established reputation in major college football.
The Trojans rank among the top 20 nationally in passing yards and total offense, averaging 452.7 yards per game, 284.7 through the air.
Senior quarterback Omar Haugabook has thrown for 2,391 yards with 14 touchdown passes to 12 different receivers this season. He has also rushed 419 yards and has a team-high nine touchdowns.
Troy’s record leads the Sun Belt and their three losses have all come against Southeastern Conference teams, all of which were ranked in the top 25 at the time. The Trojans dominated Big 12 opponent Oklahoma State 41-23 on Sept. 14.
“We know it’s going to be a big-time game,” senior wide receiver Jamar Jones said. “They’re going to come in here with high hopes just like we are. But we’re just going to play hard and try to win this game.”
Troy leads the series 4-0-1, winning in the last four meetings. The two teams last met in September of 1995, where the Trojans earned a 56-39 victory.
It will be the second time Troy has visited Western on their Homecoming. The Toppers dropped the 39-23 decision in October, 1991.
“This is the best team we play this year besides Florida,” Elson said. “From a talent perspective, they are operating at a very high level in all three phases of the game.”
The Trojans lost to the Gators 59-31 one week after the Toppers’ 49-3 loss to the Gators on Sept. 1.
Freshman linebacker Chris Bullard said this contest will be a measuring tool in how the team compares to the best competition in the Sun Belt.
“I think if we come out and do what we need to do, and we take care of what we need to take care of, it’s going to be a pretty good game,” Bullard said.
The Toppers have shown they can compete with SBC opponents in their 20-17 victory at Middle Tennessee State on Sept. 20.
Despite this being Homecoming week and potential for distractions and pressures associated with the game, Jones said the team will treat this week like any other and not get distracted by all of the festivities.
“We’re not building a float or anything like that,” Jones said. “We’re just going to go out there and stick to the game plan.”
Reach Will Perkins at sports@chherald.com.
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