2009 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Predictions
2008 Record: (2-10, 0-0)
Coach: David Elson, 7th year (39-32 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Walter Wells (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Mike Dietzel (1st year)
Returning Starters: 15 (8 offense, 6 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Need winning college football predictions each week? Visit ATS Consultants and sign-up for the free sports picks newsletter for college football betting information and free college football picks

Offense: The Hilltoppers are in their first season in a Division I conference and a full-fledged member of the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision). This will be a major adjustment for Western Kentucky, who did go 2-10 against some pretty good teams including a few Sun Belt squads. Their only wins took place against Eastern Kentucky and Alabama. This year, they have to go into their Sun Belt schedule with a new quarterback. Senior Brandon Smith (6-0, 200) is the likely starter though freshman Marcus Vasquez could push him. They have no experience there and return its top three running backs in senior Tyrell Hayden (388 yds, 3 TDs), senior Marell Booker (285 yds) and sophomore Bobby Rainey (259). Senior Jake Gaebler (588 receiving yds) is back as the team’s top target. Up front, they return four starters including senior guard Cody Hughes (6-1, 300), a three-year starter.

Defense: The defense returns six starters from a unit that allowed 27.2ppg and 375.2 yards per game. They have a new coordinator in Mike Dietzel, who has been on the staff since 2003. Outside linebacker Blake Boyd (6-3, 250) is the top returner with 9.5 tackles for loss and 67 stops. Up front, they return one of the three starers (Jared Clendenin). The secondary is led by sophomore safeties Ryan Beard (3 picks) and Mark Santoro. They also move former quarterback Dexter Taylor to cornerback, where he is likely to get the start.

Outlook: The Hilltoppers open with Tennessee on the road. They also face South Florida and Central Arkansas at home and then face Navy to close out the non-conference schedule. It doesn’t really matter who they face in their first year in the Sun Belt as long as they are competitive. Last year, they faced five Sun Belt teams and lost by an average score of 28-16.

This Sun Belt conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

If you enjoyed this article then you may be interested in:

1. 2009 Western Michigan Broncos College Football Predictions
2. 2009 Kentucky Wildcats College Football Predictions
3. 2009 Troy Trojans College Football Predictions
4. 2009 Arkansas State Red Wolves College Football Predictions
5. 2009 Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns College Football Predictions
6. 2009 Louisiana Monroe Warhawks College Football Predictions
7. 2009 Florida International Golden Panthers College Football Predictions