Throwback Thursday: The Bobby Petrino Era Begins

Fletcher Keel
Jul 27, 2017 · 2 min read

I don’t think I’ll ever forget the day Bobby Petrino was hired as Western Kentucky’s head football coach. I was standing outside of my girlfriend’s dorm, waiting for her to come outside so we could go get food or something, when I saw this on my Twitter feed.

I immediately texted a couple of friends, and in formed my girlfriend that I had to go change because something big was on the horizon.

To be frank with you, it’s still kind of hard to believe Bobby Petrino was ever the head coach of the Hilltoppers, yet alone the head coach during my tenure as a WKU student and a member of the WKU press.

The next half year was full of excitement and anticipation. WKU is coming off it’s first ever stretch of consecutive winning seasons at the FBS level, and their first ever bowl appearance, where it went down to the wire in an eventual loss to Central Michigan.

And, as if there was a need for more excitement, the Tops were opening the season against Kentucky in a “home” game in Nashville, less than a year removed from defeating the Cats in Lexington.

The Tops took a 7–3 lead after the first quarter, and never relinquished the lead. UK made a run for it in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Tops in the final 15 minutes, but it wasn’t enough as the Toppers took the game for their second straight win over Kentucky 35–26

In what not only began the Petrino era but the Brandon Doughty era as well, Doughty threw for a measley 271 yards on 27/34 passing with one touchdown. Mediocre, at best, I say. That kid will never amount to anything at the college level.

Oh, and it was the beginning of the Chrome Dome era. Lotta firsts on that field in Nashville.

Antonio Andrews and Leon Allen both found tremendous success against the Cats, despite neither rushing for 100 yards. Andrews tagged the UK defense for 99 yards on 12 carries, while Allen rushed for 92 on 10. Each also scored a touchdown.

While the Petrino era, as short lived as it was, proved to be an up and down roller coaster, ultimately ending on a high note with a huge season-ending victory over Arkansas State, only to get snubbed out of a bowl spot, it gave WKU fans bragging rights across the state for the foreseeable future.

It doesn’t appear that the Wildcats are interested in renewing the rivalry anytime soon, so until they do, WKU can continue to claim Bluegrass Gridiron fame.

The Towel Rack

The Towel Rack is a place to hang your thoughts when it comes to Western Kentucky sports. Providing fans with a unique view on the Hilltoppers from news, rumors, opinions, previews, game coverage, recaps and more. Welcome to The Towel Rack.

Fletcher Keel

Written by

#WKU alum. Enjoyer of athletic competitions, collections of sound & motion media. Never forget who you are and whose you are.

The Towel Rack

The Towel Rack is a place to hang your thoughts when it comes to Western Kentucky sports. Providing fans with a unique view on the Hilltoppers from news, rumors, opinions, previews, game coverage, recaps and more. Welcome to The Towel Rack.

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