WKU Football: DC White trusts veteran players to perform in season opener

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – When WKU football takes the field against Central Arkansas in their season opener Thursday night, the Hilltoppers’ defense will be entering the third year under Defensive Coordinator Clayton White’s system.

That’s good news for the Tops, but bad news for opposing offenses.

With the exception of the linebacker group, the Hilltoppers return most of defensive unit.

While White still expects his experienced players to have some pre-game butterflies, he trusts that once those lights come on, they’ll be ready to help WKU earn their first win of the season.

“Those first game jitters are always going to be there,” said White. “You want to make sure your guys are seeing what they need to see throughout the week. You also want to make sure that when they get out to that very first game that they’re not too anxious and do some things they wouldn’t normally do. They’re definitely there, but you’re definitely confident that you also have some guys that’s been there. That also helps with some older players who understand how to get their emotions in check and go out there and play as a team is the most important thing that we’re trying to get done.”

WKU kickoffs their home opener against their Bears at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.