Red handles White 58-10 in Spring Game

Sophomore wide receiver Taywan Taylor (2) catches a pass for a touchdown during the Red and White Spring Game Saturday, April 19, 2014, at Houchens Industries – L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Ky. (Mike Clark/HERALD)

Kyle Williams

WKU fans filed into Smith Stadium for the annual Red and White game on Saturday afternoon with hopes of seeing a more experienced offense under first-year Head Coach Jeff Brohm, who served as the offensive coordinator under former coach Bobby Petrino last season.

When it was all said and done — fans got what they asked for as the Red Team defeated the White 58-10 in WKU’s spring game.

The Topper offense totaled 831 yards, 642 through the air.

“I think our offense is one of the best in the conference and in the NCAA,” Doughty said. “That’s just how I feel. That’s how we have to feel. I think we’re making strides in the right direction and we just have to keep working at it.”

Doughty looking sharp

Doughty had an impressive outing on Saturday, racking up 365 yards on 21-of-34 passing for four touchdowns in only the first half. The redshirt senior did record an interception, but the ball was tipped prior to being picked off.

Brohm said his starting quarterback made a few mishaps early, but was able to correct them in due time.

“I think he had a very good spring,” Brohm said. “He finished it off pretty well today. He had a couple moments where I didn’t like him not stepping into the ball during the very first series or two. Once we got that figured out, I think from there he was sharp.”

JUCO receivers showcase ability

It was evident throughout spring practice that the receiver position would be one of the deepest for the Toppers. The same was apparent during the Spring Game as junior college transfers Antwane Grant and Jared Dangerfield stood out amongst some of the returners.

Grant tallied two receptions for 45 yards and two scores while Dangerfield recorded seven receptions for 106 yards.

Doughty says he’s already comfortable with the newcomers and is eager to improve with them over the summer.

“Coach Brohm did a good job bringing those guys in,” Doughty said. “I feel comfortable with those guys even with the short time we’ve had together. This summer we’ll keep working at it and be even better, hopefully.”

Team comfortable under Brohm

The team has a noticeably increased sense of relaxation under Brohm in comparison to last season. According to senior linebacker Terran Williams, the Toppers are playing loose and comfortable thanks to Brohm’s player first mentality.

“He’s much more looser,” Williams said. “You’re more comfortable. You play better. I’m not saying Petrino was a bad coach because he was a great coach, but with coach Brohm being more of a player type coach, you play more comfortable out there. It’s a better vibe out there.”

Brohm even keeps his door open at all times just in case a player is in need of his assistance.

“You can tell that he takes input from you and you definitely have an input in the offense,” Doughty said. “I like that coach keeps an open door policy and anytime you want to come in there and talk to him he’s there for you.”