Head Coach Willie Taggart was quick to deflect criticism off junior quarterback Kawaun Jakes Thursday after Jakes went 9-of-27 for just 93 yards and four interceptions in a 14-3 loss to Kentucky.

Taggart blamed the passing game’s struggles on a lack of pass blocking, saying, “It wasn’t Kawaun. Kawaun was getting hit on his back too much.”

But Jakes said Tuesday that he disagreed with his coach’s assessment.

“Personally, I think (the line) did an okay job,” Jakes said. “It’s just me. I just missed a couple of throws we should’ve had.”

The most memorable of Jakes’ missed throws came in the second quarter, when he overthrew wide open junior tight end Jack Doyle on a vertical route in the end zone.

He also missed junior Marcus Vasquez once in the end zone in the first quarter.

Jakes was critical of himself when rating his performance against the Wildcats.

“Im upset about it,” Jakes said. “It was just a bad game for me. I felt rusty.”

Taggart has stuck by Jakes, and he’ll get a chance for redemption Saturday when the Toppers host Navy.

Two seasons ago, Jakes made his first career start on the road against the Midshipmen, going 22-of-28 for 276 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

But WKU fell, 38-22, their fourth loss in what would eventually be an 0-12 2009 season.

He said he doesn’t look back on the game, one of his best at WKU.

“I remember that we lost,” Jakes said. “That’s all I really think about.”