WKU Tops Kentucky 35-26 in Season Opener for Both

History repeated itself Saturday night at LP Field in Nashville when, for the second year in a row, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers began their football season with a victory over the Kentucky Wildcats.

The game wasn't as close as last year's 32-31 squeaker. Western led the whole way with score bulging to 35-17 by the end of the third quarter. The 'Cats scored the game's last nine points for a final score of 35-26.

This was the first game for the Hilltoppers with Bobby Petrino as the new head coach. And it doesn't look like he's forgotten how to beat his former SEC rival or how to start seasons the right way. Coach Petrino now has 5-1 record against UK, counting stops at Louisville and Arkansas AND, at 9-0, he's never lost a season opener.

I had a good feeling about this season the minute Western hired Bobby Petrino, high-profile baggage notwithstanding. And, at least for the moment, the good feeling is justified.

Plus...I'd better enjoy it.

The Tops' next game takes them on the road to Knoxville to take on the Tennessee Volunteers. Yes, Petrino--thanks to his years at Arkansas--has quite a bit of experience playing the Vols. No, I don't think this will be an easy game. And, I can't help but think this is a loss for my Hilltoppers. Tennessee just has that resurgent vibe surrounding it this season.

But, then again, I never thought WKU would go undefeated, just that I had a good feeling. For me, that means a really decent winning record and a Bowl Game upgrade from last year.

Regardless of what happens next weekend in Knoxville, this decisive win over Kentucky is a very good sign for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.