Boe Brand tops WKU receivers in collegiate debut

Playing in his first collegiate football game, former Southeast High standout Boe Brand made his presence felt by catching two passes for 33 yards to lead Western Kentucky in receiving yardage.

Unfortunately, it wasn't enough as WKU dropped a 14-3 decision to Kentucky Thursday night making the second year season of the Willie Taggart rein begin with a loss in front of a nationally televised audience on ESPNU.

Brand's 25 yard catch was the longest one of the night for WKU, which struggled all game with its offense. Brand caught the pass in the second quarter and it gave the Hilltoppers a first down at the Kentucky 21. Unfortunately they missed a 34 yard field goal attempt to the end drive.

Brand also caught an eight yard pass earlier in the second period, which gave WKU a third and two at the Kentucky 24 in a drive that was capped off by 41 yard field goal.

Former Southeast standout Terran Williams, another true freshman, also played in the game at linebacker and on special teams, but did not record any tackles.

"Our defense has been doing this since spring ball. They made the choice to be one of the best defenses in the country, and they came out with that attitude," said Taggart, the former Manatee High quarterback great. "If we play great defense, we will have chance in every game we play just like this game. We're mad that we lost."