Patterson says football team prepared for a boisterous Homecoming crowd at Army
By Danny Gillham
Sports Editor

The Frogs were victorious in their Homecoming game, but must now prepare to play in someone else’s.

The team travels to West Point to face Army, and head coach Gary Patterson said he expects the 39,929 seats at Michie Stadium to be full to the brim.

“It’s going to be the most exciting game, as far as atmosphere, that our kids have played in this year,” Patterson said. “It will be packed house: It’s their 200th anniversary and it’s Homecoming.”

The team is aware of the Black Knights 0-5 record. While matchups with conference contenders Louisville and Southern Miss loom directly ahead, Patterson said this game will not be taken lightly.

“Our ultimate goal is to win a conference championship,” he said. “What you have to be able to do is win the next game, and that happens to be Army. It counts just as much as Louisville or Southern Miss. This game is a big game for us.”

The Frogs are the hottest team in Conference USA, winning their last four games. However three of those four have come at home. This is the team’s first road game in over a month, and the first trip in school history to West Point.

Patterson said from his first hand experiences as former secondary coach at the Naval Academy, that Michie Stadium is not a easy place to play.

“They’re different on the road (than at home),” Patterson said. “Two weeks ago, it was 7-6 at halftime against Southern Miss, and they threw six interceptions. Having played those guys at the Naval Academy, it’s just a different level. I predict they’ll probably play their best game so far.”

Logjam at tailback
The trio committee that has been running the football for the Frogs has now become a quartet. With the impressive debut of true freshman Lonta Hobbs in Saturday’s game (12 carries, 73 yards), the team now has four tailbacks that have had extensively carried the football this year. Hobbs and junior Ricky Madison had the hot hand, Patterson said against Houston, thus the basis for receiving snaps over junior Corey Connally. Patterson said junior Kenny Hayter, who separated his shoulder in the Frogs 17-10 victory over North Texas, could suit up for Saturday’s game.

Stilley improving, but will not start
Senior Sean Stilley will once again trade the helmet for the headset as Tye Gunn gets the nod at quarterback against the Black Knights. Stilley had his throwing (right) shoulder separated three weeks ago against North Texas, and reports were that he would be out for six to eight weeks. Patterson said he is making progress. Stilley is throwing the ball vertically, and if he is needed, has and outside chance of playing.

Receiving duo fighting nagging injuries
Senior receivers LaTarence Dunbar and Adrian Madise have been playing well this season, despite the fact that the injury bug refuses to let go. Dunbar has a bad hamstring, while Madise’s back is giving him problems. It may be a dilemma the pair will have to endure through days off and off-weeks, but Patterson said he is pleased with the performance of the two.

Offensive line coming together
The offensive line was about as healthy as it has been all season against Houston. Sophomore Chase Johnson returned to play center, allowing senior Jamal Powell to rotate in the guard and tackle positions. Patterson said he was also pleased with the play of senior J.T. Aughinbaugh against the Cougars. The benefits of the solidified line were immediate, as the Frogs gained a season high 201 yards on the ground, and surrendered only one sack.