The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WHEN the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers and Central Michigan Chippewas step onto the gridiron at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, fans can expect a powered offensive and defensive game in the inaugural Popeyes Bahamas Bowl.

Both coaches, their quarterbacks and a linesman gave the assurance as they spoke to the media during a press conference on Tuesday in the foyer of the stadium. Among those who also participated were Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe, director general Joy Juibrilu, Britton Banowsky, president of the organising committee and Chris Pika, the director of communications, and Hector Munoz, chief marketing officer for USA Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.

The Hilltoppers and the Chippewas arrived in town on Saturday and have spent the past three days taking in the ambience at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island and going through light workouts in preparation for the game slated for kick off at noon today carried live on ESPN.

Representing Conference USA with a 4-4 record and 7-5 overall, head coach Jeff Brohm said his Hilltoppers could not be in a better environment to take on such a worthy opponent as the Chippewas, who come out of the Mid-American Conference with a 5-3 mark and a 7-5 overall record as well.

“It’s been an outstanding experience this entire week, not only for our players, our coaches, our administrators and our fans, but it has truly been something that we will cherish for the rest of our lives,”Brohm said. “It is a premier Bowl destination and I think that we are fortunate to be here and we hope to have a fantastic time.

“Our players are as happiest as they’ve ever been and they practiced better than they ever have, so I think they are ready to play, they are ready to get out on the field and showcase what our university is all about. It’s a great opponent we are playing in Central Michigan, who is having a great year as well. Very disciplined. I think it’s going to be a great game. Hopefully the fans will enjoy it and everyone will have a good time.”

Quarterback Brandon Doughty said the trip here so far has far exceeded their expectations.

“Everyone has been awesome and friendly, but we are still trying to keep our composure as we try to focus on the game,” Doughty said. “It’s been very cool. It’s something that I will treasure for the rest of my life.”

And linebacker Nick Holt said they couldn’t ask for a better setting to play the game. “We’ve had a great time, but one thing we did as a team on the morning that we had our practice and our meeting, was to take care of the business side and then go swimming and have some fun in the activities and the amenities that this place has to offer. It’s been fantastic so far.”

On the other side of the coin, Central Michigan’s coach Dan Enos said from their flight over to settling in at Atlantis, they have had such a great time.

“Both teams will have to handle the environment and the weather,” Enos said. “Certainly we’ve done our best to anticipate this type of weather. We have an indoor practice facilities. We’re fortunate to have that. We had our heaters cranked up to about 80 degrees and I asked Titus (Davis) when we had our first practice on Sunday, which was hotter and he said at least out here you can breath.”

For Davis, the Chippewas’ quarterback, he said if there’s anything that he has enjoyed so far, it has been the warm weather, while linebacker Justin Cherocci said he’s been in awe of just how amazing the place is.

“One thing about our offence is we’re very deep with a lot of running backs,” Davis said. “We’re looking forward to having a big game.”

And Cherocci said their team has been very disciplined and that will play a big part in their success in the game.