Troy playing close attention to Hilltoppers’ quarterback

TROY — Troy won’t see the quarterback who nearly led Western Kentucky to an upset of the Trojans last year.

Instead, they’ll see the one who gave that same game away early. But in today’s 2:30 p.m. game between the Trojans (5-3) and Hilltoppers (2-7), WKU won’t be trotting out the same David Wolke who threw two interceptions in four passes last year in Troy’s 21-17 win.

K.J. Black and Wolke rotated, but after Wolke’s big picks, Black stayed in the game and gave the Hilltoppers a chance to win. He’s since transferred, while Wolke has achieved success over the past few weeks.

Wolke, who started his career at Notre Dame, led WKU to 504 total yards last week, but the Hilltoppers lost 51-40 to North Texas. He did throw an interception on the game’s final play that was returned 97 yards for a score.

He threw for 190 yards with two scores, but also three interceptions. Directing an option attack, Wolke ran for 178 yards and two touchdowns, something that has Troy defensive coordinator Jeremy Rowell paying extra attention.

“It’s almost like the old days of defending the option. You can hammer it, hammer it, hammer it, no gain, no gain, no gain, then all the sudden somebody gets out of their gap and they get 50, 60 yards or whatever,” Rowell said.

“Which is very worrisome, because you’ve got to spread out and cover everybody. If you get one crease, it’s got the potential to be a big play or a touchdown.”

Wolke has rotated with Dexter Taylor, but Taylor has thrown just eight passes. Wolke has thrown for 895 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.

WKU’s ground game is led by Tyrell Hayden’s 378 yards. Jake Gaebler is the Hilltoppers’ leading receiver (32 catches, 388 yards, 3 TDs).

This is the second and final year of transitional status into the Football Bowl Subdivision for WKU, which will compete in the Sun Belt next season.