YSU FOOTBALL Hilltoppers eye postseason spot

The defending national champions must first beat the Penguins on Saturday.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Western Kentucky's first year coach, David Elson, believes the Hilltoppers can make the I-AA playoffs if they defeat Youngstown State Saturday.
Western Kentucky, the defending national champion, is 7-3 overall and 4-2 in the Gateway Conference. WKU visits YSU (5-6, 2-4) at 1 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium.
The Hilltoppers finished second in the Gateway last season behind Western Illinois and made the playoffs as an at-large team. They defeated Western Illinois 31-28 in the second round en route to the title.
"We feel that we can get into the playoffs with a win on Saturday," Elson said. "We told the kids a few weeks ago that 8-3 would get us in."
Stepping in
Elson was an assistant to former coach Jack Harbaugh for seven years and was promoted when Harbaugh resigned in the off-season.
"Those seven years under Jack was a factor in my getting this job and I learned a lot under him," Elson said. "I also have a staff this year that has really made my job easier."
Elson said Hilltoppers' recent run of success this season is due to an renewed emphasis on their rushing game.
Western Kentucky opened the season with victories against Union, Ky. (51-3), West Virginia Tech (67-3) and Eastern Kentucky (36-3).
Then the Hilltoppers lost 48-3 to Auburn and the following week fell in their Gateway opener to Western Illinois, 33-28, in McComb, Ill.
They have rebounded to win four of their last five games in the conference, against Illinois State (27-24), Indiana State (59-14) and Southwest Missouri State (9-6). They lost to unbeaten Southern Illinois 28-24, but knocked off Northern Iowa 24-3 last Saturday.
Shuffling the lineup
When the season started WKU's top two quarterback prospects were Casey Rooney and Perez Smith. They are both starting wide receivers now, as freshman Justin Haddix has taken over the quarterback slot.
"Justin is a competitor and he's had a great high school career and some good coaching. He's been through a lot of pressure and we're happy to have him," Elson said.
In 10 games Haddix has completed 87-of-167 passes for 1,386 yards and nine touchdowns with three interceptions. Rooney has caught 38 passes for 744 yards and four touchdowns.
Sophomore tailback Lerron Moore leads the running attack with 1,142 yards on 222 carries and nine touchdowns. Haddix also has gained 207 yards on 81 carries and scored seven touchdowns.
Defensively, the Hilltoppers feature All-American linebacker Erik Dandy (6-foot, 205 pounds), who leads the team with 124 tackles. He's had 20 tackles for losses, two interceptions and three fumble recoveries, one sack, two forced fumbles and one pass breakup.
Tough challenge
Elson said the Hilltoppers are not taking YSU lightly.
"This is a typical Youngstown State team," he said. "It's well-coached and disciplined on both sides of the football. Obviously the injury bug has hit them and is a factor in their current record.
"This is a tough football team that has been competitive with some good opponents. It's always difficult to play on the road in this league, especially when you have to go to the Ice Castle. We need to come out prepared to play like we did last week."
mollica@vindy.com