Western Carolina doesn't figure to be a stout test for the Yellow Jackets football team as it kicks off its 2011 season. However, the game will provide coach Paul Johnson the opportunity to see many of his team's new moving parts in action for the first time in a game situation. By opening the season on Thursday, it will give the Yellow Jackets extra time to prepare for their road trip to Middle Tennessee State on September 9.
A Closer Look At The Catamounts
Coach: Dennis Wagner 7-27 in four seasons at Western Carolina; 51-64-1 Overall
Last Season: 2-9, 1-7 SOCON
Returning Starters: 13 (nine offensive, 4 defensive)
Key Players: WR Deja Alexander, DB Randy Pressley, QB Zac Brindise
Western Carolina finished dead last in the Southern Conference during the 2010 season and ranked near the bottom in most offensive and defensive statistical categories. With many of the Catamounts young and inexperienced, they figure to have another tough season in 2011 and were picked to finish last once again by the SoCon coaches. If there is a glimmer of hope it comes in the form of sophomore wideout Deja Alexander who was named to the SoCon's All Freshman team last season. While the rest of the Catamounts are likely to be out manned by the Yellow Jackets, Tech's secondary could get a test from Alexander.