Last week’s 38-35 win over Western Illinois proved to be a test the Western Kentucky defense narrowly passed. Having stopped the Leathernecks on their final offensive possession, the Hilltoppers did just enough to pick up a victory in their Gateway Conference opener.

The effort, however, will surely not be enough this week as WKU plays host to sixth-ranked Illinois State, which happens to have one of Division I-AA’s top offenses.

&#8220It’s about as tough as it gets,” WKU coach David Elson said of defending the Redbirds. &#8220We obviously have to play better defense and try and force some three-and-outs and put them in some long-yardage situations.”

The Hilltoppers did neither of those things last week, stopping the Leathernecks only twice all game, once at the end of the first half when they took a knee and then again on their final possession when it mattered most.

Illinois State comes into the game ranked third in the Gateway in total offense (381.2 yards per game) and first in passing (232.0 ypg). Junior quarterback Luke Drone has plenty of options at his disposal, with reigning Gateway Offensive Player of the Year Laurent Robinson on one side and Pierre Jackson on the other. Jackson is actually second in the conference in yards per game with 91.0 ypg – behind only WKU’s Curtis Hamilton, who has 104.8 ypg.

Robinson has been inactive in ISU’s past two games with an ankle injury, but is expected to play this week.

Joining Drone in the backfield has been maybe the Redbirds’ biggest surprise this season in halfback Pierre Rembert, who leads the conference in rushing with 133.2 yards per game. All in all, Illinois State is capable of striking anywhere and everywhere with a number of different players.

&#8220With the balance they have they really do a good job of calling the plays and coordinating the offense,” Elson said. &#8220If you want to try and do something to stop Robinson or double-team him or something, then you’re making yourself vulnerable somewhere else.”

As concerned as Elson may seem about Illinois State’s explosiveness, the same could be said for Redbird coach Denver Johnson, who himself is very impressed with what he’s seen from the Hilltoppers.

After struggling the first two games of the year Western has been clicking the past two contests, showing balance in both the passing and running games.

Quarterback Justin Haddix threw for 267 yards last week and avoided any turnovers. Halfback Lerron Moore was named the conference offensive player of the week after rushing for 163 yards and three touchdowns.

The two are all too familiar to Johnson, who believes WKU is every bit as dangerous as it has been in the past.

&#8220I don’t think there’s anything we can exploit with Western Kentucky,” Johnson said. &#8220We just need to be assignment correct and fundamentally sound.”

Since joining the Gateway in 2001, the Hilltoppers have never fallen to Illinois State, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the series has been lopsided.

Last season WKU needed a Chris James overtime field goal to pull out a 37-34 win in Normal, Ill. The 2004 season was much the same, with the Hilltoppers taking advantages of some mistakes to earn a 24-21 win. The last four contests have been decided by an average of 4.5 points.

&#8220The last three years the game could have went any way. Unfortunately for us it hasn’t gone our way,” Johnson said. &#8220I don’t think we need to apologize to anyone because those were hard-fought ballgames.”

Illinois State enters the game with the distinction of being the Gateway’s highest ranked team, giving Western even more incentive to make a statement. Having been looking from the outside in all season, the Hilltoppers have a chance to prove that even though they may not be getting the same type of respect they’re become accustomed to over the years, they’re still a team to reckon with.

&#8220In my opinion we’ve never been gone,” Elson said. &#8220This is the next football game on our schedule and they’re a high-ranked opponent. We have played high-ranked opponents before and we’re at home. We’ve been in this situation before.”

Sullivan recognized again

Western Kentucky senior center Chris Sullivan was once again named the national offensive lineman of the week by the Hansen Football Gazette for his efforts in last week’s victory. The Hilltopper offense racked up 469 yards of total offense in the win – a game in which Sullivan didn’t give up a sack and had 10 pancake blocks.

Sullivan enjoyed the same honor after the Hilltoppers’ home win over Chattanooga. This season, Sullivan has graded over 90 percent in each of WKU’s first four games.

Illinois State (3-1) at Western Kentucky (2-2)

Today – 6 p.m. at L.T. Smith Stadium

Series: WKU leads 10-2

Last meeting: WKU won 37-34 in OT last season in Normal, Ill.

Last time out: WKU beat Western Illinois 38-35; Illinois State beat Murray State 35-14

Note: WKU has won the past five meetings with Illinois State