Western Kentucky defensive coordinator Nick Holt and redshirt-sophomore safety Branden Leston discuss facing Central Michigan.

Nick Holt

    Improvement of the defense: “We’ve improved a lot. It’s still kind of a work in progress. The young guys have gotten older, they’ve gotten a lot of reps. Our new kids that joined us in the spring, the junior college kids, have gotten better. And I think we’re playing with a little more confidence and guys are having fun.

    “We have gotten better and that’s what you’re supposed to do throughout the season. We’re fired up that we have another opportunity to play.”

    Bowl practices: “Huge. That’s the best thing about it. We’ve had, already, six or seven bowl practices and what I’m really fired up about is the kids have done a nice job. They’ve been focused in and have wanted to get better.

    “We’ve kept some of the young guys out here and gave ‘em even some more reps. The attitude’s been great, the preparation so far has been really good, we just gotta finish it up.”

    Central Michigan: “Big, physical team. A lot of two backs. This is a team that they have a lot of good stuff – two tight ends, two backs – a couple good running backs – a really good receiver. I like their tight ends.

    “Very, very well-coached. Very well-coached in the running game. So it’s a classic, classic Midwest team that likes to run the ball. They’re good running the ball, therefore their play-action game is excellent. We’ve got our work cut out for us.

    “It’s a great opportunity for us to go enjoy ourselves, but by the same token, go down there and represent WKU.”

    Statement game for the defense? “Well, you know what, every opportunity for us is an opportunity to get better, whether that’s making a statement or not.

    “We’re taking this thing really seriously. Yeah, we’d like to have fun – and we’re gonna have fun. But bottom line, bowl games are fun when you win ‘em. That’s been my experience, and that’s our take on that.”

Branden Leston

    Bowl practices: “It’s great. It’s getting the young guys ready for next year, some reps that they haven’t been getting all season. They’re getting prepared and we’re gonna need everyone in this game to win.”

    Defensive improvement: “We’ve gotten a lot better. We’re coming together as a team, making more plays and just believing in the system.”

    Bahamas Bowl a statement game? “We had a couple good games defensively. The Marshall game we made some plays, but it wasn’t as good as we wanted it to be. Making a statement this game will be good going into next year.”

    Plan on making more interceptions? “That’s the plan. I’m hoping on making one or two of ‘em.”