WKU enters a new generation of competition in 2014 and will have a schedule and ticket options to match as the Hilltoppers begin their first season as members of Conference USA.
At his introductory press conference, first year head coach Jeff Brohm said, “We are excited to be in Conference USA. I think it will bring a lot of energy to our fans to play new teams, to experience going to different places. We are going to go out and compete. Without question, our goal is to go out and win the conference championship.”
WKU will play four opponents for the first time in 2014 (Illinois, Old Dominion, UTEP and UTSA) and will enjoy playing three of its final four games of the season at home. In total, the Hilltoppers will play six games inside the confines of Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium with five of those currently slated for Saturday kickoffs.
However, the Hilltoppers will have the opportunity to open the season in style as one of college football’s select few to begin play on Thursday, Aug. 28 when they host the reigning Mid-American Conference champions, Bowling Green State.
Three road games follow at Big Ten opponent Illinois (Sept. 6) before heading down to take on long time arch rival Middle Tennessee in Murfreesboro (Sept. 13) as C-USA opponents for the first time.
A bye week follows before the Tops close out the month of September on the road in Annapolis at Navy (Sept. 27).
WKU will begin its C-USA home schedule on Oct. 4 when it welcomes UAB to Houchens-Smith Stadium before enjoying its second and final bye week of the season. After the final bye, the Tops will have conference games in six of their final seven games including their three-game homestand in November.
A trip south to Florida Atlantic (Oct. 18) and a single game at home against Old Dominion (Oct. 25) close out October before heading to Ruston, La., for the Louisiana Tech (Nov. 1) game to open the month of November.
The Hilltoppers then enjoy their longest homestand of the season, a three-game stretch featuring UTEP (Nov. 8), Army (Nov. 15) and UTSA (Nov. 22). Both Texas schools are first-time opponents for the Hilltoppers, and it will be Army’s first visit to Bowling Green in program history.
WKU closes out the regular season on Thanksgiving weekend at Marshall in what could prove to be a pivotal game in the division race.
Television games have not yet been finalized and will be released as they become available.
2014 WKU Football Schedule
Aug. 28 – Bowling Green (Thursday)
Sept. 6 – at Illinois
Sept. 13 – at Middle Tennessee*
Sept. 27 – at Navy
Oct. 4 – UAB*
Oct. 18 – at Florida Atlantic*
Oct. 25 – Old Dominion*
Nov. 1 – at Louisiana Tech*
Nov. 8 – UTEP*
Nov. 15 – Army
Nov. 22 – UTSA*
Nov. 28 – at Marshall* (Friday)