Gameday Guide: Eastern Kentucky vs. Western Kentucky

Here's what you need to know about Saturday's opener between Western Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky. The game kicks off at 6 PM CT at WKU's L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, KY.

Sep 2, 2017 by Kolby Paxton

Gameday Guide: Eastern Kentucky vs. Western Kentucky

Buckle up. Week one of the college football season is upon us, and we're kicking things off with the most prolific scoring offense in the country of a season ago. Here's what you need to know about Saturday's opener between Western Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky.

The game kicks off at 6 PM CT at WKU's L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, KY.

A New Sheriff In Bowling Green

Western Kentucky head coach Mike Sanford picks up where Jeff Brohm -- now at Purdue -- left off. Sanford is the second-youngest head coach in the country, but youth doesn't equal inexperience in this case. Sanford has 12 years of FBS coaching experience and has been to five BCS or New Year's Six bowl games as an assistant.

Rivalry Renewed

These cross-state rivals have a storied history. Western Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky will meet for the 85th time on Saturday night in a rivalry known as the Battle of the Bluegrass. The series has seen the most contests between two Kentucky schools, but it was temporarily discontinued after WKU jumped to the FBS in 2008 with the Hilltoppers leading 47-35-3 in the previous 84 games.

Aye Aye, Captain

Western Kentucky players voted on three team captains at the conclusion of fall camp: quarterback Mike White (offense), linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe (defense), and defensive lineman Derik Overstreet. Overstreet is the "trenches" captain, which was chosen among all offensive and defensive linemen. The Toppers will also have a rotating special teams captain.

Impact Transfers

Eastern Kentucky will look to a pair of transfers to lead the way on offense. Connecticut transfer Tim Boyle won the starting quarterback job during fall camp and Louisville transfer LJ Scott figures to serve as the lead running back for the Colonels. Boyle started eight games and played in 19 games at quarterback for UConn in three seasons, throwing for 1,237 yards. Scott rushed for 396 yards on 71 carries in three seasons with the Cardinals.

How to Watch Eastern Kentucky vs. Western Kentucky

On TV: Available on Roku and Apple TV 4 -- download the FloSports app now.
Streaming: Only on FloFootball with a PRO subscription. A yearly PRO subscription provides access to ALL FloSports sites. JOIN NOW