The WKU Hilltoppers football program is a college football team that represents Western Kentucky University (WKU). The team is currently a member of Conference USA, which is a Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The program has 1 national championship (FCS/I-AA), 11 conference championships (1 SIAA, 9 OVC and 1 Gateway) and 5 Consensus All-Americans. The team's head football coach is Jeff Brohm. The Hilltoppers play their home games at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky.[1]
History
Early history
Western Kentucky first fielded a football team in 1908. The program's first coaches were M.A. Leiper and Roy Manchester. The Hilltoppers didn't compete in football from 1917-1919 because of World War I. L.T. Smith, whose name bears the Hilltoppers' home stadium, coached the team for two seasons from 1920-1921.
Edgar Diddle era (1922–1928)
Better known for serving as Western Kentucky's iconic basketball coach, Edgar Diddle coached the Hilltoppers football team for seven seasons. The Hilltoppers had their first football successes under Diddle, who was a dual athlete himself and encouraged his players to do the same so they could stay in shape.
Carl Anderson era (1929 and 1934–1937)
Carl Anderson served two stints as Western Kentucky's head football coach. Anderson posted a 31-12-3 record as the Hilltoppers head football coach.
Nick Denes era (1957–1967)
Nick Denes coached WKU football for 11 seasons, compiling a 57-39-7 mark for a .587 winning percentage. Denes was also the former WKU Hilltoppers baseball head coach, in which Nick Denes Field is named after.
Jimmy Feix era (1968–1983)
Jimmy Feix is the most successful coach in Western Kentucky football history. He complied a 105-56-6 record in 16 seasons as head coach. He led the transition from NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS). His teams won six Ohio Valley Conference championships and two Division II runners-up in 1973 and 1975. Feix was also a six-time OVC Coach of the Year. His winning percentage (.6488) is also the highest among all coaches in Western Kentucky football history.
Dave Roberts era (1984–1988)
Dave Roberts took over the Hilltoppers football program after Feix's retirement. Roberts posted a 26-30-1 record in five seasons as head football coach. He left after the 1988 season to accept the head football coach position at Louisiana-Monroe.
Jack Harbaugh era (1989–2002)
Jack Harbaugh served as the Hilltoppers head football coach for 14 seasons, compiling a 91-68 record, two conference championships (OVC 2000, Gateway 2002) and the 2002 Division I-AA National Championship. Harbaugh took the Hilltopper football program from the depths of despair in the early 1990s to its best stretch since the legendary Jimmy Feix coached on the Hill. Jack and his wife Jackie are credited with saving the WKU Football program. Jack's two sons, Baltimore Ravens head coach, John Harbaugh and Michigan head coach, Jim Harbaugh are also credited with helping their dad with recruiting and building a football powerhouse.[2]
David Elson era (2003–2009)
Coach David Elson led the Hilltoppers for six seasons, five of which were at the Division I-AA level and the last being WKU's first season in Division I-A (now FBS) as members of the Sun Belt Conference. After leading a successful WKU program and gaining Div I membership, Elson made a strategic decision to build for the future: he redshirted a very talented freshman class he had recruited, giving them the chance to develop before playing. The resulting 0-12 record in 2009 led to Elson's firing, but left a great talent base for his successor.
Willie Taggart era (2010–2012)
Willie Taggart returned to his alma mater as head football coach from his position as Stanford running backs coach, where he served under Jack Harbaugh's son Jim Harbaugh.[3] In Taggart's three seasons, the Hilltoppers went 2–10, then back to back 7–5 seasons that included an upset of Kentucky in Lexington in 2012. That was Western Kentucky's first win over an SEC opponent in program history. Despite the surprising 7–5 record in 2011, a season in which the Hilltoppers went 7–1 in their final eight games, they were not invited to a bowl game. In 2012, Taggart led WKU to its first bowl appearance as an FBS member, the 2012 Little Caesar's Bowl, a game they lost to Central Michigan.[4] Taggart, a former running back himself, ran a run-heavy West Coast offense that helped develop leading rushers Bobby Rainey and Antonio Andrews. Taggart left after the 2012 season to accept the head football coach position at South Florida.[5]
Bobby Petrino era (2013)
Former Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino was hired as the new head football coach following Taggart's departure.[6] In the news conference announcing Petrino's hiring in December 2012, athletic director Todd Stewart called the hiring a "landmark moment" in the history of WKU football.[7] Petrino led the team to a second straight win over Kentucky in August 2013, his first game as the Hilltoppers head football coach.[8] The Hilltoppers finished the 2013 regular season with an 8-4 record but were snubbed from a bowl appearance.
On April 1, 2013, it was announced that Western Kentucky would join Conference USA in all sports effective July 1, 2014.[9]
In January 2014, it was announced that Petrino would leave WKU to accept the head football coach position at Louisville.[10]
Jeff Brohm era (2014–present)
After one season as offensive coordinator for the Hilltoppers, Jeff Brohm was promoted to the program's head football coach, replacing Petrino.[11] In his first season, WKU went 8-4. Highlights of the season include defeating #24 Marshall in Huntington 67-66[12] and winning the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl 49-48 over Central Michigan.[13] Quarterback Brandon Doughty led FBS in passing yards with 4,830. He also threw for 49 Touchdowns and was named 2014 Conference USA Most Valuable Player.[14]
Logos and uniforms
Traditionally, the logo for Western Kentucky athletics was a diagonal "WKU" lettering. Although the "WKU" is still in use, the primary logo was switched in 2003 to a red towel with an embossed "WKU" wordmark in white.[15]
The Hilltoppers have a long relationship with Russell Athletic for their uniforms and the contract was renewed through 2016. Red and white are the primary colors of the football uniforms with an occasional gray or black uniform.
Before the 2011 season, head coach Willie Taggart announced new uniforms that were worn through the 2012 season. The highlight of the design were 2 shoulder stripes and featured bold "WKU" lettering on the chest.[16] During the 2012 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, the Hilltoppers wore an alternate gray uniform with the same design template.[17]
On July 18, 2013, head coach Bobby Petrino held a launch event for new uniforms for the 2013 football season. Photos had already been released of chrome football helmets a few months after he was hired. Three WKU uniforms were released at the event and each design was paired with a chrome helmet. The new black alternate uniform received the most attention on social media.[18] The white away uniform included red sleeves in the design and all three pants had "Hilltoppers" lettering down the side.[19] The red design included black sleeves and all three uniforms had the Western Kentucky seal as a watermark in the numbers.[20]
All-time record vs. CUSA teams
Official record (including any NCAA imposed vacates and forfeits) against all current CUSA opponents:
NCAA affiliations
Conference affiliations
National championships
Conference championships
Bowl Games
WKU competed in two "College Division" bowl games prior to the NCAA instituting playoffs for lower division teams in 1973. In 2009 WKU completed its transition from Division I-AA/FCS to FBS. All bowl games since then were at the NCAA Division I FBS level.
NCAA Playoff appearances
The NCAA began Division II National Football Championship in 1973. WKU made NCAA Division II playoff appearances in 1973 and 1975. NCAA Division I-AA was formed for football in 1978, and WKU moved up from Division II to Division 1-AA at that time, and all playoff appearances since then were at the Division 1-AA level. In 2006 the name of Division 1-AA was changed to NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). In 2007, WKU initiated the transition to NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and became ineligible for any further playoff appearances.
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Year
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Record
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Coach
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Results
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1973
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12-1
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Jimmy Feix
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Lehigh W 25-16; Grambling W 28-20; Louisiana Tech L 0-34 (NCAA Runners-up)
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1975
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11-2
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Jimmy Feix
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N. Iowa W 14-12; New Hampshire W 14- 3; N. Michigan L 14-16 (NCAA Runners-up)
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1987
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7-4
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Dave Roberts
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Eastern Kentucky L 17-40
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1988
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9-4
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Dave Roberts
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Western Illinois W 35-32; Eastern Kentucky L 24-41
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1997
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10-2
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Jack Harbaugh
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Eastern Kentucky W 42-14; Eastern Washington L 21-38
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2000
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11-2
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Jack Harbaugh
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Florida A&M W 27-0; Appalachian State L 14-17
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2001
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8-4
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Jack Harbaugh
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Furman L 20-24
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2002
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12-3
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Jack Harbaugh
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Murray St W 59-20; W. Illinois W 31-28; GA Southern W 31-28; McNeese St W 34-14 (NCAA Champions)
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2003
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9-4
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David Elson
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Jacksonville State W 45-7; Wofford L 17-34
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2004
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9-3
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David Elson
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Sam Houston State L 24-54
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Hilltoppers in the polls
From 1978 until 2007, WKU competed in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision, and as such was eligible for the post-season FCS coaches poll and the Sports Network poll, started in 1993. They have appeared in the final rankings 12 seasons.
Hilltoppers in the NFL
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Active
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LB Andrew Jackson - Indianapolis (2014 – present) Drafted 2014: 6th Rnd, 203rd by IND
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CB Jonathan Dowling - Oakland (2014 – present) Drafted 2014: 7th Rnd, 247th by OAK
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RB Antonio Andrews - Tennessee (2014 – present)
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DE Quanterus Smith - Denver (2013 – present) Drafted 2013: 5th Rnd, 146th by DEN
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TE Jack Doyle - Indianapolis (2013 – present)
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RB Bobby Rainey - Baltimore (2012–2013), Cleveland (2013), Tampa Bay (2013 – present)
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Free agent or practice squad
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LB Xavius Boyd - Baltimore (Signed 2014), Buffalo (Signed 2014), free agent
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FB Kadeem Jones - St. Louis (Signed 2014), free agent
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DB Derrius Brooks - Cincinnati (Signed 2012), Saints (Signed 2014), Tampa Bay (2014–Present), practice squad, IR
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Former
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E Pete Marcus - Washington (1950)
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LB Dale Lindsey - Cleveland (1965–1972), New Orleans (1973) Drafted 1965: 7th Rnd, 97th by CLE
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RB Clarence "Jazz" Jackson, Jr. - New York (Jets) (1974–1976) Drafted 1974: 16th Rnd, 395th by NYJ
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DB Virgil Livers - Chicago (1975–1979) Drafted 1975: 4th Rnd, 83rd by CHI
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WR Darryl Drake - Washington (1979), Cincinnati (1983)
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C/G David Carter - Houston (1977–1983), New Orleans (1984–1985) Drafted 1977: 6th Rnd, 165th by HOU
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DB David Mullen - New York (Jets) (1983-1986) Drafted 1983: 8th Rnd, 217th by NYJ
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DB Carl Brazley - San Diego (1987) (CFL 1980-1982)
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LB Paul Gray - Atlanta (1987), Drafted 1984: 10th Rnd, 264th by NO
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G Pete Walters - Philadelphia (1987)
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WR Keith Paskett - Green Bay (1987)
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DE Tim Mooney - Philadelphia (1987)
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DB Mark Johnson - Cincinnati (1987)
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RB Rod Smart AKA "He Hate Me" - Philadelphia (2001), Carolina (2002–2005)
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CB Joseph Jefferson - Indianapolis (2002–2005) Drafted 2002: 3rd Rnd, 74th by IND
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DB Mel Mitchell - New Orleans (2002-2005), New England (2006-2007) Drafted 2002: 5th Rnd, 150th by NO
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FB Jeremi Johnson - Cincinnati (2003-2009) Drafted 2003: 4th Rnd, 118th by CIN
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LB Sherrod Coates - Cleveland (2003-2004)
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G Anthony Oakley - Chicago (2005–2007)
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WR Bobby Sippio - Kansas City (2007)
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WR Curtis Hamilton - Chicago (2008), New Orleans (2009)
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K Shane Andrus - Indianapolis (2009), Tampa (2009), San Francisco (2009-2010)
A total of 30 Hilltoppers have been drafted in the NFL.
Notable Hilltopper players
Notable Hilltopper coaches
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Head coaches
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L.T. Smith (1920–1921, Head Coach) - Namesake of L.T. Smith Stadium
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E.A. Diddle (1922–1928, Head Coach) - Former WKU Hilltoppers basketball Head Coach
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Nick Denes (1957-1967, Head Coach) - Namesake of Nick Denes Field
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Jimmy Feix (1968–1983, Head Coach; 1957-1967, Assistant Coach; 1986-1991, Athletic Director) - Winningest coach in WKU history; 1973, 1978, and 1980 Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year; 1973 and 1975 NCAA Division II National Runners-up
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Jack Harbaugh (1989–2002, Head Coach) - Former Head Coach - Western Michigan, 2000 Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year, 2002 AFCA Coach of the Year (FCS), 2002 FCS National Champion
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Bobby Petrino (2013) - Former coach at University of Louisville, University of Arkansas, and the NFL's Atlanta Falcons spent 13 months as head coach at WKU before returning to Louisville in January 2014.
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Assistants
Retired jerseys
Individual award winners
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Justin Haddix - 2003
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Jack Harbaugh - 2002
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Nick Denes - 1963
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Jimmy Feix - 1973, 1978, 1980
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Jack Harbaugh - 2000
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Bobby Rainey - 2010, 2011
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Antonio Andrews - 2013
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Quanterus Smith - 2012
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Xavius Boyd - 2013
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Antonio Andrews - 2013
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Brandon Doughty - 2014
All-Americans
WKU has fielded 64 All-Americans, with the first being named in 1952 and the last being named in 2005.
5 have been designated by the NCAA as "Consensus All-Americans" (selected by the AP, the Walter Camp Foundation and the AFCA). They are:
WKU's total of 5 Consensus All-Americans outpaces BCS programs Duke, Wake Forest, and Iowa State.
Rivalries
WKU has several historic rivalries that stem from its time in the Ohio Valley Conference. Since WKU's move to the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2008, two of the three rivalry games are no longer played on an annual basis.
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Battle of the Bluegrass is the name of WKU's rivalry with the Eastern Kentucky Colonels. As WKU's oldest rivalry, the two programs have met 85 times in football since 1914.[21]
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Battle for the Red Belt is the name of WKU's rivalry with the nearby Murray State Racers. The two programs have met 67 times since the rivalry began in 1931. The Red Belt trophy was introduced to the rivalry series in 1978 when Murray's athletic trainer failed to pack a belt for the Racers' road trip and was loaned one by legendary WKU athletic trainer Bill "Doc E" Edwards.[22]
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100 Miles of Hate is the name of the long-standing rivalry with the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders.[23][24] The two programs played together for several decades in the Ohio Valley Conference, and they both moved around the same time to the Sun Belt Conference and then to Conference USA.[25][26]
Future non-conference opponents
[27]
References
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^ UniformCritics.com, Photos and History of Western Kentucky Football Uniforms. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
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^ UniformCritics.com, Photos of 2011-2012 Red Hilltoppers Football Uniform. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
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^ UniformCritics.com, Photos of 2012 Gray WKU Football Uniform. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
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^ UniformCritics.com, Photos of 2013 Western Kentucky Black Alternate Uniform. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
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^ UniformCritics.com, Photos of 2013 Western Kentucky White Football Uniform. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
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^ UniformCritics.com, Photos of 2013 Western Kentucky Red Football Uniform. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
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WKU Hilltoppers football
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† = reinstated football, but not fielding team until at least 2017.
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