The Battle of the Bluegrass simply obtained much more heated than the rivalry already was, as a uniform change for Western Kentucky got here after a cheeky transfer by Japanese Kentucky the week of their matchup.
WKU deliberate to have a “white out” recreation on Saturday, however the Hilltoppers are as a substitute altering to their purple jerseys after EKU determined to put on white uniforms.
It’s EKU’s proper to decide on to put on white uniforms because the visiting staff, and NCAA guidelines require each groups to agree on a possible uniform swap earlier than kickoff.
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Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback Caden Veltkamp (10) seems to be for a go towards towards the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: (Will McLelland-USA TODAY Sports activities)
The Hilltoppers launched a press release on the matter, the place they threw a slight jab at its rival within the course of by saying how lengthy the plan has been on the market for them to put on white in its house opener.
“We introduced our soccer recreation themes and promotions for the 2024 season on July 10 with Saturday’s house opener theme a ‘white out.’ Each season, we put on white helmets, uniforms and pants for our annual white out recreation,” the assertion learn.
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“Nevertheless, EKU knowledgeable us on Tuesday of this week that they might be exercising their proper because the visiting staff to put on white uniforms, thus forcing us to put on purple jerseys on Saturday. Per NCAA guidelines, each groups should conform to a uniform swap. We have been hoping EKU would agree to permit us to put on white on Saturday, as many different opponents have in previous years.”
The Hilltoppers are nonetheless encouraging followers to attend Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium of their all-white suits regardless of the staff not sporting their jerseys as such.
Japanese Kentucky Colonels operating again Brayden Latham (14) runs the ball whereas defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker JP Purvis (26) throughout the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Subject. (Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports activities)
In the meantime, so as to add much more pettiness to EKU’s determination, they posted the precise uniforms that might be worn as they puffed up the Battle of the Bluegrass.
The Colonels are sporting the all-white look within the pants and jersey, with their maroon and white helmets.
WKU is the favorites on this matchup regardless of getting blown out by Alabama. 63-0, in its season opener. EKU was equally dominated in its first recreation of the season, 56-7, after they misplaced to Mississippi State.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive again Dave Herard (17) reacts to a name at Bryant-Denny Stadium. (Will McLelland-USA TODAY Sports activities)
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This would be the first time the Battle of the Bluegrass is performed since 2017, as WKU went from FCS soccer to FBS.
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