Western Kentucky performed pretty admirably in a competitive conference last season, managing to notch the second-best record in CUSA play. It wasn’t enough to overtake the likes of Florida Atlantic or Louisiana Tech in the win column, but a very solid effort nonetheless, especially after an abysmal 3-9 season in 2018. 

WKU head coach Tyson Helton will take the reins once again for his second season, and his staff will attempt to replicate the positive results of last year. The Hilltoppers’ defense was one of their most important components last season, and the great news there is that the team will be bringing back just about every player from that unit (outside of a few notable names). Western Kentucky will also be getting back QB Steven Duncan after injury, so we’ll see what kind of chemistry he can develop with junior wide receiver Jahcour Peterson, who should be an integral part of the squad himself. 

Western Kentucky has three big road games in the first half of the 2020 season, and those matchups will go a long way toward setting the tone for their season. The Hilltoppers travel to Indiana and Louisville, then go play Middle Tennessee to start out October. Beyond that, WKU has another big road game at Florida to begin November, so their away-from-home play will be key this season. 

Pick: I like the over here. Assuming Western Kentucky can get some consistent quarterback play I’m pretty high on the team this season. The Hilltoppers have enough weapons on the offensive side of the ball to be effective, and the experienced defense should be able to take care of the rest in most games. WKU will have some stumbles along the way—there are some major opponents on the schedule this year—but I think eight wins is doable for the Hilltoppers this season. We should be looking at another bowl game appearance here. 

2020 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football Schedule 

Day, Date                                      Opponent

Saturday, September 5                   Chattanooga 

Saturday, September 12                 at Indiana 

Saturday, September 19                 Liberty    

Saturday, September 26                 at Louisville  

Saturday, October 3                       at Middle Tennessee 

Saturday, October 10                      Marshall 

Saturday, October 17                      at UAB  

Saturday, October 24                      OPEN  

Saturday, October 31                      Old Dominion  

Saturday, November 7                    at Florida 

Saturday, November 14                  Southern Miss  

Saturday, November 21                  FIU  

Saturday, November 28                  at Charlotte 

Saturday, December 5                    C-USA Championship