Bowling Green, KY, October 13, 2025
News Summary
The WKU Hilltoppers football team is set to take on the Florida International Panthers at Houchens-Smith Stadium. WKU boasts a strong offensive record and aims for a second consecutive CUSA championship appearance, while FIU struggles defensively. The match will also feature a pregame concert and honors for standout athletes.
Bowling Green, KY – The WKU Hilltoppers football team is set to face the Florida International Panthers on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Houchens-Smith Stadium. The game will kick off at 7 PM ET and will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU.
WKU enters the game with a record of 5-1 overall and 3-0 in Conference USA (CUSA). The Hilltoppers are on pace for a return to the CUSA championship game for the second consecutive year after starting 3-0 in conference play. Currently, the team boasts the title of the top-scoring offense in CUSA, averaging 33.7 points per game. They also have the best passing offense in the conference, with 306.2 passing yards per game.
The Hilltoppers have recently won their last two games against Missouri State and Delaware, including a close 27-24 victory over Delaware on October 3, 2025. In contrast, the FIU Panthers are coming into this matchup with a 2-3 overall record and 0-1 in CUSA. The Panthers have been struggling defensively, allowing an average of 275.8 passing yards per game, ranking them 128th in the FBS. Their last outing on October 4 saw them lose 51-10 to UConn, which was compounded by five turnovers during the game.
Despite their defensive issues, FIU’s running back, Kejon Owens, has proven to be a standout player, ranking second in CUSA with 463 rushing yards and five touchdowns. The matchup on Tuesday night will feature the best passing game in CUSA against a Panthers team that is aiming to establish its ground game.
WKU’s head coach, Tyson Helton, has expressed confidence in his team while emphasizing the importance of correcting areas for improvement as they prepare for the game. The Hilltoppers’ recent performance indicates they have been averaging a 4.0-point margin in their last two games, indicating closely contested encounters.
Prior to the game, fans can enjoy a free Blanco Brown pregame concert starting at 5:30 PM on South Lawn. Blanco Brown is a country hip-hop artist known for his popular song “The Git Up.” At halftime, WKU will recognize three of its athletes—Brandon Doughty (football), Travis Hudson (volleyball), and Jessica Lucas (volleyball)—for their inclusion in the CUSA Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Historically, WKU holds an 11-6 series advantage over FIU, having won their most recent encounter in 2023 by a score of 41-28.
| Feature | WKU Hilltoppers | FIU Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 5-1 | 2-3 |
| Conference Record | 3-0 | 0-1 |
| Offensive Points per Game | 33.7 | Not specified |
| Passing Yards per Game | 306.2 | 275.8 (defensive average) |
| Last Game Result | W vs. Delaware (27-24) | L vs. UConn (10-51) |
| Pregame Concert | Blanco Brown at 5:30 PM | N/A |
| Recent Series Record against Each Other | 11-6 advantage | 11-6 disadvantage |
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Bowling Green Girls’ Soccer Team Wins District 14 Championship
WKU Announces Basketball Tipoff Luncheon
WKU Volleyball Sweeps Missouri State, Extends Win Streak
WKU Volleyball Sweeps Missouri State, Extends CUSA Win Streak
Additional Resources
- WKU Sports: This Week in WKU Athletics
- Google Search: WKU Football
- BG Daily News: WKU Football
- Wikipedia: Florida International Panthers Football
- Covers: FIU vs. Western Kentucky Prediction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Conference USA
- USA Today: FIU at Western Kentucky Odds
- Google News: WKU Hilltoppers
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