Bowling Green, Kentucky, October 14, 2025

News Summary

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is set to host Florida International University (FIU) in a highly anticipated matchup at Houchens-Smith Stadium. The game is scheduled for October 14, with WKU boasting a strong 5-1 record and a perfect 3-0 in Conference USA play. Fans can enjoy a pregame concert by Blanco Brown, while the halftime show will honor three Hall of Fame inductees. WKU looks to solidify its standing as a championship contender against a struggling FIU team.

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Western Kentucky University (WKU) will host Florida International University (FIU) on Tuesday, October 14, at Houchens-Smith Stadium for their annual Black Out game. The matchup is set to kick off at 7 p.m. CT and will be aired nationally on ESPNU.

WKU enters the game with a strong record of 5-1 overall and a perfect 3-0 in Conference USA (CUSA), positioning them as a serious contender for a return to the CUSA championship game this season. They are one of three teams in the conference that remain unbeaten in league play, joined by Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State. Additionally, WKU is currently the only team in CUSA boasting three wins in conference play.

The Hilltoppers are bouncing back from a hard-fought 27-24 victory against Delaware on October 3, where they clinched the game with a vital interception return for a touchdown. This season, WKU has distinguished itself as the top-scoring offense in CUSA, averaging 33.7 points per game and leading the league in passing offense with an impressive average of 306.2 yards per game.

In contrast, FIU, under head coach Willie Simmons, is facing challenges despite a strong start to the season with a 42-9 victory over Bethune-Cookman. However, their performance has been inconsistent, suffering a significant 51-10 loss to UConn in a later match. Notably, FIU’s running back, Kejon Owens, ranks second in CUSA for rushing with 463 yards and five touchdowns. Meanwhile, quarterback Keyone Jenkins demonstrates his versatility as a dual threat with four rushing touchdowns to his name.

WKU’s head coach Tyson Helton expressed enthusiasm for returning home after two games on the road. The matchup against FIU is expected to be a physical contest, as noted by Coach Simmons, who acknowledged the strength of WKU’s offensive and defensive lines.

Before the game, fans can enjoy a free pregame concert featuring country hip-hop artist Blanco Brown, starting at 5:30 p.m. CT. This will be the fourth consecutive year that WKU has featured a pregame concert, with past performers including DJ Diesel, Jordan Davis, and Flo Rida.

Furthermore, during halftime, WKU will honor three individuals for their induction into the CUSA Hall of Fame: Brandon Doughty for football, Travis Hudson, and Jessica Lucas for volleyball.

Key Game Details

• Teams: WKU vs. FIU
• Date: October 14
• Time: 7 p.m. CT
• Venue: Houchens-Smith Stadium
• Broadcast: Nationally on ESPNU

WKU’s Current Performance

• Overall Record: 5-1
• Conference Record: 3-0
• Scoring Average: 33.7 points per game
• Passing Offense: 306.2 yards per game

FIU’s Season Overview

• Significant Win: 42-9 over Bethune-Cookman
• Significant Loss: 51-10 to UConn
• Key Players: Kejon Owens (463 yards, 5 TDs), Keyone Jenkins (4 rushing TDs)

Concert and Hall of Fame Recognition

• Pregame Concert: Blanco Brown at 5:30 p.m. CT
• Hall of Fame Inductees: Brandon Doughty (Football), Travis Hudson (Volleyball), Jessica Lucas (Volleyball)

Key Features Summary

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

WKU Football Hosts FIU with Pregame Concert
WKU Women’s Volleyball Team Dominates Louisiana Tech
Western Kentucky Women’s Volleyball Achieves Historic Win
Miami University Women’s Tennis Team Shines at MTSU Fall Invite
WKU Hilltoppers Face Off Against FIU Panthers
Western Kentucky Women’s Basketball Team Holds Open Practice
WKU Soccer Defeats Missouri State, Ends Unbeaten Streak
WKU to Host FIU in Football Matchup with Black Out Game
WKU Introduces New Big Red Helmets for Football Season
Cole Maynard Recognized Among Top Collegiate Punters

Additional Resources

• WKU Sports: WKU vs. FIU Game Preview
• Wikipedia: Florida International University
• BG Daily News: WKU Football News
• Google Search: WKU Football
• WKU Sports: WKU vs. Delaware Game Recap
• Google Scholar: Western Kentucky University
• WKU Sports: WKU Season Opening Game Review
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Western Kentucky University
• WKU Sports: WKU vs. Missouri State Preview
• Google News: WKU Hilltoppers

Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.