June 17, 2025

WKU Dominates EKU in Battle of the Bluegrass

News Summary

Western Kentucky University secured a decisive 31-0 victory over Eastern Kentucky University in the latest installment of the Battle of the Bluegrass. This victory marked WKU’s first shutout against EKU since 1973 and extended their winning streak to four games. WKU showcased strong performance with touchdowns from Elijah Young and L.T. Sanders, while EKU struggled, particularly in their passing game. Despite the loss, EKU demonstrated resilience in their running attack. The game attracted over 16,000 fans amid a uniform dispute, illuminating the ongoing rivalry between the two teams.

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Western Kentucky University (WKU) achieved a commanding 31-0 victory over Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) on September 7, 2024, in the much-anticipated Battle of the Bluegrass. This clash marks the first meeting between the two teams since 2017 and saw WKU enhance its winning streak over EKU to four consecutive games.

The contest was notable not only for the shutout nature of the victory but also because it was WKU’s first shutout victory against EKU since 1973. In that historic game, WKU triumphed with a score of 35-0. Their last shutout prior to this match was a dominant 73-0 win against Florida International in the 2022 season.

WKU took control of the game from the onset, scoring points in each of their first three offensive drives. The first quarter featured a 1-yard touchdown run by senior running back Elijah Young, alongside a short field goal that helped build an early lead. By halftime, WKU had established a 17-0 advantage, bolstered by another touchdown from junior running back L.T. Sanders.

In a notable shift, EKU substituted starting quarterback Matt Morrissey for Cameron Hergott in the second half. Hergott, a former Kentucky Mr. Football and three-time state champion in high school, led EKU on an impressive 89-yard drive, but the effort ultimately ended in disappointment with a missed field goal attempt.

Despite the loss, EKU’s running game showed strengths with Brayden Latham and Joshua Carter both surpassing 80 rushing yards in the matchup. However, the passing game struggled significantly, with EKU managing only 245 passing yards and scoring just 7 points across two games against Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponents this season. Following the game, EKU coach Walt Wells confirmed that Morrissey would remain the starting quarterback moving forward.

In the fourth quarter, WKU continued to assert their dominance on the field. They scored an additional touchdown through a 9-yard run by Young, complementing a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback TJ Finley to receiver Dalvin Smith. Finley had a standout performance, completing 27 of 39 passes for a total of 351 yards, averaging an impressive 13 yards per completion. Overall, WKU outperformed EKU in total yards, accumulating 467 yards to EKU’s 266.

The game attracted an attendance of 16,712 fans, a decline from the 18,614 spectators who attended the last Battle of the Bluegrass matchup in 2017. Leading up to the event, a uniform dispute occurred, in which EKU opted to wear their white uniforms, conflicting with WKU’s planned White Out event. As a result, WKU wore red jerseys as the visiting team.

Financially, WKU is compensating EKU $325,000 as part of their game contract, highlighting the investment in this historic rival matchup. In the aftermath of their loss, EKU will aim to regroup for their upcoming home opener against West Georgia, while WKU prepares for a crucial rivalry game against Middle Tennessee State, continuing their campaign in Conference USA.

Both teams face uncertain futures in scheduling further encounters, as the Battle of the Bluegrass rivalry has diminished significantly in recent years. The all-time series record now stands at 49-34-3 in favor of WKU, which includes a recorded forfeit win from 1932.

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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.

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