Western Kentucky to wear red shirts for scheduled 'white out' game after brazen call by rival

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The battle between the Bluegrass teams has become even more heated than the rivalry already was after Western Kentucky received new uniforms following a brazen move by Eastern Kentucky the week of their game.

WKU had planned to play a “white out” game on Saturday, but the Hilltoppers will instead switch to their red uniforms after EKU decided to wear white uniforms.

EKU has the right to choose white uniforms as the visiting team. According to NCAA rules, both teams must agree on a possible uniform change before kickoff.

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Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback Caden Veltkamp (10) searches for a pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Required Credit: (Will McLelland-USA TODAY Sports)

The Hilltoppers released a statement on the matter, taking a dig at their rival by saying how long the plan had been in place to have the Hilltoppers play in white for the home game.

“We announced our football game themes and promotions for the 2024 season on July 10. The theme for Saturday’s home game was ‘white out.’ Each season, we wear white helmets, uniforms and pants for our annual white out game,” the statement said.

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“However, EKU informed us on Tuesday of this week that they would be exercising their right as the visiting team to wear white uniforms, forcing us to wear red shirts on Saturday. Per NCAA rules, both teams must agree to a uniform change. We were hoping that EKU would agree to allow us to wear white on Saturday, as many other opponents have done in previous years.”

The Hilltoppers still encourage their fans to come to Houchens Industries-LT Smith Stadium in their all-white uniforms, even though the team does not wear their uniforms as such.

Eastern Kentucky Colonels running back Brayden Latham (14) runs with the ball while being defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker JP Purvis (26) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. (Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports)

To make EKU’s decision even more childish, they announced the exact uniforms that will be worn during the Battle of the Bluegrass promotion.

The Colonels wear all-white pants and jerseys, and their helmets are burgundy and white.

WKU is the favorite in this game, despite being blown out by Alabama, 63-0, in their season opener. EKU was similarly dominated in their first game of the season, 56-7, when they lost to Mississippi State.