The Battle of the Bluegrass added another layer of heat to an already intense rivalry when Western Kentucky changed its uniforms after Eastern Kentucky made a bold move the week of the matchup.
WKU was scheduled to play a “White Out” game on Saturday, but EKU's decision to wear white uniforms led the Hilltoppers to switch to red jerseys instead.
It is EKU's right to choose to wear white uniforms as the visiting team, and NCAA rules require both teams to agree on any uniform changes before kickoff.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback Kaden Wertkamp (10) attempts a pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: (Will McClelland – USA Today Sports)
The Hilltoppers released a statement on the matter, clarifying how long they had been planning to wear white uniforms for their home opener and taking a light criticism of their rival team.
“We announced our football game themes and promotions for the 2024 season on July 10 and the theme for our home opener on Saturday will be 'White Out.' Each season we wear white helmets, uniforms and pants in our annual White Out Game,” the statement read.
TJ Finley's comments before Alabama beat Western Kentucky: 'A little disrespectful'
“However, on Tuesday of this week, EKU notified us that they would be exercising their right to wear white uniforms as the visiting team, forcing us to wear our red jerseys on Saturday. Per NCAA rules, both teams must agree to a uniform swap. We had hoped that EKU would allow us to wear our white jerseys on Saturday, as many of our opponents have done over the past few years.”
The Hilltoppers are encouraging fans to come to Houchens Industries-LT Smith Stadium in all-white uniforms, even though the team will not be wearing uniforms.
Eastern Kentucky Colonels running back Brayden Latham (14) runs 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)
Meanwhile, to add even more nastiness to EKU's decision, they posted the very uniforms that will be worn to hype up the Battle of the Bluegrass.
The Colonels are decked out in maroon and white helmets and all white pants and jerseys.
WKU is the favorite coming into this matchup despite being blown out 63-0 by Alabama in their season opener, while EKU was similarly dominated in their season opener, losing 56-7 to Mississippi State.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Dave Hellard (17) reacts to a call at Bryant-Denny Stadium. (Will McClelland – USA Today Sports)
Click here to get the FOX News app
This will be the first time the Battle of the Bluegrass has been held since WKU moved from FCS football to FBS in 2017.
Follow Fox News Digital X's sports coverageSubscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
