Battle of the Bluegrass rivalry heating up off of the field
WKU and EKU in a disagreement about uniforms
RICHMOND, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- The first Battle of the Bluegrass since 2017 has pregame drama before both teams even get into the stadium.
The college football game versus Eastern Kentucky and Western Kentucky will kickoff on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Bowling Green.
Controversy about EKU’s choice of uniforms for the game has angered the WKU team and prompted a response from Richmond.
Making a Statement
On September 4, at 12:48 p.m., EKU’s X account posted its choice of an all-white uniform for the game.
One minute later, WKU’s X page posted the following statement.
“We announced our football game themes and promotions before the 2024 season on July 10 with Saturday’s home opener theme a ‘White Out.’ Every season, we wear white helmets, uniforms and pants for our annual white out game. However, EKU informed us on Tuesday of this week that they would be exercising their right as the visiting team to wear white uniforms, thus forcing us to wear red jerseys on Saturday. Per NCAA rules, both teams must agree to a uniform switch. We were hoping EKU would agree to allow us to wear white on Saturday, as many other opponents have in past years.”
The Colonels responded with the following statement saying that a contractual error by Western means EKU can wear white.
“Everything in WKU’s Official statement is correct. It is the visiting team’s right to select their uniform color because WKU did not stipulate in the contract or in any official notice that they would be wearing white. Therefore, it defaulted to EKU to pick the color of the uniform – and we are choosing by our right, to wear white uniforms. We look forward to the 86th chapter of The Battle of the Bluegrass on Saturday.”
What are the rules?
The NCAA’s football rules support EKU’s claim that if WKU didn’t inform them of their decision to wear white in writing then the Colonels can choose what they want to wear.
“b Color. 1 Players of opposing teams shall wear jerseys of contrasting colors. Players on the same team shall wear jerseys of the same color and design. 2 The visiting team shall wear white jerseys; however, the home team may wear white jerseys if the teams have agreed in writing before the season. 3 If the home team wears colored jerseys, the visiting team may also wear colored jerseys, if and only if the following two conditions have been satisfied: a The home team has agreed in writing prior to the game; and b The conference of the home team certifies that the jersey of the visiting team is of a contrasting color. 4 If on the kickoff at the start of each half, if either team wears a colored jersey in violation of the conditions specified above, it is a foul for unsportsmanlike conduct.”
The Game Itself
EKU will travel to Bowling Green after a 56-7 road loss to Mississippi State. The Hilltoppers are also 0-1 and lost to Alabama 63-0 in Tuscaloosa.
Eastern transfer quarterback Matt Morrissey enters his second ever start for the Colonels on the back of hitting 11 different receivers and passing for one touchdown in week one.
Western also has a transfer signal caller entering his second ever start for the Tops in TJ Finley. The redshirt junior has experience playing at Texas State, LSU and Auburn.
