WKU releases full 2016 football schedule

Western Kentucky on Thursday released a completed 2016 football schedule highlighted by a home game against the Southeastern Conference's Vanderbilt and a trip to play another SEC foe, defending national champion Alabama.

The Hilltoppers, who open Sept. 3 in Bowling Green against Conference USA rival Rice, play at Alabama the next weekend. Following a trip to Miami of Ohio, they round out the non-conference slate with games Sept. 24 against Vanderbilt and Oct. 1 versus Houston Baptist, both at Houchens-Smith Stadium.

Louisville legend flips for WKU in rivalry

The C-USA portion of WKU's schedule flips from 2015, when coach Jeff Brohm's team finished unbeaten in league play and won the conference championship game.

In addition to Rice, the Hilltoppers host Old Dominion (Oct. 22), Florida International (Nov. 5) and North Texas (Nov. 12). They play at Louisiana Tech (Oct. 8), Middle Tennessee (Oct. 15), Florida Atlantic (Oct. 29) and Marshall (Nov. 26).

The season finale against the Thundering Herd falls a day later, a Saturday, than the customary Friday after Thanksgiving on which they played the last two years.

Fern Creek's Kinslow remains committed to WKU

Kickoff times and TV details are to be announced.

WKU returns seven starters on offense, including its entire offensive line, and four on defense from a team that finished 12-2 and won the Miami Beach Bowl.

Complete WKU Schedule

SEPT. 3 – RICE*

Sept. 10 – at Alabama

Sept. 17 – at Miami (Ohio)

SEPT. 24 – VANDERBILT

OCT. 1 – HOUSTON BAPTIST

Oct. 8 – at Louisiana Tech*

Oct. 15 – at Middle Tennessee*

OCT. 22 – OLD DOMINION*

Oct. 29 – at Florida Atlantic*

NOV. 5 – FIU*

NOV. 12 – NORTH TEXAS*

Nov. 26 – at Marshall*