Baldwin vs. Big Red
Boston College football will play its fourth and final non-conference game of 2024 on September 28 against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. When the two teams take the field at Alumni Stadium, history will be made: it will be the first-ever game between these two programs. Also of note, Western Kentucky boasts one of the best and most beloved mascots in all of college football: Big Red!
When: September 28, 2024 (Time – TBD)
Where: Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA
Western Kentucky Overview
WKU is led by head coach Tyson Helton, who will be coaching in his sixth season with the Hilltoppers in 2024. He’s led his team to an impressive 40-26 overall record and four bowl wins since 2019. Last season, Western Kentucky finished 8-5 and beat Old Dominion in the Famous Toastery Bowl. By the time the two teams meet in late September, WKU will have played Alabama, Eastern Kentucky, Middle Tennessee State, and Toldeo. They are projected to be one of the best teams in Conference USA but have a ways to go if they want to compete with favorite Liberty.
WKU Offense
Last season, the Hilltoppers averaged over 30 points per game and were led by an outstanding quarterback-wide receiver tandem in Austin Reed and Malachi Corley. Both have moved onto the NFL, with Reed being signed by the Bears as an undrafted free agent and Corley being drafted by the Jets in the third round. But in 2024, Western Kentucky lacks a known threat on offense.
They brought in Texas State quarterback transfer TJ Finley to presumably take the starting role, but backup Caden Veltkamp, who threw for five touchdowns in the team’s bowl win, is also competing for the job. The Hilltoppers are also looking for someone to fill the void that Corley left at receiver and are hoping that Dalvin Smith (50 catches, 513 yards in 2023) can do just that. The offense also returns three offensive linemen from a very good group in 2023 and senior running back Elijah Young.
WKU Defense
Western Kentucky struggled at times on defense last year, giving up 28 or more points in six of their games and allowing an average of 420 yards per game. But they do return five starters from that unit, so they’ll at least have some experience. Defensive tackle, Hosea Wheeler was named to the second-team All-CUSA last season after recording 42 tackles, two sacks, and one interception.
One of WKU’s best position groups in 2024 should be defensive back. Senior cornerback Anthony Johnson Jr. returns to the Hilltoppers defense after leading the team in interceptions with four and finishing second with five pass breakups. Despite missing five games, DB Upton Stout led the team with eight pass breakups, while also returning one interception and one fumble for touchdowns. The team also brought in a safety transfer from Ole Miss, Demarko Williams, setting up WKU to have a very tough secondary.