1996 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team

American college football season August 2023 February 2026 1996 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football Independent 7–4 Jack Harbaugh 8th L. T. Smith Stadium The 1996 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team represented Western Kentucky University in the 1996 NCAA Division I-AA football season and were led by quarterback Willie Taggart and head coach Jack Harbaugh. The team was an independent and primarily ran an option offense. Their schedule included top-ranked and eventual undefeated NCAA Division I-AA champion, Marshall. Western Kentucky's roster featured future National Football League (NFL) player Ben Wittman. Joey Stockton and Mike Mills were named to All-American teams. The I-AA Independent All-Star Team included Antwan Floyd, Trae Hackett, Stockton, Turner Goodwin, and Mills.WKU Football Media Guide retrieved 31 March 2020. Schedule 1996 NCAA Division I-AA The Sports Network August 29 w 1996 Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers Kentucky Wesleyan L. T. Smith Stadium Bowling Green, KY 66–0 9,600 September 7 w y Murray State 9 Roy Stewart Stadium Murray, KY Battle for the Red Belt 44–41 OT 14,123 Stewart Kevin Western spoils Murray's opener https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-paducah-sun/206388204/ September 20, 2026 The Paducah Sun September 8, 1996 1B Newspapers.com September 14 w 24 1996 Eastern Kentucky Colonels Eastern Kentucky 11 L. T. Smith Stadium Bowling Green, KY Battle of the Bluegrass 14–7 17,600 September 21 w y 15 1996 Austin Peay Governors Austin Peay Fortera Stadium Clarksville, TN 34–2 5,011 September 28 l y 12 Marshall 1 Marshall University Stadium Huntington, WV 3–37 20,755 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-western-loses-quarte/176097400/ The Courier-Journal Western loses quarterback, then Marshall romps 37–3 September 29, 1996 July 6, 2025 Newspapers.com October 5 l y 16 UAB Legion Field Birmingham, AL 0–24 14,107 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90540609/uab-runs-roughshod-over-w-kentucky-240/ The Courier-Journal UAB runs roughshod over W. Kentucky 24–0 October 6, 1996 December 13, 2021 Newspapers.com October 12 l y 20 Jacksonville State JSU Stadium Jacksonville, AL 20–34 4,334 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-previously-winless-j/177115707/ The Courier-Journal Previously winless Jacksonville State downs Hilltoppers October 13, 1996 July 20, 2025 Newspapers.com October 19 l Liberty L. T. Smith Stadium Bowling Green, KY 14–23 7,100 https://www.newspapers.com/article/messenger-inquirer-rock-solid-floys-one/144949461/ Messenger-Inquirer Rock-solid Floys one constant for Western October 20, 1996 April 7, 2024 Newspapers.com October 26 w y Indiana State 21 L. T. Smith Stadium Bowling Green, KY 27–20 8,200 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-western-kentucky-end/188426433/ The Courier-Journal Western Kentucky ends skid against Indiana State 27–20 October 27, 1996 January 7, 2026 Newspapers.com November 2 w Southern Illinois L. T. Smith Stadium Bowling Green, KY 51–37 5,800 Floyd breaks rushing mark as Western triumphs 51-37 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/92758683/the-courier-journal/ January 16, 2022 The Courier-Journal Associated Press November 3, 1996 C8 Newspapers.com November 9 w y 1996 Morehead State Eagles Morehead State Jayne Stadium Morehead, KY 31–26 1,500 References Western Kentucky Category:Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football seasons Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football