The team was an independent and earned their first NCAA Division I-AA Playoff berth since 1988, making it to the quarterfinals.
The Hilltoppers primarily ran an option offense and were ranked 1st in Rush Offence for NCAA Division I-AA.
[1] Western Kentucky's roster included future NFL players Rod “He Hate Me” Smart and Ben Wittman.
Patrick Goodman and Andy Hape were named to All-America teams,[2] while Harbaugh was Division I-AA Independents and AFCA Region 3 Coach of the Year.
[3] The I-AA Independent All-Star Team included Goodman, Bryan Heyward, Joey Stockton, Hape, Ron Kelly, and Taggart.