T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and competed in the East Division of Conference USA (C–USA).

They finished the season 11–3, 7–1 in C-USA play to win a share of the East Division title with Old Dominion.

Due to their head-to-head victory over Old Dominion, Western Kentucky represented the East Division in the Conference USA Championship Game where they defeated Louisiana Tech to be crowned C-USA champions.

Defensive coordinator Nick Holt led the Hilltoppers in the Boca Raton Bowl.

The Hilltoppers hosted C–USA foes Florida International (FIU), North Texas, Old Dominion, and Rice, and traveled to Florida Atlantic, Louisiana Tech, Marshall, and Middle Tennessee.