Hilltoppers Make Final Preparations For First Responder Bowl

BOWLING GREEN, Ky – The Hilltoppers arrived in Dallas, Texas Friday afternoon and will spend the weekend making final preparations for their matchup against Western Michigan in the First Responder Bowl on Monday.

This season, the Tops have exceeded expectations, and then some, under first year head coach Tyson Helton.

A win on Monday would give Western Kentucky its ninth this year to equal the total amount of wins the program had in 2017 and 2018 combined.

The Hilltoppers will face a Broncos offense that is spearheaded by one of the best running backs in the nation in Levante Bellamy.

In 12 games this season, Bellamy has amassed 1,412 rushing yards on 5.7 yards per carry and leads the nation with 23 rushing touchdowns.

The senior was named 2019 MAC Offensive Player of the Year for his stellar performance this season and also was a Semifinalist for the prestigious Doak Walker Award, which is given annually to the country’s top running back.

Western Kentucky’s defense will have to effectively limit the Broncos’ star running back in order to return to Bowling Green as First Responder Bowl champions.