Marshall–Western Kentucky football rivalry

The Marshall–Western Kentucky football rivalry, also known as the Moonshine Throwdown, is an American college football rivalry between the Thundering Herd of the Marshall University and Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky University. The first game between the Thundering Herd and Hilltoppers was played in 1941. With the admission of Western Kentucky as a member of Conference USA (CUSA) in 2014, the rivalry became an annual game between these members of the CUSA East Division.

Notable games

2014: CUSA Conference debut

In their first meeting since 1996, the Thundering Herd were one victory away from going undefeated and was ranked in national polls including the new College Football Playoff rankings. The Hilltoppers were coming into Huntington off a 3-game run, which were all in Bowling Green. This game marked the first conference meeting between the two schools. Western Kentucky upset the Herd by one point in a high offensive battle 67–66 in overtime. The win spoiled the Marshall chances on being selected to a New Year's Six Bowl.