Editor’s note: This is Part 1 of a 12-part series looking at WKU’s football opponents for the 2017 season.

Western Kentucky will begin the 2017 season by renewing its oldest rivalry.

The Hilltoppers will host Eastern Kentucky on Sept. 2 in the season opener for both programs. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Houchens-Smith Stadium.

No team has played WKU more than EKU. The Hilltoppers from Bowling Green and Colonels from Richmond have met 83 times, with WKU leading the all-time series 47-35-1.

The longtime Ohio Valley Conference rivals haven’t met since a 37-13 WKU win in 2008, one year before the Toppers completed their full transition to the FBS. EKU, despite a recent bid to join the Sun Belt Conference, has stayed in the FCS as an OVC member.

The teams will tangle this season for a one-game renewal of their rivalry, with WKU paying the Colonels $300,000 for their visit to Bowling Green.

First-year coach Mike Sanford has said since taking the Hilltopper head coaching job that he’s looking forward to starting the year with his program’s oldest foe.

Mark Elder, entering his second year as Eastern Kentucky’s head coach, echoed Sanford’s enthusiasm Tuesday during a phone interview with the Daily News.

“It’s a great rivalry and it’s neat to be able to play that game again,” Elder said. “Obviously the last 10 years, Western has done some things to elevate their program to the FBS level and is playing at a high, high rate right now.

“But I know this is an important game in the state of Kentucky. It’s a big game for our alums and a big game for our team.”

WKU is one half of a tough opening pair of matchups for EKU out of the gate. One week after playing the Tops, Elder’s Colonels will make the short trip up Interstate 75 to Lexington, where they’ll face Kentucky.

“We’re excited that we’re starting off with a couple of easy opponents,” Elder joked. “ … Obviously Western Kentucky and obviously UK are going to be as talented if not more talented than anyone else we’re going to play all year, no matter how many games we get to play.

“You like the challenges. You like the opportunity to play a couple of in-state teams. We’re excited about it.”

EKU went 3-8 overall and 2-6 in league play last season, its first under the former Tennessee assistant Elder. The Colonels were picked to finish fifth in the OVC preseason poll released Monday.

Elder said the team returns about half its starting experience from last year. The offensive and defensive lines are two areas where Eastern Kentucky lacks much returning production.

The Colonels added FBS transfers Jason Lewis (Arizona State), Garrett Kruczek (Central Florida) and LJ Scott (Louisville) this offseason.

Kruczek will battle with former Connecticut quarterback Tim Boyle and four others for the starting QB job.

Lewis and Scott will add depth at running back. Scott, a redshirt junior, scored five touchdowns for Louisville from 2014-16.

“We’re going to need guys to play like they’re experienced,” Elder said. “We’re not going to be able to afford against a team like Western Kentucky to have guys that haven’t played much football make rookie mistakes.

“They’re going to have to go out there and play like veterans.”

Eastern Kentucky 2017 schedule

9/2 – at Western Kentucky

9/9 – at Kentucky

9/23 – Tennessee Tech

9/30 – at Southeast Missouri State

10/7 – Tennessee State

10/14 – at Jacksonville State

10/21 – Tennessee-Martin

10/28 – at Murray State

11/4 – at Eastern Illinois

11/11 – Austin Peay

11/18 – Saint Francis{&end}