Ranking the schedule: Trips to Bloomington, Louisville stand out

Football season continues to draw near -- if there is in fact a season -- and Western Kentucky's schedule is set. The Hilltoppers are scheduled to kickoff their 2020 campaign and Year Two of the Tyson Helton era on Thursday, Sept. 3 vs. UT-Chattanooga at Houchens-Smith Stadium, which is just 66 days away.

With the anticipation for college football to be back at an all-time high, Inside Hilltopper Sports is breaking down WKU's schedule by ranking the 12 games from least exciting (No. 12) to most exciting (No. 1).

12. UT-CHATTANOOGA -- SEPT. 3 -- BOWLING GREEN, KY.

No one really gets as pumped for a game against a team from a lower level compared to other bigger opponents, but UT-Chattanooga will be the first team the 2020 Toppers come in contact with. This type of game will provide the first live look at the team and should be a season-opening win to get things started on the right foot, but nothing is guaranteed. Nonetheless, it'll be the start to the season -- which is always exciting.

11. OLD DOMINION -- OCT. 31 -- BOWLING GREEN, KY

Old Dominion had a rough season a year ago and won just one game, and the Hilltoppers held the Monarchs to just a field goal in a 20-3 win in Norfolk. The program is now in the rebuilding phase with a new head coach, so 2020 should be a season in which the team works to get back on track. I'd call it a Halloween win for WKU at The Houch.

10. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL -- NOV. 21 -- BOWLING GREEN, KY.

WKU pulled out a 20-14 win over a mediocre FIU team last season in Miami as the Panthers went 6-7 overall and 3-5 in Conference USA. The Hilltoppers haven't had any problems winning against FIU since joining the league, and that shouldn't change this year -- especially with this season's matchup taking place in Bowling Green.

9. CHARLOTTE -- NOV. 28 -- CHARLOTTE, N.C.

Charlotte put together a nice season in 2019, going 7-6 and 5-3 in C-USA while making its first bowl appearance since becoming an FBS program. WKU recorded a 30-14 win over the 49ers on Homecoming last October, but it was clear to see that UNCC had drastically improved. Coach Will Healy's team could present a challenge for the Tops this fall in Charlotte.

8. MIDDLE TENNESSEE -- OCT. 3 -- MURFREESBORO, TENN.

The rivalry rolls on another year as WKU will travel to Murfreesboro on Oct. 3 for a meeting with longtime foe Middle Tennessee. The Blue Raiders had a rough season in 2019 -- finishing just 4-8 and 3-5 in C-USA -- but they still battled until the end in a 31-26 loss at WKU. No matter how well either team is playing at the time of the matchup, it's always bound to be good.

7. SOUTHERN MISS -- NOV. 14 -- BOWLING GREEN, KY.

Southern Miss was 7-3 and 5-1 in league play going into last season's Nov. 23 meeting with the Toppers in Hattiesburg, but WKU earned a 28-10 road win and the Golden Eagles ended up ending the year on a three-game losing streak. USM had a solid team in 2019 and should present another talented group this season.

6. UAB -- OCT. 17 -- BIRMINGHAM, ALA.

Coach Bill Clark has had UAB rolling ever since the school reinstated the program, and 2019 wasn't any different. The Blazers won nine games, captured the C-USA East Division title and put up a fight against then-No. 20 ranked Appalachian State in the New Orleans Bowl. WKU -- led by Coach Clayton White's defensive unit -- was able to beat the Blazers 20-13 in Bowling Green, but this year's contest will be a tough matchup in Birmingham.

5. LIBERTY -- SEPT. 19 -- BOWLING GREEN, KY.

Liberty is a interesting non-conference opponent for the Hilltoppers, mainly because former Southeastern Conference coach Hugh Freeze is the head coach. The Flames went 8-5 a season ago and were led by an offense that averaged 33 points and 439 yards per game, but graduated standout quarterback Stephen Calvert and running back Frankie Hickson.

4. FLORIDA ATLANTIC -- NOV. 7 -- BOCA RATON, FLA.

Although Lane Kiffin's train isn't rolling through Boca Raton anymore, the Owls are still going to be really, really good. FAU presents yet another championship-level roster for 2020 and will certainly be one of WKU's toughest opponents -- especially with this year's game taking place in Boca. The Hilltoppers haven't beaten the Owls since 2016.

3. MARSHALL -- OCT. 10 -- BOWLING GREEN, KY.

I know the rivalry between WKU and MTSU has been going on for many years, but the rivalry that has been built between the Tops and Marshall has become quite something. WKU has exchanged numerous punches with the Thundering Herd since joining C-USA, and last season's meeting between the two sides makes this year's matchup even more anticipated.

2. LOUISVILLE -- SEPT. 26 -- LOUISVILLE, KY.

WKU's lone game against an in-state opponent in 2020 will take place Sept. 26 at Louisville. The Hilltoppers and Cardinals renewed their series last season at Nissan Stadium in Nashville -- a 38-21 win for U of L -- and will square off at Cardinal Stadium this time around. Alongside Helton, Cardinals' coach Scott Satterfield is also entering Year 2 with his program after a nice turnaround season a year ago. I expect an exciting matchup this September.

1. INDIANA -- SEPT. 12 -- BLOOMINGTON, IND.

WKU will travel to Bloomington on Sept. 12 for a Power Five matchup with Indiana at Memorial Stadium. The Hoosiers are coming off an 8-5 season in 2019, including a 4-2 record at home. IU returns quarterback Michael Penix, Jr., who threw for 1,394 yards and 10 touchdowns in six games a year ago, as well as running back Stevie Scott III, who rushed for 845 yards and 10 TDs in 11 contests. The Tops should be able to compete with the Hoosiers, and it should make for an intriguing contest in Bloomington.