As the Eastern Kentucky University Colonels prepare for an OVC matchup on Thursday, they are sure to still be talking about Saturday’s game in Lexington. After leading by two touchdowns in the last quarter, EKU saw the University of Kentucky do just enough to win 34 to 27 in overtime.
Just prior to the kickoff, Eastern Athletics Director Steve Lochmueller said playing a Football Bowl Subdivision team from a power five conference can be a barometer when entertaining thoughts of moving up one day. “Each step is a little bit of step and as Western will tell you and I’ve been down to visit them, you know each step is a little bit more," he said. "More money, more revenue, better players, better facilities and all the above. So, yes it’s a good test for us."
Lochmueller played basketball and football for the University of Kentucky. This past weekend was actually the second time he’s rooted against his alma mater. The Eastern AD said he also pulled for the maroon and white cross country teams over UK in an earlier meet in Lexington.
You would be very hard pressed to find anyone who’s a fan of Eastern Kentucky University football to say what happed in Lexington Saturday wasn’t important. In addition to going up against an in-state prominent program, it was also a ‘revenue game’ for Eastern. EKU has pursued a move up to the FBS level. EKU President Michael Benson says such a move means more financial benefits. “Arkansas State that plays in the Sunbelt Conference, they play three revenue games this season and the next two seasons: Auburn, Alabama, and Southern California," Benson said. "The payout for those games, in the aggregate, all three games, is $4.5 million. So that gives you kind of the perspective of being an FBS as opposed to an FCS school."
Benson says Eastern’s biggest payout last year was $550,000 when they traveled to Florida to take on the Gators. Eastern is in the Football Championship Subdivision while Kentucky is a part of the Football Bowl Subdivision.
