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American college football season
The 2024 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team represents Western Kentucky University in Conference USA (C-USA) during the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Hilltoppers are led by Tyson Helton in his sixth year as the head coach. The Hilltoppers will play home games at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium, located in Bowling Green, Kentucky.[1]
The Conference USA preseason media poll was released on July 19. The Hilltoppers were predicted to finish second in the conference.[2]
Media poll
|
Predicted finish
|
Team
|
Votes (1st place)
|
1 |
Liberty |
197 (18)
|
2 |
Western Kentucky |
173 (2)
|
3 |
Jacksonville State |
166
|
4 |
Middle Tennessee |
98
|
5 |
New Mexico State |
97
|
Sam Houston
|
7 |
Louisiana Tech |
88
|
8 |
FIU |
81
|
9 |
UTEP |
76
|
10 |
Kennesaw State |
27
|
Date | Time | Opponent | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
---|
August 31 | 6:00 p.m. | at No. 5 Alabama* | | ESPN | L 0–63 | 100,077 |
September 7 | 6:00 p.m. | Eastern Kentucky* | | ESPN+ | W 31–0 | 16,712 |
September 14 | 6:00 p.m. | at Middle Tennessee | | ESPN+ | W 49–21 | 12,227 |
September 21 | 6:00 p.m. | Toledo* | - Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
- Bowling Green, KY
| ESPN+ | W 26–21 | 19,127 |
September 28 | 11:00 a.m. | at Boston College* | | ACCN | L 20–21 | 41,403 |
| 7:00 p.m. | UTEP | - Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
- Bowling Green, KY
| ESPNU | W 44–17 | 12,723 |
| 7:00 p.m. | at Sam Houston | | ESPN2 | W 31–14 | 8,914 |
| 6:30 p.m. | Kennesaw State | - Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
- Bowling Green, KY
| ESPN2 | W 31–14 | 14,547 |
November 9 | 5:00 p.m. | at New Mexico State | | ESPN+ | W 41–28 | 12,710 |
November 16 | 11:00 a.m. | Louisiana Tech | - Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
- Bowling Green, KY
| CBSSN | L 7–12 | 13,312 |
November 23 | 12:00 p.m. | at Liberty | | ESPN+ | | |
November 30 | 3:00 p.m. | Jacksonville State | - Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
- Bowling Green, KY
| ESPNU | | |
|
[3]
Game One – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0-0) at No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide (0-0) – Game summary
Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Hilltoppers |
0 |
0 |
0 | 0 | 0 |
No. 5 Crimson Tide |
21 |
21 |
14 | 7 | 63 |
at Bryant-Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL
- Date: Saturday August 31st, 2024
- Game time: 7:00 PM EST
- Game weather: 85 °F (29 °C), Wind SE @ 3 mph
- Game attendance: 100,077
- Referee: Matt Loeffler
- TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Dusty Dvoracek (analyst), and Taylor McGregor (sideline)
- Box Score
Game information
|
- First quarter
- (10:07) ALA – Jalen Milroe 12-yard run (Graham Nicholson kick) (Drive: 2 plays, 16 yards, 0:41; Alabama 7-0)
- (5:01) ALA – Kendrick Law 22-yard pass from Jalen Milroe (Graham Nicholson kick) (Drive: 3 plays, 26 yards, 1:31; Alabama 14-0)
- (2:27) ALA – Ryan Williams 84-yard pass from Jalen Milroe (Graham Nicholson kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 81 yards, 1:19; Alabama 21-0)
- Second quarter
- (12:35) ALA – Jam Miller 39-yard run (Graham Nicholson kick) (Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards, 1:14; Alabama 28-0)
- (2:53) ALA – Justice Haynes 85-yard run (Graham Nicholson kick) (Drive: 2 plays, 96 yards, 0:33; Alabama 35-0)
- (1:30) ALA – Ryan Williams 55-yard pass from Jalen Milroe (Graham Nicholson kick) (Drive: 2 plays, 55 yards, 0:15; Alabama 42-0)
- Third quarter
- (6:30) ALA – Jalen Milroe 21-yard run (Graham Nicholson kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 4:10; Alabama 49-0)
- (2:51) ALA – Daniel Hill 2-yard run (Conor Talty kick) (Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, 2:47; Alabama 56-0)
- Fourth quarter
- (10:04) ALA – Ty Simpson 15-yard run (Conor Talty kick) (Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 3:58; Alabama 63-0)
|
Statistics |
WKU |
ALA
|
First downs |
10 |
25
|
Total yards |
67–145 |
65–600
|
Rushing yards |
27–42 |
47–334
|
Passing yards |
103 |
266
|
Passing: Comp–Att–Int |
22–40–2 |
12–18–0
|
Time of possession |
29:25 |
30:35
|
Team |
Category |
Player |
Statistics
|
Western Kentucky |
Passing |
TJ Finley |
18/31, 92 yards, 2 INT
|
Rushing |
Elijah Young |
10 carries, 18 yards
|
Receiving |
Moussa Barry |
4 receptions, 27 yards
|
Alabama |
Passing |
Jalen Milroe |
7/9, 200 yards, 3 TD
|
Rushing |
Justice Haynes |
4 carries, 102 yards, TD
|
Receiving |
Ryan Williams |
4 receptions, 139 yards, 2 TD
|
Game Two – Eastern Kentucky Colonels (FCS) (0–1) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0–1) – Game summary
Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Colonels (FCS) |
0 |
0 |
0 | 0 | 0 |
Hilltoppers |
10 |
7 |
0 | 14 | 31 |
at Houchens Industries-L. T. Smith Stadium • Bowling Green, Kentucky
- Date: Saturday September 7, 2024
- Game time: 7:00 p.m.
- Game attendance: 16,712
- Referee: Reed Brotherton
- TV announcers (ESPN+): Steve Schlanger (play-by-play) and Terry Obee (analyst)
- Box Score
Game information
|
- First quarter
- WKU – Lucas Carniero 29-yard field goal, 12:11. Western Kentucky 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 2:49.
- WKU – Elijah Young 1-yard run (Lucas Carniero kick), 0:22. Western Kentucky 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 22 yards, 1:00.
- Second quarter
- WKU – L.T. Sanders 2-yard run (Lucas Carniero kick), 3:41. Western Kentucky 17–0. Drive: 9 plays, 84 yards, 3:29.
- Third quarter
No scoring plays
- Fourth quarter
- WKU – Elijah Young 9-yard run (Lucas Carniero kick), 7:07. Western Kentucky 24–0. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:20.
- WKU – Dalvin Smith 12-yard pass from TJ Finley (Lucas Carniero kick), 2:38. Western Kentucky 31–0. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 2:19.
|
Statistics |
EKU |
WKU
|
First downs |
13 |
25
|
Total yards |
266 |
467
|
Rushing yards |
190 |
116
|
Passing yards |
76 |
351
|
Passing: Comp–Att–Int |
11–20–0 |
27–39–0
|
Time of possession |
34:10 |
25:50
|
Team |
Category |
Player |
Statistics
|
Eastern Kentucky |
Passing |
Matt Morrissey |
9/17, 70 yards
|
Rushing |
Joshua Carter |
19 rushes, 100 yards
|
Receiving |
Marcus Calwise Jr. |
4 receptions, 24 yards
|
Western Kentucky |
Passing |
TJ Finley |
27/39, 351 yards, TD
|
Rushing |
Elijah Young |
13 rushes, 52 yards, 2 TD
|
Receiving |
Kisean Johnson |
6 receptions, 119 yards
|
Game Three – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1–1) at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (1–1) – Game summary
Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Hilltoppers |
14 |
7 |
21 | 7 | 49 |
Blue Raiders |
0 |
0 |
14 | 7 | 21 |
at Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium, Murfreesboro, TN
- Date: Saturday September 14, 2024
- Game time: 6:00 p.m.
- Game weather: Cloudy • Temperature: 84 °F (29 °C)
- Game attendance: 12,227
- Referee: Douglas Mercer
- TV announcers (ESPN+): Jake Rose (play-by-play), Jeremy Kellem (analyst) and Justin Beasley (sideline)
- Box Score
Game information
|
First quarter
- WKU – River Helms 4-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp (Lucas Carniero kick), 4:37. Western Kentucky 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 60 yards, 5:17.
- WKU – Kisean Johnson 6-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp (Lucas Carniero kick), 1:05. Western Kentucky 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 1:58.
Second quarter
- WKU – Easton Messer 10-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp (Lucas Carniero kick), 0:18. Western Kentucky 21–0. Drive: 11 plays, 99 yards, 2:54.
Third quarter
- WKU – K.D. Hutchinson 72-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp (Lucas Carniero kick), 14:07. Western Kentucky 28–0. Drive: 2 plays, 69 yards, 0:47.
- MTSU – Omari Kelly 37-yard pass from Nicholas Vattiato (Zeke Rankin kick), 10:12. Western Kentucky 28–7. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 3:51.
- WKU – Caden Veltkamp 1-yard run (Lucas Carniero kick), 6:38. Western Kentucky 35–7. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 3:24.
- MTSU – Omari Kelly 71-yard pass from Nicholas Vattiato (Zeke Rankin kick), 6:17. Western Kentucky 35–14. Drive: 1 play, 71 yards, 0:13.
- WKU – Kisean Johnson 36-yard pass from Dalvin Smith (Lucas Carniero kick), 3:28. Western Kentucky 42–14. Drive: 6 plays, 85 yards, 2:46.
Fourth quarter
- WKU – Trevor Borland 3-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp (Lucas Carniero kick), 9:01. Western Kentucky 49–14. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 3:53.
- MTSU – Omari Kelly 7-yard pass from Nicholas Vattiato (Zeke Rankin kick), 5:47. Western Kentucky 49–21. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 3:06.
|
Statistics |
WKU |
MTSU
|
First downs |
30 |
21
|
Total yards |
631 |
514
|
Rushing yards |
150 |
58
|
Passing yards |
481 |
456
|
Passing: Comp–Att–Int |
31–37–0 |
24–31–1
|
Time of possession |
31:22 |
28:38
|
Team |
Category |
Player |
Statistics
|
Western Kentucky |
Passing |
Caden Veltkamp |
27/30, 398 yds, 5 TD
|
Rushing |
L.T. Sanders |
8 rushes, 54 yds
|
Receiving |
Kisean Johnson |
8 receptions, 129 yds, 2 TD
|
Middle Tennessee |
Passing |
Nicholas Vattiato |
24/31, 456 yds, 3 TD, INT
|
Rushing |
Nicholas Vattiato |
9 rushes, 21 yds
|
Receiving |
Omari Kelly |
9 receptions, 239 yds, 3 TD
|
Game Four – Toledo Rockets (3–0) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2–1) – Game summary
Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Rockets |
0 |
14 |
7 | 0 | 21 |
Hilltoppers |
0 |
7 |
5 | 14 | 26 |
at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY
- Date: Saturday September 21, 2024
- Game time: 6:00 p.m.
- Game weather: Sunny
- Game attendance: 19,127
- Referee: Rodney Burnette
- TV announcers (ESPN+): Jeff Hem (play-by-play) and Terry Obee (analyst)
- Box Score
Game information
|
First quarter
Second quarter
- TOL – Tucker Gleason 1-yard run (Dylan Cunanan kick), 13:18. Toledo 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 5:33.
- TOL – Anthony Torres 14-yard pass from Tucker Gleason (Dylan Cunanan kick), 2:30. Toledo 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 4:55.
- WKU – Kisean Johnson 44-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp (Lucas Carniero kick), 1:53. Toledo 14–7. Drive: 2 plays, 63 yards, 0:29.
Third quarter
- WKU – Lucas Carniero 39-yard field goal, 13:12. Toledo 14–10. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:53.
- TOL – Anthony Torres 7-yard pass from Tucker Gleason (Dylan Cunanan kick), 8:13. Toledo 21–10. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 4:42.
- WKU – Devon Lynch 0-yard safety, 0:39. Toledo 21–12.
Fourth quarter
- WKU – Caden Veltkamp 7-yard run (Lucas Carniero kick), 10:43. Toledo 21–19. Drive: 3 plays, 49 yards, 0:47.
- WKU – Caden Veltkamp 3-yard run (Lucas Carniero kick), 5:16. Western Kentucky 26–21. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:25.
|
Statistics |
TOL |
WKU
|
First downs |
17 |
16
|
Total yards |
325 |
313
|
Rushing yards |
125 |
71
|
Passing yards |
200 |
242
|
Passing: Comp–Att–Int |
19–33–2 |
20–30–2
|
Time of possession |
34:19 |
26:22
|
Team |
Category |
Player |
Statistics
|
Toledo |
Passing |
Tucker Gleason |
19/33, 200 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
|
Rushing |
Tucker Gleason |
12 rushes, 46 yds, TD
|
Receiving |
Jacquez Stuart |
3 receptions, 93 yds
|
Western Kentucky |
Passing |
Caden Veltkamp |
20/30, 242 yds, TD, 2 INT
|
Rushing |
Elijah Young |
9 rushes, 36 yds
|
Receiving |
Kisean Johnson |
6 receptions, 73 yds, TD
|
Game Five – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3–1) at Boston College Eagles (3–1) – Game summary
Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Hilltoppers |
7 |
10 |
3 | 0 | 20 |
Eagles |
0 |
7 |
0 | 14 | 21 |
at Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA
- Date: Saturday September 28, 2024
- Game time: 11:00 a.m.
- Game weather: Cloudy
- Game attendance: 41,403
- Referee: Ron Hudson
- TV announcers (ACCN): Jorge Sedano (play-by-play), Orlando Franklin (analyst) and Morgan Uber (sideline)
- Box Score
Game information
|
First quarter
- WKU – Kisean Johnson 3-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp (Lucas Carniero kick), 3:05. Western Kentucky 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 3:46.
Second quarter
- WKU – Easton Messer 7-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp (Lucas Carniero kick), 12:01. Western Kentucky 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:51.
- BC – Kye Robichaux 3-yard run (Liam Connor kick), 2:08. Western Kentucky 14–7. Drive: 13 plays, 74 yards, 5:59.
- WKU – Lucas Carniero 22-yard field goal, 0:00. Western Kentucky 17–7. Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 2:08.
Third quarter
- WKU – Lucas Carniero 35-yard field goal, 8:44. Western Kentucky 20–7. Drive: 12 plays, 36 yards, 5:05.
Fourth quarter
- BC – Grayson James 1-yard run (Liam Connor kick), 11:36. Western Kentucky 20–14. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 3:43.
- BC – Jerand Bradley 8-yard pass from Grayson James (Liam Connor kick), 3:33. Boston College 21–20. Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 2:50.
|
Statistics |
WKU |
BC
|
First downs |
20 |
19
|
Total yards |
355 |
279
|
Rushing yards |
123 |
111
|
Passing yards |
232 |
168
|
Passing: Comp–Att–Int |
25–39–2 |
19–32–1
|
Time of possession |
30:40 |
29:20
|
Team |
Category |
Player |
Statistics
|
Western Kentucky |
Passing |
Caden Veltkamp |
25/39, 232 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
|
Rushing |
Elijah Young |
21 rushes, 85 yds
|
Receiving |
River Helms |
4 receptions, 72 yds
|
Boston College |
Passing |
Grayson James |
19/32, 168 yds, TD, INT
|
Rushing |
Kye Robichaux |
18 rushes, 81 yds, TD
|
Receiving |
Jaeden Skeete |
4 receptions, 55 yds
|
Game Six – UTEP Miners (0–5) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3–2) – Game summary
Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Miners |
7 |
0 |
10 | 0 | 17 |
Hilltoppers |
14 |
13 |
7 | 10 | 44 |
at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY
- Date: Thursday October 10, 2024
- Game time: 7:00 p.m.
- Game weather: Sunny
- Game attendance: 12,723
- Referee: Reed Brotherton
- TV announcers (ESPNU): Mike Corey (play-by-play) and Rene Ingoglia (analyst)
- Box Score
Game information
|
First quarter
- WKU – Dalvin Smith 30-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp (Lucas Carniero kick), 7:40. Western Kentucky 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 74 yards, 1:38.
- UTEP – Kenny Odom 76-yard pass from Cade McConnell (Buzz Flabiano kick), 7:02. Tied 7–7. Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards, 0:33.
- WKU – Michael Mathison 12-yard run (Lucas Carneiro kick), 2:18. Western Kentucky 14–7. Drive: 1 play, 12 yards, 0:05.
Second quarter
- WKU – Lucas Carneiro 25-yard field goal, 10:55. Western Kentucky 17–7. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 4:34.
- WKU – Caden Veltkam 2-yard run (Lucas Carneiro kick), 5:32. Western Kentucky 24–7. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 3:43.
- WKU – Lucas Carneiro 42-yard field goal, 0:00. Western Kentucky 27–7. Drive: 12 plays, 23 yards, 2:53.
Third quarter
- UTEP – Corey Wren 100-yard kickoff return (Buzz Flabiano kick), 14:47. Western Kentucky 27–14.
- UTEP – Buzz Flabiano 42-yard field goal, 5:29. Western Kentucky 27–17. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 5:36.
- WKU – Michael Mathison 14-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp (Lucas Carneiro kick), 4:32. Western Kentucky 34–17. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:57.
- Fourth quarter
- WKU – Michael Mathison 3-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp (Lucas Carneiro kick), 12:27. Western Kentucky 41–17. Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards, 2:33.
- WKU – Lucas Carneiro 54-yard field goal, 4:49. Western Kentucky 44–17. Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 3:32.
|
Statistics |
UTEP |
WKU
|
First downs |
18 |
20
|
Total yards |
330 |
482
|
Rushing yards |
152 |
218
|
Passing yards |
178 |
264
|
Passing: Comp–Att–Int |
14–24–1 |
18–27–1
|
Time of possession |
30:23 |
29:37
|
Team |
Category |
Player |
Statistics
|
UTEP |
Passing |
Cade McConnell |
3/7, 96 yards, TD, INT
|
Rushing |
Ezell Jolly |
27 carries, 119 yards
|
Receiving |
Kenny Odom |
1 reception, 76 yards, TD
|
Western Kentucky |
Passing |
Caden Veltkamp |
18/27, 264 yards, 3 TD, INT
|
Rushing |
Elijah Young |
16 carries, 60 yards
|
Receiving |
Easton Messer |
6 receptions, 106 yards
|
Game Seven – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4–2) at Sam Houston Bearkats (5–1) – Game summary
Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Hilltoppers |
7 |
10 |
0 | 14 | 31 |
Bearkats |
0 |
14 |
0 | 0 | 14 |
at Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX
- Date: Wednesday October 16, 2024
- Game time: 7:00 p.m.
- Game weather: Clear • Temperature: 68 °F (20 °C) • Wind: NE 8 miles per hour (13 km/h)
- Game attendance: 8,914
- Referee: Roy Bernard
- TV announcers (ESPN2): Lowell Galindo (play-by-play) and Fozzy Whittaker (analyst)
- Box Score
Game information
|
- First quarter
- (12:20) WKU – River Helms 17-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 2:40; Western Kentucky 7–0)
- Second quarter
- (14:50) SAM – Simeon Evans 37-yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 3:03; Tied 7–7)
- (10:41) WKU – Lucas Carneiro 51-yard field goal (Drive: 10 plays, 32 yards, 4:09; Western Kentucky 10–7)
- (8:46) SAM – Michael Phoenix II 50-yard pass from Hunter Watson, Christian Pavon kick (Drive: 4 plays, 73 yards, 1:47; Sam Houston 14–10)
- (2:59) WKU – Elijah Young 11-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:47; Western Kentucky 17–14)
- Third quarter
No scoring plays
- Fourth quarter
- (11:45) WKU – K.D. Hutchinson 74-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:20; Western Kentucky 24–14)
- (9:31) WKU – Caden Veltkamp 19-yard run, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 3 plays, 24 yards, 0:43; Western Kentucky 31–14)
|
Statistics |
WKU |
SHSU
|
First downs |
23 |
22
|
Total yards |
411 |
400
|
Rushing yards |
130 |
165
|
Passing yards |
281 |
235
|
Turnovers |
1 |
2
|
Time of possession |
29:45 |
30:15
|
Team |
Category |
Player |
Statistics
|
Western Kentucky |
Passing |
Caden Veltkamp |
20/29, 281 yards, 3 TD
|
Rushing |
Elijah Young |
23 carries, 97 yards
|
Receiving |
K. D. Hutchinson |
3 receptions, 88 yards, TD
|
Sam Houston |
Passing |
Hunter Watson |
6/9, 128 yards, 2 TD
|
Rushing |
Jase Bauer |
11 carries, 41 yards
|
Receiving |
Simeon Evans |
5 receptions, 59 yards, TD
|
Game Eight – Kennesaw State Owls (1–6) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5–2) – Game summary
Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Owls |
7 |
0 |
0 | 7 | 14 |
Hilltoppers |
21 |
3 |
0 | 7 | 31 |
at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY
- Date: Wednesday October 30, 2024
- Game time: 6:30 p.m. EDT
- Game weather: Sunny
- Game attendance: 14,547
- Referee: Garrett Dickerson
- TV announcers (ESPN2): Clay Matvick (play-by-play) and Steve Addazio (analyst)
- Box Score
Game information
|
- First quarter
- (11:54) WKU – Trevor Borland 5 yard pass from Caden Veltkamp, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 8 plays, 79 yards, 3:01; WKU 7–0)
- (5:28) KENN – Michael Benefield 37 yard run, Austin Welch kick (Drive: 3 plays, 44 yards, 1:18; TIE 7–7)
- (3:16) WKU – Easton Messer 64 yard pass from Caden Veltkamp, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:12; WKU 14–7)
- (0:00) WKU – George Hart III 30 yard run, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 5 plays, 78 yards, 2:12; WKU 21–7)
- Second quarter
- (3:46) WKU – Lucas Carneiro 32 yard field goal (Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 5:45; WKU 24–7)
- Third quarter
No scoring plays
- Fourth quarter
- (12:26) WKU – Noah Meyers 17 yard pass from Caden Veltkamp, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 5 plays, 81 yards, 0:47; WKU 31–7)
- (5:19) KENN – Davis Bryson 20 yard run, Austin Welch kick (Drive: 14 plays, 82 yards, 2:13; WKU 31–14)
|
Statistics |
KENN |
WKU
|
First downs |
18 |
24
|
Total yards |
272 |
467
|
Rushing yards |
176 |
191
|
Passing yards |
96 |
276
|
Passing: Comp–Att–Int |
13–26–1 |
17–22–0
|
Time of possession |
32:54 |
27:06
|
Team |
Category |
Player |
Statistics
|
Kennesaw State |
Passing |
Davis Bryson |
13/26, 96 yards, 1 INT
|
Rushing |
Michael Benefield |
16 carries, 98 yards, 1 TD
|
Receiving |
Carson Kent |
3 receptions, 34 yards
|
Western Kentucky |
Passing |
Caden Veltkamp |
17/22, 276 yards, 3 TD
|
Rushing |
Elijah Young |
15 carries, 114 yards
|
Receiving |
Easton Messer |
2 receptions, 68 yards, 1 TD
|
at New Mexico State
[edit]
Game Nine – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (6–2) at New Mexico State Aggies (2–6) – Game summary
Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Hilltoppers |
14 |
10 |
7 | 10 | 41 |
Aggies |
7 |
0 |
14 | 7 | 28 |
at Aggie Memorial Stadium, Las Cruces, NM
- Date: Saturday November 9, 2024
- Game time: 5:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 64 °F (18 °C) • Wind: W 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h)
- Game attendance: 12,710
- Referee: Rodney Burnette
- TV announcers (ESPN+): Adam Young (play-by-play) and Danny Knee (analyst)
- Box Score
Game information
|
- First quarter
- (13:07) WKU – Easton Messer 54-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 4 plays, 70 yards, 1:49; Western Kentucky 7–0)
- (9:59) WKU – Caden Veltkamp 1-yard run, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 6 plays, 28 yards, 2:57; Western Kentucky 14–0)
- (3:01) NMSU – Mike Washington 1-yard run, Abraham Montaño kick (Drive: 13 plays, 70 yards, 6:52; Western Kentucky 14–7)
- Second quarter
- (14:52) WKU – Kisean Johnson 51-yard pass from Dalvin Smith, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 3:03; Western Kentucky 21–7)
- (0:00) WKU – Lucas Carneiro 42-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 5:53; Western Kentucky 24–7)
- Third quarter
- (9:14) NMSU – Mike Washington 3-yard run, Abraham Montaño kick (Drive: 5 plays, 36 yards, 2:38; Western Kentucky 24–14)
- (5:28) NMSU – Seth McGowan 7-yard run, Abraham Montaño kick (Drive: 6 plays, 92 yards, 2:24; Western Kentucky 24–21)
- (0:59) WKU – Caden Veltkamp 3-yard run, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:29; Western Kentucky 31–21)
- Fourth quarter
- (9:58) WKU – K. D. Hutchinson 28-yard pass from Caden Veltkamp, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 2:47; Western Kentucky 38–21)
- (5:03) WKU – Lucas Carneiro 53-yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 2:21; Western Kentucky 41–21)
- (1:55) NMSU – Donovan Faupel 29-yard pass from Santino Marucci, Abraham Montaño kick (Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:08; Western Kentucky 41–28)
|
Statistics |
WKU |
NMSU
|
First downs |
17 |
14
|
Total yards |
413 |
460
|
Rushing yards |
116 |
331
|
Passing yards |
297 |
129
|
Passing: Comp–Att–Int |
19–28–2 |
10–22–2
|
Time of possession |
30:30 |
29:30
|
Team |
Category |
Player |
Statistics
|
Western Kentucky |
Passing |
Caden Veltkamp |
18/27, 246 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
|
Rushing |
Elijah Young |
16 carries, 74 yards
|
Receiving |
Kisean Johnson |
5 receptions, 88 yards, TD
|
New Mexico State |
Passing |
Santino Marucci |
10/20, 129 yards, TD, 2 INT
|
Rushing |
Mike Washington |
19 carries, 152 yards, 2 TD
|
Receiving |
Seth McGowan |
3 receptions, 47 yards
|
Game Ten – Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (3–6) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (7–2) – Game summary
Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Bulldogs |
3 |
6 |
0 | 3 | 12 |
Hilltoppers |
0 |
7 |
0 | 0 | 7 |
at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY
- Date: Saturday November 16, 2024
- Game time: 11:00 a.m. EST
- Game weather: Sunny
- Game attendance: 13,312
- Referee: Rory Bernard
- TV announcers (CBSSN): Alex Del Barrio (play-by-play) and Taylor McHargue (analyst)
- Box Score
Game information
|
- First quarter
- (9:30) LT – Buck Buchanan 35-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 4:05; Louisiana Tech 3–0)
- Second quarter
- (14:16) WKU – Elijah Young 7-yard run, Lucas Carneiro kick (Drive: 14 plays, 97 yards, 5:31; Western Kentucky 7–3)
- (8:16) LT – Buck Buchanan 42-yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 56 yards, 5:54; Western Kentucky 7–6)
- (2:25) LT – Buck Buchanan 28-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 4:13; Louisiana Tech 9–7)
- Third quarter
No scoring plays
- Fourth quarter
- (8:06) LT – Buck Buchanan 24-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 51 yards, 6:58; Louisiana Tech 12–7)
|
Statistics |
LT |
WKU
|
First downs |
18 |
12
|
Total yards |
275 |
215
|
Rushing yards |
209 |
63
|
Passing yards |
66 |
152
|
Passing: Comp–Att–Int |
12–15–0 |
18–26–0
|
Time of possession |
39:38 |
20:22
|
Team |
Category |
Player |
Statistics
|
Louisiana Tech |
Passing |
Evan Bullock |
12/15, 66 yards
|
Rushing |
Amani Givens |
17 carries, 103 yards
|
Receiving |
Tru Edwards |
7 receptions, 52 yards
|
Western Kentucky |
Passing |
Caden Veltkamp |
18/26, 152 yards
|
Rushing |
Caden Veltkamp |
8 carries, 17 yards
|
Receiving |
Kisean Johnson |
4 receptions, 40 yards
|
Game Eleven – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (7–3) at Liberty Flames (7–2) – Game summary
Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Hilltoppers |
0 |
0 |
0 | 0 | 0 |
Flames |
0 |
0 |
0 | 0 | 0 |
at Williams Stadium, Lynchburg, VA
- Date: Saturday November 23, 2024
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- TV announcers (ESPN+): Matt Warner (play-by-play), Joe Jauch (analyst) and Emily Austen (sideline)
Game information
|
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
Statistics |
WKU |
LIB
|
First downs |
|
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Total yards |
|
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Rushing yards |
|
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Passing yards |
|
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Passing: Comp–Att–Int |
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Time of possession |
|
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Team |
Category |
Player |
Statistics
|
Western Kentucky |
Passing |
|
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Rushing |
|
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Receiving |
|
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Liberty |
Passing |
|
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Rushing |
|
|
Receiving |
|
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Game Twelve – Jacksonville State Gamecocks (0–0) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0–0) – Game summary
Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Gamecocks |
0 |
0 |
0 | 0 | 0 |
Hilltoppers |
0 |
0 |
0 | 0 | 0 |
at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY
- Date: Saturday November 30, 2024
- Game time: 2:30 p.m. EST
Game information
|
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
Statistics |
JVST |
WKU
|
First downs |
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Total yards |
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Rushing yards |
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Passing yards |
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Passing: Comp–Att–Int |
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Time of possession |
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Team |
Category |
Player |
Statistics
|
Jacksonville State |
Passing |
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Rushing |
|
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Receiving |
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Western Kentucky |
Passing |
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Rushing |
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Receiving |
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National championship seasons in bold |