2024 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team

Last updated

2024 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wordmark.svg
Conference Conference USA
Record8–6 (6–2 C-USA)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorWill Friend (1st season)
Co-offensive coordinatorDrew Hollingshead (2nd season)
Offensive scheme Air raid
Defensive coordinator Tyson Summers (3rd season)
Base defense 3–3–5
Home stadium Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
Seasons
  2023
2025  
2024 Conference USA football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
Jacksonville State y$  7 1   9 5  
Western Kentucky y  6 2   8 6  
Sam Houston  6 2   10 3  
Liberty  5 3   8 3  
Louisiana Tech  4 4   5 8  
UTEP  3 5   3 9  
FIU  3 5   4 8  
New Mexico State  2 6   3 9  
Middle Tennessee  2 6   3 9  
Kennesaw State*  2 6   2 10  
Championship: Jacksonville State 52, Western Kentucky 12
  • $ Conference champion
  • y Championship game participant
  • * – Ineligible for postseason play due to FCS-to-FBS transition rules
As of December 30, 2024

The 2024 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team represented Western Kentucky University in Conference USA (C-USA) during the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Hilltoppers were led by Tyson Helton in his sixth year as the head coach. The Hilltoppers played their home games at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium, located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. [1]

Contents

Preseason

C-USA media poll

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 finishTeamVotes (1st place)
1Liberty197 (18)
2Western Kentucky173 (2)
3Jacksonville State166
4Middle Tennessee98
5New Mexico State97
Sam Houston
7Louisiana Tech88
8FIU81
9UTEP76
10Kennesaw State27

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
August 316:00 p.m.at No. 5 Alabama * ESPN L 0–63100,077
September 76:00 p.m. Eastern Kentucky * ESPN+ W 31–016,712
September 146:00 p.m.at Middle Tennessee ESPN+W 49–2112,227
September 216:00 p.m. Toledo *
  • Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
  • Bowling Green, KY
ESPN+W 26–2119,127
September 2811:00 a.m.at Boston College * ACCN L 20–2141,403
October 107:00 p.m. UTEP
  • Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
  • Bowling Green, KY
ESPNU W 44–1712,723
October 167:00 p.m.at Sam Houston ESPN2 W 31–148,914
October 306:30 p.m. Kennesaw State
  • Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
  • Bowling Green, KY
ESPN2W 31–1414,547
November 95:00 p.m.at New Mexico State ESPN+W 41–2812,710
November 1611:00 a.m. Louisiana Tech Dagger-14-plain.png
  • Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
  • Bowling Green, KY
CBSSN L 7–1213,312
November 2312:00 p.m.at Liberty ESPN+L 21–3817,930
November 303:00 p.m. Jacksonville State
  • Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
  • Bowling Green, KY
ESPNUW 19–176,547
December 66:00 p.m.at Jacksonville StateCBSSNL 12–5215,628
December 184:30 p.m.vs. James Madison ESPN L 17–2715,808

[3]

Game summaries

at No. 5 Alabama

Game One – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0-0) at No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide (0-0) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Hilltoppers00000
No. 5 Crimson Tide212114763

at Bryant-Denny StadiumTuscaloosa, 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)
StatisticsWKUALA
First downs1025
Total yards67–14565–600
Rushing yards27–4247–334
Passing yards103266
Passing: Comp–Att–Int22–40–212–18–0
Time of possession29:2530:35
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western KentuckyPassing TJ Finley 18/31, 92 yards, 2 INT
RushingElijah Young10 carries, 18 yards
ReceivingMoussa Barry4 receptions, 27 yards
AlabamaPassing 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

vs. Eastern Kentucky (FCS) (Battle of the Bluegrass)

Game Two – Eastern Kentucky Colonels (FCS) (0–1) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (0–1) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Colonels (FCS)00000
Hilltoppers10701431

at Houchens Industries-L. T. Smith StadiumBowling 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.
StatisticsEKUWKU
First downs1325
Total yards266467
Rushing yards190116
Passing yards76351
Passing: Comp–Att–Int11–20–027–39–0
Time of possession34:1025:50
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Eastern KentuckyPassingMatt Morrissey9/17, 70 yards
RushingJoshua Carter19 rushes, 100 yards
ReceivingMarcus Calwise Jr.4 receptions, 24 yards
Western KentuckyPassingTJ Finley27/39, 351 yards, TD
RushingElijah Young13 rushes, 52 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingKisean Johnson6 receptions, 119 yards

at Middle Tennessee (100 Miles of Hate)

Game Three – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1–1) at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (1–1) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Hilltoppers14721749
Blue Raiders0014721

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.
StatisticsWKUMTSU
First downs3021
Total yards631514
Rushing yards15058
Passing yards481456
Passing: Comp–Att–Int31–37–024–31–1
Time of possession31:2228:38
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western KentuckyPassing Caden Veltkamp 27/30, 398 yds, 5 TD
RushingL.T. Sanders8 rushes, 54 yds
ReceivingKisean Johnson8 receptions, 129 yds, 2 TD
Middle TennesseePassingNicholas Vattiato24/31, 456 yds, 3 TD, INT
RushingNicholas Vattiato9 rushes, 21 yds
ReceivingOmari Kelly9 receptions, 239 yds, 3 TD

vs. Toledo

Game Four – Toledo Rockets (3–0) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2–1) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Rockets0147021
Hilltoppers0751426

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
  • No scoring plays.

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.
StatisticsTOLWKU
First downs1716
Total yards325313
Rushing yards12571
Passing yards200242
Passing: Comp–Att–Int19–33–220–30–2
Time of possession34:1926:22
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ToledoPassing Tucker Gleason 19/33, 200 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingTucker Gleason12 rushes, 46 yds, TD
ReceivingJacquez Stuart3 receptions, 93 yds
Western KentuckyPassingCaden Veltkamp20/30, 242 yds, TD, 2 INT
RushingElijah Young9 rushes, 36 yds
ReceivingKisean Johnson6 receptions, 73 yds, TD

at Boston College

Game Five – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3–1) at Boston College Eagles (3–1) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Hilltoppers7103020
Eagles0701421

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.
StatisticsWKUBC
First downs2019
Total yards355279
Rushing yards123111
Passing yards232168
Passing: Comp–Att–Int25–39–219–32–1
Time of possession30:4029:20
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western KentuckyPassingCaden Veltkamp25/39, 232 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingElijah Young21 rushes, 85 yds
ReceivingRiver Helms4 receptions, 72 yds
Boston CollegePassing Grayson James 19/32, 168 yds, TD, INT
RushingKye Robichaux18 rushes, 81 yds, TD
ReceivingJaeden Skeete4 receptions, 55 yds

vs. UTEP

Game Six – UTEP Miners (0–5) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3–2) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Miners7010017
Hilltoppers141371044

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.
StatisticsUTEPWKU
First downs1820
Total yards330482
Rushing yards152218
Passing yards178264
Passing: Comp–Att–Int14–24–118–27–1
Time of possession30:2329:37
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UTEPPassingCade McConnell3/7, 96 yards, TD, INT
RushingEzell Jolly27 carries, 119 yards
ReceivingKenny Odom1 reception, 76 yards, TD
Western KentuckyPassingCaden Veltkamp18/27, 264 yards, 3 TD, INT
RushingElijah Young16 carries, 60 yards
ReceivingEaston Messer6 receptions, 106 yards

at Sam Houston

Game Seven – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4–2) at Sam Houston Bearkats (5–1) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Hilltoppers71001431
Bearkats0140014

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)
StatisticsWKUSHSU
First downs2322
Total yards411400
Rushing yards130165
Passing yards281235
Turnovers12
Time of possession29:4530:15
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western KentuckyPassingCaden Veltkamp20/29, 281 yards, 3 TD
RushingElijah Young23 carries, 97 yards
ReceivingK. D. Hutchinson3 receptions, 88 yards, TD
Sam HoustonPassingHunter Watson6/9, 128 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Jase Bauer 11 carries, 41 yards
ReceivingSimeon Evans5 receptions, 59 yards, TD

Kennesaw State

Game Eight – Kennesaw State Owls (1–6) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5–2) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Owls700714
Hilltoppers2130731

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)
StatisticsKENNWKU
First downs1824
Total yards272467
Rushing yards176191
Passing yards96276
Passing: Comp–Att–Int13–26–117–22–0
Time of possession32:5427:06
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Kennesaw StatePassingDavis Bryson13/26, 96 yards, 1 INT
RushingMichael Benefield16 carries, 98 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingCarson Kent3 receptions, 34 yards
Western KentuckyPassing Caden Veltkamp 17/22, 276 yards, 3 TD
RushingElijah Young15 carries, 114 yards
ReceivingEaston Messer2 receptions, 68 yards, 1 TD

at New Mexico State

Game Nine – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (6–2) at New Mexico State Aggies (2–6) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Hilltoppers141071041
Aggies7014728

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)
StatisticsWKUNMSU
First downs1714
Total yards413460
Rushing yards116331
Passing yards297129
Passing: Comp–Att–Int19–28–210–22–2
Time of possession30:3029:30
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western KentuckyPassingCaden Veltkamp18/27, 246 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingElijah Young16 carries, 74 yards
ReceivingKisean Johnson5 receptions, 88 yards, TD
New Mexico StatePassingSantino Marucci10/20, 129 yards, TD, 2 INT
RushingMike Washington19 carries, 152 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingSeth McGowan3 receptions, 47 yards

Louisiana Tech

Game Ten – Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (3–6) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (7–2) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Bulldogs360312
Hilltoppers07007

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)
StatisticsLTWKU
First downs1812
Total yards275215
Rushing yards20963
Passing yards66152
Passing: Comp–Att–Int12–15–018–26–0
Time of possession39:3820:22
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Louisiana TechPassingEvan Bullock12/15, 66 yards
RushingAmani Givens17 carries, 103 yards
ReceivingTru Edwards7 receptions, 52 yards
Western KentuckyPassingCaden Veltkamp18/26, 152 yards
RushingCaden Veltkamp8 carries, 17 yards
ReceivingKisean Johnson4 receptions, 40 yards

at Liberty

Game Eleven – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (7–3) at Liberty Flames (7–2) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Hilltoppers00000
Flames00000

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
StatisticsWKULIB
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western KentuckyPassing
Rushing
Receiving
LibertyPassing
Rushing
Receiving

Jacksonville State

Game Twelve – Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8–3) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (7–4) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Gamecocks00000
Hilltoppers00000

at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY

  • Date: Saturday November 30, 2024
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. EST
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Matt Schumacker (play-by-play) and Dustin Fox (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsJVSTWKU
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Jacksonville StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
Western KentuckyPassing
Rushing
Receiving

at Jacksonville State (C-USA Championship)

Game Thirteen – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8–4) at Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8–4) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Hilltoppers336012
Gamecocks1414101452

at JSU Stadium • Jacksonville, AL

  • Date: Friday December 6, 2024
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Referee: Rory Bernard
  • TV announcers (CBSSN): Rich Waltz (play-by-play), Robert Turbin (analyst), and Amanda Guerra (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsWKUJVST
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western KentuckyPassing
Rushing
Receiving
Jacksonville StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving

James Madison (Boca Raton Bowl)

2024 Boca Raton Bowl
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8–5, 6–2) at James Madison Dukes (8–4, 4–4)
Quarter1234Total
Hilltoppers0140317
Dukes70101027

at FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, Florida

  • Date: December 18th, 2024
  • Game time: 4:30 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature: 80 °F (27 °C) • Wind: SE at 11 miles per hour (18 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 15,808
  • TV: ESPN
Game information
StatisticsWKUJMU
First downs1419
Total yards318394
Rushing yards16212
Passing yards302182
Passing: Comp–Att–Int25–39–017–24–0
Time of possession23:2836:32
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western KentuckyPassingCaden Veltkamp25/39, 302 yards, 2 TD
RushingElijah Young11 carries, 37 yards
ReceivingDalvin Smith2 receptions, 76 yards, 1 TD
James MadisonPassingBilly Atkins16/23, 181 yards, 1 TD
RushingGeorge Pettiway14 carries, 100 yards
ReceivingOmarion Dollison6 receptions, 82 yards

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 Louisiana–Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns football team</span> American college football season

The 2009 Louisiana–Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns football team represented the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Ragin' Cajuns were led by eighth year head coach Rickey Bustle and played their home games at Cajun Field. The Ragin' Cajuns finished the season with a record of 6–6 overall and 4–4 in Sun Belt Conference play.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Bowling Green Falcons football team</span> American college football season

The 2014 Bowling Green Falcons football team represented Bowling Green State University in the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Falcons played their home games at Doyt Perry Stadium. They were led by first year head coach Dino Babers and were members of the East Division of the Mid-American Conference. They finished the season 8–6, 5–3 in MAC play be champions of the East Division and qualify for the MAC Championship Game where they lost to West Division champion Northern Illinois. They were invited to the inaugural Camellia Bowl where they defeated South Alabama.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Army Black Knights football team</span> American college football season

The 2014 Army Black Knights football team represented the United States Military Academy as an independent in the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Black Knights were led by first-year head coach Jeff Monken and played their home games at Michie Stadium. They finished the season 4–8.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Kentucky Wildcats football team</span> 2020 University of Kentucky football season

The 2020 Kentucky Wildcats football team represented the University of Kentucky in the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Wildcats played their home games at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky, and competed in the East Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). They were led by eighth-year head coach Mark Stoops.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Marshall Thundering Herd football team</span> American college football season

The 2020 Marshall Thundering Herd football team represented Marshall University in the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Thundering Herd played their home games at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington, West Virginia, and competed in the East Division of Conference USA (CUSA). They were led by eleventh-year head coach Doc Holliday.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 UTSA Roadrunners football team</span> American college football season

The 2021 UTSA Roadrunners football team represented the University of Texas at San Antonio during the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Roadrunners played their home games at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, and competed in the West Division of Conference USA (C-USA). The team was coached by second-year head coach Jeff Traylor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 FIU Panthers football team</span> American college football season

The 2021 FIU Panthers football team represented Florida International University (FIU) in the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Panthers played their home games at Riccardo Silva Stadium in Miami, Florida, and competed in the East Division of Conference USA (C-USA). They were led by fifth-year head coach Butch Davis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 LSU Tigers football team</span> American college football season

The 2023 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University (LSU) in the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Tigers were led by Brian Kelly in his second year as LSU's head coach. Quarterback Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy and several other awards for the season after scoring 50 total touchdowns, leading the NCAA with nearly 5,000 total yards, and setting the FBS single-season passer rating record.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Kentucky Wildcats football team</span> American college football season

The 2023 Kentucky Wildcats football team represented the University of Kentucky in the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Wildcats were led by Mark Stoops in his 11th year as their head coach. The Kentucky football team played their home games at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. The Kentucky Wildcats football team drew an average home attendance of 60,939 in 2023.

The 2023 Sam Houston Bearkats football team represented Sam Houston State University in Conference USA during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Bearkats were led by tenth-year head coach K. C. Keeler. They played their home games at Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, Texas. They were ineligible for a bowl game, the conference championship, or the College Football Playoff due to rules governing transitions from FCS to FBS. The Sam Houston Bearkats football team drew an average home attendance of 8,298 in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 New Mexico State Aggies football team</span> American college football season

The 2023 New Mexico State Aggies football team represented New Mexico State University in the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Aggies played their home games at Aggie Memorial Stadium in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and competed as a first-year member of Conference USA. They were led by second-year head coach Jerry Kill.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team</span> American college football season

The 2023 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team represented Western Kentucky University in the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Hilltoppers played their home games at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and competed members of Conference USA. They were led by fifth-year head coach Tyson Helton. The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team drew an average home attendance of 15,710 in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Bowling Green Falcons football team</span> American college football season

The 2023 Bowling Green Falcons football team represented Bowling Green State University during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Falcons were led by fifth-year head coach Scot Loeffler and played their home games at Doyt Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, Ohio. The Bowling Green Falcons football team drew an average home attendance of 13,462 in 2023.

The 2024 Boston College Eagles football team represented Boston College as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) during the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Eagles were led by Bill O'Brien in his first season as their head coach. They played their home games at Alumni Stadium located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 Toledo Rockets football team</span> American college football season

The 2024 Toledo Rockets football team represented the University of Toledo in the Mid-American Conference during the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Rockets were led by Jason Candle in his ninth year as the head coach. The Rockets played home games at the Glass Bowl, located in Toledo, Ohio. In week 3, the Rockets pulled off a 41–17 upset victory over Mississippi State from the SEC with a payout of $1.2 million.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 Jacksonville State Gamecocks football team</span> American college football season

The 2024 Jacksonville State Gamecocks football team represented Jacksonville State University in Conference USA (C-USA) during the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Gamecocks were led by Rich Rodriguez in his third year as the head coach. The Gamecocks played their home games at Burgess–Snow Field at JSU Stadium, located in Jacksonville, Alabama.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 Kennesaw State Owls football team</span> American college football season

The 2024 Kennesaw State Owls football team represented Kennesaw State University in Conference USA (C-USA) during the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Owls were led by Brian Bohannon in his tenth year as the head coach. The Owls played home games at Fifth Third Stadium, located in Kennesaw, Georgia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team</span> American college football season

The 2024 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team represented Louisiana Tech University in Conference USA (C-USA) during the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Bulldogs were led by Sonny Cumbie in his third year as the head coach. The Bulldogs played their home games at Joe Aillet Stadium, located in Ruston, Louisiana.

The 2024 Sam Houston Bearkats football team represented Sam Houston State University in Conference USA (CUSA) during the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Bearkats were led by K. C. Keeler during the regular season, in his eleventh year as the head coach. The Bearkats played their home games at Bowers Stadium, located in Huntsville, Texas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 Eastern Kentucky Colonels football team</span> American college football season

The 2024 Eastern Kentucky Colonels football team represented Eastern Kentucky University as a member of the United Athletic Conference (UAC) during the 2024 NCAA Division I FCS football season. The Colonels were be coached by fifth-year head coach Walt Wells and played at Roy Kidd Stadium in Richmond, Kentucky.

References

  1. "2023 Football Coaching Staff". Western Kentucky University Athletics. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  2. "FB: CUSA Announces Media's Predicted Order of Finish". conferenceUSA.com. Conference USA. July 19, 2024. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  3. "2024 WKU Football Schedule". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved February 2, 2024.