2024 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team

American college football season

2024 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football

C-USA Championship, L 12–52 vs. Jacksonville State

Boca Raton Bowl, L 17–27 vs. James Madison

Conference| Conference USA
Record| 8–6 (6–2 C-USA)
Head coach|

* Tyson Helton (6th season)

Offensive coordinator| Will Friend (1st season)
Co-offensive coordinator| Drew 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

* v
* t
* e

| Conf |  |  | Overall

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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]

## Preseason

[edit]

### C-USA media poll

[edit]

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

## Schedule

[edit]

Date| Time| Opponent| Site| TV| Result| Attendance

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August 31| 6:00 p.m.| at No. 5 Alabama*|

* Bryant–Denny Stadium
* Tuscaloosa, AL

| ESPN| L 0–63| 100,077
September 7| 6:00 p.m.| Eastern Kentucky*|

* Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
* Bowling Green, KY (Battle of the Bluegrass)

| ESPN+| W 31–0| 16,712
September 14| 6:00 p.m.| at Middle Tennessee|

* Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium
* Murfreesboro, TN (100 Miles of Hate)

| 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*|

* Alumni Stadium
* Chestnut Hill, MA

| ACCN| L 20–21| 41,403
October 10| 7:00 p.m.| UTEP|

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

| ESPNU| W 44–17| 12,723
October 16| 7:00 p.m.| at Sam Houston|

* Bowers Stadium
* Huntsville, TX

| ESPN2| W 31–14| 8,914
October 30| 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|

* Aggie Memorial Stadium
* Las Cruces, NM

| 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|

* Williams Stadium
* Lynchburg, VA

| ESPN+| L 21–38| 17,930
November 30| 3:00 p.m.| Jacksonville State|

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

| ESPNU| W 19–17| 6,547
December 6| 6:00 p.m.| at Jacksonville State|

* Burgess–Snow Field at JSU Stadium
* Jacksonville, AL (C-USA Championship Game)

| CBSSN| L 12–52| 15,628
December 18| 4:30 p.m.| vs. James Madison|

* FAU Stadium
* Boca Raton, FL (Boca Raton Bowl)

| ESPN| L 17–27| 15,808

* *Non-conference game
* Homecoming
* Rankings from AP Poll and CFP Rankings released prior to game
* All times are in Central time

[3]

## Game summaries

[edit]

### at No. 5 Alabama

[edit]

See also: 2024 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

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

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

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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

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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

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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

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

[edit]

See also: 2024 Eastern Kentucky Colonels football team

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

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

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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

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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

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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

### at Middle Tennessee (100 Miles of Hate)

[edit]

See also: 2024 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football team

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

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

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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

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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

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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

### vs. Toledo

[edit]

See also: 2024 Toledo Rockets football team

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

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

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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

* 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.

Statistics | TOL | WKU

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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

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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

### at Boston College

[edit]

See also: 2024 Boston College Eagles football team

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

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

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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

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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

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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

### vs. UTEP

[edit]

See also: 2024 UTEP Miners football team

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

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

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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

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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

### at Sam Houston

[edit]

See also: 2024 Sam Houston Bearkats football team

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

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

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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

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|
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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

### Kennesaw State

[edit]

See also: 2024 Kennesaw State Owls football team

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

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

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|
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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]

See also: 2024 New Mexico State Aggies football team

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

### Louisiana Tech

[edit]

See also: 2024 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team

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

### at Liberty

[edit]

See also: 2024 Liberty Flames football team

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 |  |
Total yards |  |
Rushing yards |  |
Passing yards |  |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int |  |
Time of possession |  |
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

Western Kentucky | Passing |  |
Rushing |  |
Receiving |  |
Liberty | Passing |  |
Rushing |  |
Receiving |  |

### Jacksonville State

[edit]

See also: 2024 Jacksonville State Gamecocks football team

Game Twelve – Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8–3) at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (7–4) – 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: 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

Statistics | JVST | WKU

|
|

First downs |  |
Total yards |  |
Rushing yards |  |
Passing yards |  |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int |  |
Time of possession |  |
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

Jacksonville State | Passing |  |
Rushing |  |
Receiving |  |
Western Kentucky | Passing |  |
Rushing |  |
Receiving |  |

### at Jacksonville State (C-USA Championship)

[edit]

See also: 2024 Jacksonville State Gamecocks football team and 2024 Conference USA Football Championship Game

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

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Hilltoppers | 3 | 3 | 6| 0| 12
Gamecocks | 14 | 14 | 10| 14| 52

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

Statistics | WKU | JVST

|
|

First downs |  |
Total yards |  |
Rushing yards |  |
Passing yards |  |
Passing: Comp–Att–Int |  |
Time of possession |  |
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

Western Kentucky | Passing |  |
Rushing |  |
Receiving |  |
Jacksonville State | Passing |  |
Rushing |  |
Receiving |  |

### James Madison (Boca Raton Bowl)

[edit]

See also: 2024 James Madison Dukes football team and 2024 Boca Raton Bowl

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

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Hilltoppers | 0 | 14 | 0| 3| 17
Dukes | 7 | 0 | 10| 10| 27

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

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

Win Probability

Line

Over/Under

|

Statistics | WKU | JMU

|
|

First downs | 14 | 19
Total yards | 318 | 394
Rushing yards | 16 | 212
Passing yards | 302 | 182
Passing: Comp–Att–Int | 25–39–0 | 17–24–0
Time of possession | 23:28 | 36:32
Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

Western Kentucky | Passing | Caden Veltkamp | 25/39, 302 yards, 2 TD
Rushing | Elijah Young | 11 carries, 37 yards
Receiving | Dalvin Smith | 2 receptions, 76 yards, 1 TD
James Madison | Passing | Billy Atkins | 16/23, 181 yards, 1 TD
Rushing | George Pettiway | 14 carries, 100 yards
Receiving | Omarion Dollison | 6 receptions, 82 yards

## References

[edit]

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.

* v
* t
* e

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football

Venues|

* Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium (1968–present)

Bowls & rivalries|

* Bowl games
* Eastern Kentucky: Battle of the Bluegrass
* Middle Tennessee: 100 Miles of Hate
* Murray State: Battle for the Red Belt

Culture & lore|

* Big Red
* "Stand Up and Cheer"

People|

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National championship seasons in bold
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template
*[Conf]: Conference record
*[W]: Wins
*[L]: Losses