Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky Short Report | Nov 18, 2023
Sam Houston
23 - 28
Houchens Industries–L.T. Smith Stadium
Bowling Green, KY
Nov 18, 2023
Western Kentucky
Houchens Industries–L.T. Smith Stadium
Bowling Green, KY
Nov 18, 2023
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Game Recap
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers edged out the Sam Houston Bearkats in a thrilling contest, securing a 28-23 victory. The game was notable for its multiple lead changes and intense performances from both teams. Western Kentucky's quarterback Austin Reed threw for three touchdowns but was also intercepted four times, providing a roller-coaster ride for Hilltoppers fans. Reed's performance was highlighted by a remarkable 75-yard touchdown pass to Malachi Corley that proved decisive in the fourth quarter.
Sam Houston showcased a resilient offense, with Keegan Shoemaker connecting on a pivotal 42-yard touchdown pass to Noah Smith. Despite a valiant effort, which included a go-ahead touchdown run by John Gentry in the third quarter, the Bearkats fell short in the final minutes. The Hilltoppers' defense stepped up in crucial moments, highlighted by Anthony Johnson Jr.'s recovery of a fumble in the red zone and a game-sealing interception in the end zone. Western Kentucky secured bowl eligibility with this victory, underscoring the significance of this hard-fought win.
Key Plays:
Austin Reed (Western Kentucky)
Austin Reed set the tone early with a spectacular 45-yard touchdown pass to Dalvin Smith, giving Western Kentucky an immediate 7-0 lead.
Keegan Shoemaker (Sam Houston)
Keegan Shoemaker responded with a 42-yard bomb to Noah Smith, cutting the deficit to 7-6 and electrifying the Sam Houston sideline.
Adrian Murdaugh (Sam Houston)
Adrian Murdaugh bulldozed his way into the end zone from a yard out, giving the Bearkats a 13-7 advantage.
Austin Reed (Western Kentucky)
Reed found Craig Burt Jr. for a 26-yard touchdown pass, reclaiming a 14-13 lead as halftime approached.
Colby Sessums (Sam Houston)
Colby Sessums drilled a clutch 53-yard field goal to narrow the halftime deficit to 21-16.
John Gentry (Sam Houston)
John Gentry broke through for a 7-yard touchdown run, reclaiming the lead for the Bearkats at 23-21.
Austin Reed (Western Kentucky)
Reed's 75-yard touchdown to Malachi Corley was a game-changing play, putting the Hilltoppers back on top 28-23.
Anthony Johnson Jr. (Western Kentucky)
Anthony Johnson Jr. came up big with a fumble recovery in the red zone, thwarting Sam Houston's promising drive.
Anthony Johnson Jr. (Western Kentucky)
Johnson Jr. sealed the victory with a crucial interception in the end zone, securing the Hilltoppers' 28-23 win.
Standout Players:
Austin Reed (Western Kentucky, QB)
Threw for 392 yards and three touchdowns, despite four interceptions, leading a balanced offensive attack and making crucial plays.
Malachi Corley (Western Kentucky, WR)
Caught 10 passes for 171 yards, including a game-changing 75-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Keegan Shoemaker (Sam Houston, QB)
Passed for 271 yards, one touchdown, and had two interceptions, showing grit in keeping his team in the game.
Noah Smith (Sam Houston, WR)
Had 10 receptions for 115 yards and one touchdown, consistently being a reliable target for the Bearkats.
John Gentry (Sam Houston, RB)
Ran 15 times for 41 yards and one touchdown while catching four passes for 68 yards, showcasing his versatility.
Anthony Johnson Jr. (Western Kentucky, DB)
Recovered a fumble and intercepted a crucial pass in the end zone, anchoring the defense in key moments.
Colby Sessums (Sam Houston, K)
Kicked a 53-yard field goal just before halftime, showing his big-game capability.
References:
Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers - Final Score - November 18, 2023 | FOX Sports
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2023-11-18 Sam Houston State @ Western Kentucky - YouTube
Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Box Score and Stats - November 18, 2023 | FOX Sports
Sam Houston Bearkats vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Live Score and Stats - November 18, 2023 Gametracker - CBSSports.com
Source
Western Kentucky University Athletics
Sam Houston Bearkats at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers - NCAAF News - Nov 18, 2023 | USA TODAY
Western Kentucky University Athletics
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Team
1
2
3
4
T
Sam Houston Bearkats
0
16
7
0
23
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
7
14
0
7
28
