Murfreesboro, TN
Sep 14, 2024
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The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers dominated the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders with a final score of 49-21 in their Conference USA opener at Floyd Stadium. Quarterback Caden Veltkamp tied his career-high with five touchdown passes, amassing 398 yards through the air and even adding a rushing touchdown. Veltkamp's standout performance was supported by career-high receiving yards from wide receiver Kisean Johnson, who caught eight passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns. The Hilltoppers jumped to an early lead, with a 21-point advantage at halftime, and scored 28 unanswered points before Middle Tennessee managed their first score.
Despite Nicholas Vattiato's personal-best 456 passing yards and three touchdowns, the host Blue Raiders couldn't keep pace with Western Kentucky's high-powered offense. All three of Vattiato's touchdown passes were hauled in by wide receiver Omari Kelly, who recorded 239 yards on nine receptions. However, missed opportunities, including faltered red zone attempts in the first half, hindered Middle Tennessee’s chances to rally. Western Kentucky’s dominance extended to several offensive categories, outgaining Middle Tennessee 631-514 in total yardage.
River Helms (Western Kentucky Hilltoppers)
Caden Veltkamp connected with River Helms on a precise 4-yard touchdown pass, which capped a 12-play, 60-yard drive, putting the Hilltoppers ahead 7-0.
Kisean Johnson (Western Kentucky Hilltoppers)
Kisean Johnson extended the lead to 14-0 with a 6-yard touchdown reception from Veltkamp after a swift 5-play, 65-yard drive.
Easton Messer (Western Kentucky Hilltoppers)
Easton Messer's 10-yard touchdown catch completed a crucial 11-play, 99-yard drive, making it 21-0 just before halftime.
K.D. Hutchinson (Western Kentucky Hilltoppers)
K.D. Hutchinson exploded for a 72-yard touchdown reception on a deep pass from Veltkamp, increasing the Hilltoppers’ lead to 28-0 early in the third quarter.
Omari Kelly (Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders)
Omari Kelly caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from Nicholas Vattiato, giving the Blue Raiders their first score and cutting the deficit to 28-7.
Caden Veltkamp (Western Kentucky Hilltoppers)
Caden Veltkamp powered through for a 1-yard rushing touchdown, restoring momentum for the Hilltoppers and making the score 35-7.
Kisean Johnson (Western Kentucky Hilltoppers)
Dalvin Smith, the wide receiver, threw a trick play pass to Kisean Johnson for a 36-yard touchdown, marking Veltkamp's fifth touchdown pass.
Trevor Borland (Western Kentucky Hilltoppers)
Trevor Borland caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from Veltkamp, sealing the game for Western Kentucky by making the score 49-14.
Omari Kelly (Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders)
Omari Kelly rounded off the scoring with a 7-yard touchdown reception from Vattiato, bringing the closing deficit to 49-21.
Jaiden Credle (Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders)
Jaiden Credle was stuffed three times on the goal line in the early second quarter, including a failed fourth-down attempt, in a critical missed opportunity.
Nicholas Vattiato (Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders)
Vattiato’s pass, deflected by Gamarion Carter, was intercepted by Anthony Johnson Jr., halting another critical Blue Raider drive.
Caden Veltkamp (Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, QB)
Delivered a career-tying five touchdown passes and added a rushing touchdown, completing 27 of 30 passes for 398 yards, leading Western Kentucky's high-octane offense.
Kisean Johnson (Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, WR)
Set a career-high with 129 receiving yards on eight catches, scoring two pivotal touchdowns to establish early dominance for the Hilltoppers.
Omari Kelly (Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, WR)
Recorded 239 receiving yards on nine receptions, setting a career-best and scoring three touchdowns, nearly breaking the school record for single-game receiving yards.
Nicholas Vattiato (Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, QB)
Threw for a career-high 456 yards and three touchdowns, posting the second-highest single-game passing yards in school history, though his efforts were undercut by missed red zone opportunities and constant defensive pressure.
Elijah Young (Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, RB)
Contributed key yardage both rushing (27 yards on 10 carries) and receiving (64 yards on five receptions), providing balance to Western Kentucky's offense.
Anthony Johnson Jr. (Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, DB)
Intercepted a crucial pass in the second quarter, halting a Middle Tennessee drive that could have shifted the game's momentum.
Jaiden Credle (Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, RB)
Despite being stopped on three goal-to-go attempts, he was pivotal in the Blue Raiders' early drives, exposing Western Kentucky's interior defensive strength.
Football vs WKU on 9/14/2024 - Box Score - Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
MTSU football vs. Western Kentucky: Highlights of Hilltoppers' 49-21 win
FOOTBALL - WKU Game Recap and Analysis (QUOTES INCLUDED) | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders fan forums - GoMiddle
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders - Final Score - September 14, 2024 | FOX Sports
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
14
7
21
7
49
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
0
0
14
7
21
