Bowling Green, KY
Oct 10, 2024
Upload a photo of you at this game and we'll create a commemorative ticket of it.
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers dismantled UTEP with a decisive 44-17 victory on the back of Caden Veltkamp's three touchdown passes and a score on the ground, supplemented by Michael Mathison's multifaceted touchdown showcase. The triumph cemented WKU's unbeaten mark in Conference USA play as they soared to 482 yards of total offense. A 27-7 lead at the half set the stage, largely built from Veltkamp's precision and Lucas Carneiro's consistency in field goals.
UTEP sparkled briefly with a dazzling 100-yard kickoff return by Corey Wren to start the second half, but WKU's pressure, sharpened by an unrelenting defensive front, quashed any comeback hopes. Despite UTEP amassing a season-high 152 rushing yards, the Hilltoppers' defense punctuated their dominance with robust performances that included a critical interception in the end zone, securing the Hilltoppers' hold on their impressive start to conference competition.
Dalvin Smith (Western Kentucky)
Smith opened the scoring with a 30-yard touchdown reception from Veltkamp, capping a quick 74-yard drive that ignited the Hilltoppers' offensive outburst.
Kenny Odom (UTEP)
Odom's career-long 76-yard touchdown catch briefly leveled the score and spotlighted UTEP's capacity for explosive plays.
Michael Mathison (Western Kentucky)
Mathison's 12-yard touchdown run came immediately after a key interception, reinstating WKU's lead and demonstrating his dual-threat capability.
Corey Wren (UTEP)
Wren delivered a spectacular 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at the outset of the second half, cutting the deficit and energizing the Miners.
Easton Messer (Western Kentucky)
Messer's 57-yard catch set up Mathison's subsequent 14-yard touchdown reception, crucially fortifying WKU's lead late in the third quarter.
Lucas Carneiro (Western Kentucky)
Carneiro's precision was on display with his 54-yard field goal to extend the lead, punctuating a superb special teams performance.
Caden Veltkamp (Western Kentucky, QB)
Directed a potent Hilltopper offense with precision, completing 18-of-27 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns, as well as scoring on the ground, executing a balanced offensive game plan.
Michael Mathison (Western Kentucky, WR)
Displayed versatility with two touchdown receptions and a rushing touchdown on just four touches, spearheading the Hilltoppers' scoring efforts with efficiency and agility.
Ezell Jolly (UTEP, RB)
Provided UTEP a spark with a career-high 119 rushing yards on 27 carries, showing power and relentlessness in the face of a stifling defense.
Easton Messer (Western Kentucky, WR)
Facilitated scoring opportunities with a critical 57-yard reception, adding six catches for 106 yards to support the offensive triumph.
Corey Wren (UTEP, RB)
Energized UTEP with a career-high 151 kickoff return yards, including a standout 100-yard touchdown return that injected life into the Miners' second half.
UTEP Miners
7
0
10
0
17
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
14
13
7
10
44
