Bowling Green, Kentucky – The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3-2, 1-0) defeated the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (1-4, 0-1)) outgaining them through the air and on the ground for a 31-10 victory. Hilltopper QB Austin Reed threw two touchdown passes and plunged for a one-yard score late in the first half following a fumble. WKU recovered at the 30 to give Western Kentucky a 23-3 advantage at the half. MTSU showed some glimmer to come back in the second half, but could only sustain one scoring drive in the third. The Hilltoppers ended the scoring in the final period with Elijah Young’s 14-yard TD run highlighted by hurdling a would-be tackler into the end zone. First-time Guest Game Analyst Al Tatum noted that both teams primarily favored tendencies going to the right. Something to watch for again in future games played by both on our 2023 schedule.
Western Kentucky gets leg up in Conference USA
Reed passed for 297 yards, and LT Sanders of Western Kentucky led all rushers with 83 yards. MTSU’s Nick Vittiato passed for 252 yards, but WKU picked him off twice deep in their territory. The fumble recovery by LB Bryson Washington and one of two turnovers on downs in the second half led to Western Kentucky touchdowns. The first stop came at the WKU three. The second for the score began at the MTSU 44. Blue Raider Frank Peasant rushed for 76 yards including a 16-yard touchdown. Collegefootballfan.com plans to see both teams in the near future on weekday night games. MTSU hosts Jacksonville State next Wednesday, and Western Kentucky will host C-USA leader Liberty (4-0) October 10.
Next!
On Saturday, we stay local to see No. 19 Missouri Tigers (4-0) play at Vanderbilt in an SEC East clash. Mizzou quarterback has completed 72% of his passes for 1,073 yards, seven scores and no INTs. RB Cody Schrader leads the team with 403 rushing yards averaging 6.2 yards per carry. WR Luther Burden III performs as Cook’s favorite target. He’s fourth in the nation with 504 yards among 32 snags with three TDs.
Vandy struggles offensively. QB AJ Swann looks shaky at best completing 53.8% of his passes for 1,280 yards for 11 TDs, but seven INTs. Defenses have sacked him nine times. The Tigers will let the Commodores hang early before they expose traditionally weak Vanderbilt. The Dores rely on SEC coattails to earn the reference of being a “Power Five team.” Seeing Vanderbilt play exists as part of our econo-plan for 2023 staying close to home to save for our daughter’s wedding next year.