In a high-stakes battle on Saturday, the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers secured their spot in the upcoming bowl season with a nail-biting 28-23 victory over Sam Houston at Houchens-Smith Stadium. The win marks the fifth consecutive season under head coach Tyson Helton that the Hilltoppers have become bowl eligible.
Despite facing adversity and turning the ball over five times during the game, the WKU offense, led by quarterback Austin Reed, showcased resilience and determination. Trailing 23-21 entering the fourth quarter, Reed connected with Malachi Corley for a crucial 75-yard touchdown with 11:53 left on the clock, putting the Hilltoppers ahead 28-23.
The WKU defense played a pivotal role in securing the victory, forcing turnovers on Sam Houston’s final three possessions. Anthony Johnson Jr., Deante McCray, and Desmyn Baker each played key roles in securing the late turnovers that ultimately sealed the win.
Reflecting on the game, Coach Tyson Helton praised his team’s ability to overcome adversity, stating, “It’s one of those wins that there was so much adversity in the night, and our team just kept battling.”
Quarterback Austin Reed, who contributed 392 yards and three touchdowns to WKU’s total offensive output of 465 yards, expressed gratitude for the team’s overall performance. Reed noted, “We just found a way to win. Defense played really well. Guys made plays when they had to.”
Wide receiver Malachi Corley had a standout game with 10 catches for 171 yards and a touchdown, while Dalvin Smith and Craig Burt Jr. also made significant contributions to the passing game.
Defensively, five Hilltoppers recorded six tackles each, with Kendrick Simpkins standing out with 1.5 sacks. The defense’s resilience and ability to secure crucial turnovers proved instrumental in the team’s success.
With this victory, WKU has now achieved bowl eligibility for the tenth time in the last 12 years and the fifth consecutive season under Coach Helton. The team will aim to build on this success as they close out the regular season with a game against FIU in Miami on Saturday, November 25, with kickoff scheduled for 2 p.m. CT. Coach Helton expressed his satisfaction with the win, stating, “We celebrate all wins, so I’m a happy person tonight.”