In a hard-fought homecoming game at Houchens-Smith Stadium, WKU Football faced a tough 38-29 loss against New Mexico State on Saturday. The Hilltoppers, now standing at 5-5 overall and 3-3 in Conference USA play, felt the sting of defeat, but Head Coach Tyson Helton remains determined as they continue their quest for bowl eligibility.
Despite the challenging loss, Coach Helton acknowledged the strength of the opponent. “Tough loss. Hat’s off to New Mexico State. They played extremely well,” said Helton. “We’ve got two more games. We’re going to be fighting to get bowl eligible in this next home game. We’ve got a lot to play for. We’ve got to get our jaw set and just keep battling. We’ve got good things ahead of us if we just keep battling.”
The defeat places WKU out of contention for the CUSA Championship game, but the Hilltoppers still have the opportunity to secure bowl eligibility with upcoming games against Sam Houston State and FIU.
The Hilltoppers showcased a promising start on Saturday, scoring on their first two drives against New Mexico State (8-3, 6-1). Early in the game, Elijah Young caught a pass from Austin Reed for a 72-yard score, giving WKU an early 7-0 lead. The momentum continued with a 13-yard rush from Reed, concluding a 10-play, 73-yard drive and extending the lead to 14-0 with 7:27 left in the first quarter.
However, New Mexico State responded, closing the first quarter with a 40-yard field goal, bringing the score to 14-3. By the 6:19 mark of the second quarter, the visiting Aggies took the lead with a 10-yard touchdown run and a 4-yard touchdown pass.
Heading into halftime with a 21-17 advantage, WKU managed to stay in the game after Reed connected with Craig Burt Jr. for a 4-yard touchdown just before the break.
The second half proved challenging for the Hilltoppers as New Mexico State scored three touchdowns — a 7-yard pass, a 7-yard rush, and a 57-yard interception return — to secure a 38-21 lead.
WKU fought back in the final moments, scoring its only touchdown of the second half on a 15-yard pass from Reed to Malachi Corley with 1:30 left, making the score 38-29. Corley’s touchdown reception marked his 27th career touchdown, moving him into sole possession of second place on the program’s career touchdown receptions list.
Despite the loss, WKU displayed offensive prowess, amassing 437 yards. Reed threw for 270 yards and three touchdowns on 20-36-1 passing. Corley and Elijah Young emerged as top targets, with Corley recording 78 yards and a score on six catches, and Young contributing 84 yards and a touchdown on three receptions, along with 80 yards on 14 rushing attempts.
The Hilltoppers will regroup and look to rebound in their next game, a Saturday, Nov. 18 matchup against Sam Houston State, to be held at Houchens-Smith Stadium with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. CT.
