(Bowling Green, KY) — WKU Football delivered an impressive 31-0 victory over Eastern Kentucky in their home opener at Houchens-Smith Stadium, marking their first shutout since 2022 and their first over EKU since 1973. The Hilltoppers dominated on both sides of the ball, extending their all-time series lead over the Colonels to 49-35-3.

The WKU defense was stellar, limiting EKU to just 266 total yards while registering one sack, eight tackles for loss, and forcing a turnover. The defense’s relentless effort was key to the shutout, with standout performances from Devonte’ Mathews, who led the team with eight tackles, and Darius Thomas, who recorded a sack and forced a fumble recovered by Terrion Thompson.

On offense, quarterback TJ Finley threw for 351 yards and a touchdown on 27-of-39 passing, leading a balanced attack. Running back Elijah Young rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns, including a 9-yard score in the fourth quarter. Young also made a key 1-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter. L.T. Sanders added his first career touchdown with a 2-yard run in the second quarter, while Finley capped the scoring with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Dalvin Smith.

WKU opened the scoring with a 29-yard field goal from Lucas Carneiro, followed by Young’s touchdown to close out the first quarter. In the second quarter, Sanders punched in a 2-yard score to give the Hilltoppers a commanding 17-0 lead. As the game progressed, the offense began to click, and Young’s fourth-quarter touchdown, paired with Finley’s TD pass to Smith, sealed the 31-0 win.

The Hilltoppers’ offense had its ups and downs, but Finley reflected on the team’s growth, emphasizing the importance of improving in the red zone after a couple of missed opportunities. Despite early struggles, the offense gained momentum as the game progressed, and Coach Tyson Helton was pleased with how the team bounced back after a tough previous week.

With the defense setting the tone, WKU gained momentum and improved in critical areas, especially in finishing drives. The win set a positive tone as the Hilltoppers now turn their attention to Middle Tennessee, their “100 Miles of Hate” rival, for their first Conference USA game of the season next week. The rivalry game, which kicks off at 6 p.m. CT in Murfreesboro, will be a pivotal test for WKU as they look to carry this momentum into conference play.