WKU’s offense put up over 600 yards and 49 points, the third-most in the rivalry’s history. Backup quarterback Caden Veltkamp, who replaced the injured TJ Finley, threw for 398 yards and five touchdowns on 27-of-30 passing and added a 1-yard rushing touchdown. Veltkamp’s five touchdown passes went to five different receivers, including Kisean Johnson, who led WKU with 129 yards and two touchdowns on eight catches. It was Johnson’s second straight game with over 100 yards, the first time a WKU receiver has done so since 2022.
The Hilltoppers jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first half, with Veltkamp connecting with River Helms for a 4-yard touchdown and Johnson for a 6-yard score. Before halftime, Veltkamp threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Easton Messer, making it 21-0. The second half saw more fireworks as WKU quickly extended its lead to 28-0 with a 72-yard touchdown pass to K.D. Hutchinson. After Middle Tennessee scored to make it 28-7, Veltkamp added a 1-yard rushing touchdown to push the lead to 35-7. WKU then used a trick play, as Dalvin Smith threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Johnson. Veltkamp capped the scoring with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Trevor Borland to make it 49-14. Middle Tennessee added a late touchdown to bring the final score to 49-21.
WKU’s defense was just as dominant, allowing only 58 rushing yards. The Hilltoppers registered three sacks and five tackles for loss, with Upton Stout, Kylan Guidry, and Terrion Thompson each recording a sack. Safety Devonte’ Mathews led the defense with six tackles, while Anthony Johnson Jr. had an interception.
Helton praised the team’s performance, “Just really proud of our guys tonight and how they prepared all week for a big rivalry game. It meant a lot to us to get this win and get it in a decisive manner. Good to start 1-0 in conference play,” Helton said. He also lauded Veltkamp’s play, adding, “Hate that TJ got hurt, we’ll have to see when we can get him back and how everything looks. But, very proud of Caden Veltkamp coming off the bench; he’s done it before and he did it again. I expect nothing less but very proud of him for rallying the troops when T.J. went down.”
Veltkamp credited the offensive line and receivers, saying, “We played fast offensively. The OL played really well, gave me time to throw the ball. The receivers ran great routes and got open – when the receivers are open you might as well throw it to them.” Johnson also praised the defense, stating, “Two weeks in a row we’ve gotten good stops at the goal line. Once we get there, our backs are against the wall, so we all stand together to make a play.”
WKU returns home to face Toledo on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 6 p.m. CT for Parent & Family Weekend at Houchens-Smith Stadium
