(Bowling Green, KY) — WKU football overcame a 14-point deficit and a 75-minute weather delay to defeat Toledo 26-21 on Saturday at Houchens-Smith Stadium. The Hilltoppers (3-1, 1-0 Conference USA) scored the final 16 points after the delay, with two key red-zone interceptions by Devonte’ Mathews securing the win over the Rockets (3-1, 0-0 MAC).

Toledo jumped to a 14-0 lead with a 1-yard touchdown run and a 14-yard touchdown pass. WKU responded late in the second quarter with a 44-yard touchdown pass from Caden Veltkamp to Kisean Johnson, narrowing the lead to 14-7. Toledo extended its advantage to 21-10 in the third quarter, but a weather delay interrupted the game. Following the break, WKU cut the lead to 21-19 on a 7-yard touchdown run by Veltkamp before taking a 26-21 lead with a 3-yard rushing touchdown by Veltkamp.

The defense came up big late, with Mathews intercepting two passes in the final minutes to prevent Toledo from scoring in the red zone. Veltkamp threw for 242 yards and one touchdown while rushing for two scores. Johnson led WKU with 73 receiving yards and a touchdown.

The Hilltoppers’ defense forced four turnovers, including Mathews’ two interceptions and a fumble recovery by Kylan Guidry. Upton Stout led the defense with seven tackles, and Cole Maynard averaged 50.8 yards per punt, helping pin Toledo deep.

WKU head coach Tyson Helton praised the team’s resilience, saying, “They faced so much adversity tonight and responded every single time.” Veltkamp added, “I’m thankful for the defense… coming up with two stops in the red zone.”

The Hilltoppers will face Boston College next on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 11 a.m. CT.