(Bowling Green, KY) — WKU Football defeated UTEP 44-17 on Thursday at Houchens-Smith Stadium to remain undefeated at home this season. The Hilltoppers (4-2, 2-0 Conference USA) built a 27-7 halftime lead and improved to 5-0 all-time against UTEP (0-6, 0-3 CUSA).

WKU struck first with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Caden Veltkamp to Dalvin Smith, but UTEP responded quickly with a 76-yard touchdown pass to tie the game. The Hilltoppers dominated the remainder of the first half, with Michael Mathison scoring on a 12-yard rush and Veltkamp adding a 2-yard rushing touchdown. Lucas Carneiro capped the half with a 42-yard field goal, giving WKU a 27-7 advantage.

After UTEP opened the second half with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, Mathison caught two touchdown passes from Veltkamp. Carneiro added a career-long 54-yard field goal to extend the lead to 44-17.

Mathison finished with three touchdowns, marking a career-high. Veltkamp threw for 264 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for another. Elijah Young led WKU’s rushing attack with 60 yards.

WKU’s defense totaled eight tackles for loss and three sacks, with Demarko Williams contributing an interception.

WKU head coach Tyson Helton said, “We’ve got a quick turnaround coming up with Sam Houston, so we’ve got to turn this page and get going. We’re happy to win, but we need to get a lot better fast.”

The Hilltoppers will play at Sam Houston on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. CT.