WKU Football: Top Trounce Panthers, 38–21 on Senior Day
Fresh off of last week’s conference win over Southern Miss, the Hilltoppers had set their eyes on a Senior Day win at The Houch. The 0–4…
Fresh off of last week’s conference win over Southern Miss, the Hilltoppers had set their eyes on a Senior Day win at The Houch. The 0–4 Florida International Panthers traveled to Bowling Green for a Saturday afternoon affair. That would come to fruition as a combination of amazing defense and big offensive plays helped WKU win 38–21.
Starting the game on offense, Tyrell Pigrome was selected as the starting quarterback for the game. The Tops started with limited offensive production through the first quarter. In the first possession for FIU, quarterback Max Bortenschlager made a strike down the field to wide receiver JJ Holloman for a touchdown. The Georgia transfer accounted for 54 yards on his two receptions, including the touchdown. The Panthers were up early 7–0 with 8:40 left in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the WKU offense had started to pick up as they tried for a point-producing effort. They had achieved that goal as kicker Brayden Narveson made a field goal attempt and converted it within 39 yards. As there was 10:33 on the board, the Tops now trail 7–3. That silver lining was short-lived as Eric Wilson Jr ran the kickoff return back for a 100-yard touchdown. FIU kicker Chase Gabriel mixed the extra point but the Panthers remained in front 13–3 with 10:19 left in the second quarter. Late in the second quarter, the offense was kept afloat by Gaej Walker’s rushing attacks. Piggy T finally was able to taste pay dirt as he ran on a quarterback keeper for a 1-yard touchdown. Narveson’s extra point brought the Tops closer to FIU, 13–10 as time expired.
After halftime, the WKU defense remained strong as their efforts had paid off. DeAngelo Malone had tackled Bortenschlager causing a fumble to be recovered by Roger Cray Jr for a defensive touchdown. The score was now 17–13 in favor of the Hilltoppers with 9:16 left in the third quarter.
Not even seconds later, the Tops turned to another opportunity to stifle FIU. Bortenschlager threw an interception to Eli Brown, making it a pick-six. Now the Tops increase the lead, 24–13 with 9:08 remaining.
Going into the fourth quarter, things continued to go our way. Gaej Walker broke free for a 54-yard run, moving them back into the red zone. on the next play, Walker was able to run the ball past the goal line for a 1-yard touchdown. The lead was now 31–13 with 13:54 left in the game. With a few back to back drives, WKU was able to score again with Pigrome. He ran the ball in again for a quarterback keeper touchdown. With 9:23 remaining, the Tops lead 38–13.
In the closing minutes of the game, FIU’s Kaylan Wiggins scored on a quarterback run, trimming down WKU’s lead for a final score of 38–21. The Hilltoppers were victorious for the second week in a row and achieved getting over 30 points for the first time all season.
Notes from today’s game:
Throughout the game, the WKU defense had shown themselves as the unsung heroes for the season. Having two defensive touchdowns was huge for the morale on Clayton White’s playcalling. Despite a few plays that FIU’s offense had capitalized on, Eli Brown & DeAngelo Malone led the charge for the defensive unit.
The offense still struggled on the opportunities that needed to change the outcome of the game. Thankfully, prime Gaej Walker was back as the offense was able to create a great rushing performance totaling 127 yards.
Special teams showed out today (besides the kickoff return). With John Haggerty and Brayden Narveson, the field position battle was mostly on point. Haggerty had also netted a 63-yard punt early in the third quarter.
With today’s win, the Tops are now 4–6 on the year, with their third Conference USA win in 2020. The Senior Day festivities brought the fans trip home some happiness as it was the final home game this year. The Tops will conclude the season at Charlotte next Saturday. The game will start at 6:00 pm central time and will be broadcasting on CBS Sports.
Here are the final stats from today’s victory at The Houch:
