WKU Football: Tops Claim 2nd CUSA Win Over Florida International 34–19
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers traveled to Miami on Saturday to battle the Florida International Panthers in Conference USA play. The game was kicked off with the Panthers receiving the ball. Their first drive turned into an opening FIU score. Courtesy of a Max Bortenschlager one-yard quarterback sneak, the Panthers scored on twelve plays & 75 yards. The extra point attempt was blocked by Mike Allen, leaving an early 6–0 Panthers lead at the 10:28 mark.
In the second quarter, the Tops' offense came alive. The rushing attack led by Adam Cofield was successful as he was able to score from a 12-yard touchdown run.
With under 7 minutes left in the second quarter, the Tops were now leading 7–0.
On the next drive, FIU was able to regain another lead late in the second quarter. Bortenschlaguer completed a 75-yard pass to Randall St. Felix, making the score 12–7. In the final possession of the first half for WKU, Brayden Narveson was called upon to kick a field goal. The attempt was good from 22 yards, trimming the FIU to 12–10.
After an impressive third-down stop, the Tops got the ball back with less than a minute to play in the half. Bailey Zappe wasted no time as he was able to drive don the field. He threw his first touchdown pass of the evening as he found Mitchell Tinsley for a 32-yard scamper.
At the half, the Tops were leading 17–12.
After receiving the ball in the second half, the Tops' high-powered offense picked up where they left off. Another long 75-yard drive, Zappe threw his second touchdown of the day, finding Jerreth Sterns on a beautiful touchdown pass.
Through the third quarter, the Tops kept the lead 24–12.
In the fourth quarter, Zappe was able to cap off his third touchdown pass f the evening. It was a two-yard reception for Sterns, also his second receiving touchdown of the night. The lead was extended to 31–12. FIU scored their first set of points since the second quarter as D’vonte Price ran for a touchdown, trimming their deficit to 31–19.
Close to the end of the fourth quarter, Narveson was called again for a 26-yard field goal attempt. He was successful, making it his tenth field goal of the season.
The Tops held out to earn their second conference win of 2021, with the final score of WKU 34, FIU 19.
The WKU defense was at its best after a slow season. The pass defense was able to get seven sacks on Max Bortenschlager.
Bailey Zappe had himself a day. He was 39 of 49 with 368 yards & 3 touchdowns.
Adam Cofield led all halfbacks with 15 carries, 74 yards, & 1 td.
WKU will come back home to The Houch after two weeks on the east coast leg of the season. they will face the Charlotte 49ers in a CUSA East divisional battle. Homecoming festivities and the kickoff is scheduled for 3 pm CST on October 30th. The game will be televised on ESPN Plus.
