Zappe nabs fourth POTW nod, Sterns named a Biletnikoff semifinalist 

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Brittany Fisher

WKU wide receiver Jerreth Sterns (8) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the Hilltoppers’ season-opening 59-21 win over UT Martin on Sept. 2, 2021.

Jake Moore, Sports Editor

Two of WKU Football’s standout stars earned more recognition for their stellar play on Monday afternoon.

Quarterback Bailey Zappe was once again named Conference USA Player of the Week, the fourth time he has earned the honor this season. Zappe went 34-for-42 against Rice on Saturday, good for an 81% completion rate, and threw a quintet of touchdowns to just one interception.

The Victoria, Texas, native continues to lead the nation in passing yards. His 4,170-yard total is over 400 yards more than the next-best mark and he continues to lead the nation in touchdowns with 42 – doing all of this while throwing just seven picks.

Zappe’s No. 1 target, Jerreth Sterns, also earned some recognition this week. The fellow Houston Baptist transfer was named as a 2021 Biletnikoff Award semifinalist, the honor bestowed annually to the best FBS receiver. 

Sterns is WKU’s first Biletnikoff semifinalist since former Hilltopper Taywan Taylor made the cut in both 2015 and 2016. His 111 receptions, 1,368 yards and 11 touchdowns are all team-bests and Sterns is tied with four other FBS receivers for the national lead in TDs.

The list of past winners of the award reads like a who’s-who of the greatest receivers in NFL history. Calvin Johnson, Randy Moss, Michael Crabtree, Amari Cooper, the late Terry Glenn and Larry Fitzgerald all won the Biletnikoff Award during their collegiate careers.

The winner of the honor will be presented with the award at the Biletnikoff Award Banquet & Celebration at the University Center Club at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida on March 5. The full list of semifinalists can be found here.

Zappe and Sterns’ play has led WKU to bowl eligibility and the team finds itself atop the Conference USA East Division amidst a five-game winning streak. The pair will look to win in front of the Hilltopper faithful one more time this season as the Hilltoppers welcome the FAU Owls to Bowling Green on Saturday.

Sports Editor Jake Moore can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Charles_JMoore.