Dominic Di Palermo
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback TJ Finley (2) attempts a pass during a game against the University of Alabama at Bryant Denning Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.
Thanks to a plethora of early miscues from WKU on both sides of the ball, the Tide rolled to a 63-0 victory over the Hilltoppers Saturday, in WKU’s season opener against Alabama.
“They did everything you’re supposed to do. They were a big, physical football team. They played well. I thought they were very cohesive with what they did,” Head Coach Tyson Helton said.
WKU’s already slim chances of upsetting No. 5 Alabama became near impossible after a mistake-filled first quarter.
Redshirt junior TJ Finley’s WKU tenure got off to a shaky start as he threw two interceptions in the first quarter. Both of which gifted Alabama the ball in plus territory.
The interceptions coupled with a missed field goal gave the Crimson Tide a 28-0 lead by the 12:35 mark in the second quarter.
Redshirt Sophomore Caden Veltkamp replaced Finley late in the first half at the quarterback position.
Finley exited the game with 92 passing yards and two interceptions. Veltkamp also struggled against the stout Alabama defense, recording only 11 yards on four completions.
Alabama’s 17-year-old freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams was the story of the game for the Crimson Tide. Williams’ first two catches of his collegiate career went for 139 yards and two touchdowns.
Heisman hopeful redshirt junior Jalen Milroe had a dominant performance at quarterback. While only attempting nine passes Milroe threw for 200 yards and ran for 86. Milroe also recorded five total touchdowns.
“He’s a really good quarterback… one of the fastest qb’s I’ve ever seen in my life,” redshirt junior Hosea Wheeler said. “It was hard to contain him.”
The Hilltoppers defense failed to contain the Crimson Tide’s explosive offense as Alabama scored five touchdowns from over 20 yards out, two of which were from over 80 yards out.
“Defensively, we had way to many explosive plays,” Helton said. “Defense settled down a little bit the second half and started to find their groove.”
First Half
After a chaotic start in which the WKU’s headsets broke, forcing both teams to play without them for a drive, WKU received the ball.
Despite a first down catch by redshirt junior River Helms, the drive ended abruptly after five plays as Finley was sacked on third down.
Alabama went three-and-out with their first possession. Wheeler forced a fumble by Milroe on second down, but Alabama recovered.
Finley threw a pick deep in Alabama territory on the second play of the following drive, giving Alabama the ball at the WKU 16.
Milroe quickly got the Crimson Tide on the board with a 12-yard rushing touchdown, making it 7-0.
Finley responded by leading a Hilltopper drive to the Alabama 22 yard line before throwing another interception. Alabama returned the interception all the way to the WKU 26.
Starting in WKU territory again, Milroe led another quick touchdown drive. The drive ended with a 22-yard touchdown through the air, making it 14-0.
The Hilltoppers went three-and-out the following drive. Alabama responded with an 84-yard touchdown pass to Williams.
After punting again the following drive the Hilltoppers recovered a botched snap at the Alabama 20 yard line.
WKU failed to record a first down and ultimately missed a 38-yard field goal, ending the drive.
The Crimson Tide responded with another sustained drive in which a 39-yard rush ended an 80-yard drive with a touchdown. The touchdown gave Alabama a 28-0 lead with 12:35 remaining in the second quarter.
WKU responded with a nearly nine minute drive that ultimately came up empty. The Hilltoppers failed to convert on fourth down, giving Alabama the ball at their own four-yard line.
Sophomore Justice Haynes added to the Alabama lead with an 85-yard rushing touchdown, making it 35-0.
Veltkamp replaced Finley the following drive. In his first drive the Hilltoppers went three-and-out again.
The Crimson Tide quickly responded with another big play from Williams as he broke a tackle on his way to a 55-yard touchdown. Williams’ second touchdown gave Alabama a 42-0 lead going into the half.
Second Half
Both teams began the second half by punting after failing to record a first down.
In Alabama’s second drive of the half Milroe capped off another successful drive with his second rushing touchdown of the day and fifth total touchdown. The 21-yard rush gave Alabama a 49-0 lead.
After another failed WKU drive, redshirt sophomore Ty Simpson replaced Milroe at quarterback for Alabama. Simpson led a 53-yard touchdown drive in his first series that ended with a two-yard rush touchdown by freshman Daniel Hill.
Following multiple punts by each team Simpson led another touchdown drive, giving Alabama a 63-0 advantage.
The Hilltoppers will look to bounce back next week at Houchens-Smith Stadium in a contest against in-state rival EKU. The game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. CT.