It wasn’t pretty. In-fact it was messy, ugly and stormy.
But when WKU football found themselves with a chance to win the game against then 3-0 Toledo, they seized it.
Here are my thoughts on WKU’s 26-21 win against the Rockets.
“Somehow, someway”
WKU already had a tough task ahead of them before kickoff against the Rockets. The Hilltoppers were looking at a team that was scoring 42 points per game, fresh off a road win against an SEC school in Mississippi State.
On top of that, the Hilltoppers were sending out redshirt sophomore quarterback Caden Veltkamp for his first career start against a defense allowing only 16 points per game.
Add an early 14-point deficit to the equation and it seemed that the Hilltoppers had the odds stacked against them if they wanted to complete the upset.
However, “somehow, someway, we found a way to win the game,” Head Coach Tyson Helton said.
“Just very proud of our guys. They faced so much adversity tonight and responded every single time,” he said.
WKU had yet to find themselves in a close game so far this year, but when the first opportunity arrived, the Hilltoppers answered the call.
Hopefully WKU does not find themselves in many of these adversity-filled close games throughout the rest of the season, but when they inevitably do, the Hilltoppers’ performance against Toledo shows that they have what it takes to win in those scenarios.
The Defense
Heading into Saturday night’s game, Toledo had averaged 42 points per game through their first three contests. WKU allowed only 21.
Heading into Saturday night’s game, Toledo quarterback Tucker Gleason had thrown no interceptions. Against WKU, he threw two.
Heading into Saturday night’s game, Toledo had only committed one turnover in their first three games. WKU forced four.
The Hilltoppers defensive unit played a very impressive game against what is, outside of Alabama, the best offense they have faced all year.
“Cannot say enough about our defense,” Head Coach Tyson Helton said. “They were tested big time tonight and they stepped up to the plate.”
Caden Veltkamp and the Hilltopper Offense
In his first start as a Hilltopper, Veltkamp undoubtedly played his worst game.
He threw for 242 yards and one touchdown, both the lowest marks of his career in games in which he attempted over five passes, and paired the career-lows with two interceptions and a fumble.
“I’m thankful for the defense for sure,” Veltkamp said. “Obviously, was not my best personal game.”
However, Veltkamp and the rest of the offense found a way when they needed it most. With under 12 minutes left in the game, down 21-12, the offense scored on consecutive possessions, including a nine-play, 62-yard drive that gave WKU the lead. Veltkamp capped off both drives with rushing touchdowns.
“Our offense rallied in the fourth quarter… so I was really proud of our offense as a whole,” Veltkamp said. “First start as a win, you’ll take it every day.”
Maybe not the performance that Hilltopper fans had dreamed of from Veltkamp in his first start, but nevertheless he and the offense found a way to get it done.
What’s next
WKU will travel to Boston to face the Boston College Eagles on Saturday, Sept. 28, the Hilltoppers last non-conference game of the year.
On the season, Boston College is 3-1 with wins against Florida State, Duquesne and Michigan State. The Eagles’ lone loss of the year came on the road against then No. 6 Missouri.
Sports Editor Jake McMahon can be reached at [email protected].
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