WKU Football’s conference championship hopes were hurt Saturday with a 38-21 loss at Liberty University.

After taking their first C-USA loss last week against Louisiana Tech, the Hilltoppers dropped to fourth in the conference after their loss to the Flames. The Hilltoppers’ inability to stop the run and multiple turnovers on offense were main causes of their second conference loss of the year. 

Liberty rushed for 419 yards and four touchdowns in the contest en route to 38 points. The Flames had two rushers go for over 130 yards in the game.

On the offensive end, WKU turned the ball over four times. Redshirt sophomore Caden Veltkamp threw for 262 yards and two touchdowns in the contest but also threw three interceptions.

First Half

Liberty opened the contest with a 45-yard drive that resulted in a punt in WKU territory.

WKU’s first drive ended abruptly after just one play with an interception.

The Flames quickly turned it back over to the Hilltoppers after a fourth-and-8 attempt failed. 

The Hilltoppers drove to the Liberty 15-yard line after the failed fourth down attempt before Veltkamp threw his second interception.

 WKU forced a fumble on Liberty’s following drive, getting it back at their 35-yard line.

The Hilltoppers responded with the first scoring drive of the game. Redshirt senior Dalvin Smith ended the 64-yard drive with a nine-yard receiving touchdown making it 7-0.

Liberty answered with a 92-yard touchdown drive that took only eight plays tying the game at 7-7

WKU moved into Liberty territory again with their next drive before fumbling the ball back to the Flames.

Liberty’s run offense continued to succeed the following drive as they claimed a 14-7 lead with a 22-yard touchdown. 

The Hilltoppers drove into Liberty territory again on their next drive before having to punt again.  

The Flames responded with a 45-second, 90-yard drive, giving them a 21-7 lead going into the half.

Second Half

WKU opened the second half with a 75-yard touchdown drive that ended with a 2-yard rushing touchdown by redshirt junior George Hart III, making it 21-14. 

Liberty answered with a touchdown of their own on just two plays, making it 28-14. The Flames returned the kickoff to the WKU 38 before finishing the drive with a 36-yard pass play and a two-yard rushing touchdown. 

The Hilltoppers answered with their second straight 75-yard touchdown drive. Senior Kisean Johnson capped off the drive with a 16-yard receiving touchdown.

The Flames answered with another scoring drive, taking a 31-21 lead with a 29-yard field goal.

WKU was forced to punt with their next drive with 9:34 remaining in the game.

Liberty expanded their lead to 38-21 with a 3-yard touchdown on their following drive.

Veltkamp threw his third interception of the game the following drive, giving Liberty a 38-21 victory. 

The Hilltoppers will conclude their regular season schedule against Jacksonville State on November 30. WKU will host the Gamecocks at 3 p.m. CT.

Sports Reporter Camden Bush can be reached at [email protected]