WKU Football failed to make the Conference USA Championship game competitive Friday as Jacksonville State defeated the Hilltoppers 52-12.
Following a 19-17 victory over the Gamecocks six days ago, the Hilltoppers collapsed on both ends of the ball in Jacksonville, Alabama.
WKU’s rush defense continued to be a big problem as Jax State rushed for 386 yards and five touchdowns in the contest.
Redshirt sophomore kicker Lucas Carneiro and senior running back Elijah Young were among the only bright spots for WKU in the contest.
Carneiro made 54 and 44-yard field goals while Young rushed for 108 yards.
The Gamecocks outgained the Hilltoppers 562-229 in total.
The Hilltoppers will await their Bowl game placement for their final game of the season.
First Half
WKU began the game with a scoring drive to take a 3-0 lead. Carneiro ended the drive with a 54-yard field goal.
The Gamecocks answered quickly with a three-minute 75-yard touchdown drive, making it 7-3.
The Hilltoppers turned it over on downs the following drive at their 42-yard line.
Jax State responded with another touchdown on a 26-yard reception, making it 14-3. The Gamecock drive featured a successful conversion on fourth-and-4.
WKU quickly gave it back to Jax State with a punt following a three-and-out.
After a three-and-out by the Gamecocks, Veltkamp was sacked and fumbled. Jax State recovered the ball at the 50-yard line.
Jax State drove 26 yards before ultimately missing a field goal attempt.
Following the missed field goal, WKU drove 35 yards before being forced to punt again.
The Gamecocks proceeded to drive 85 yards in 10 plays for another touchdown, making it 21-3.
The following Hilltopper drive resulted in another three-and-out as they lost 13 yards on a sack and a negative pass play.
Jax State proceeded to score in just 51 seconds with four plays. A 6-yard rushing touchdown gave the Gamecocks a 28-3 lead.
Carneiro ended the half with a 44-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 28-6.
Second Half
Jax State began the second half with an 11-play 75-yard touchdown drive to make it 35-6.
Veltkamp was forced into another fumble on a sack on the second play of the next drive.
The Gamecocks capitalized on their good field position with a 27-yard field goal, making it 38-6.
WKU cut the deficit to 38-12 with a 25-yard receiving touchdown by senior Kisean Johnson.
Jax State added to its lead the following drive with a 29-yard rushing touchdown, making it 45-12.
Following a punt by WKU, Jax State put together a nearly seven-minute touchdown drive to make it 52-12.
The following WKU drive ran out the clock as Jax State claimed a 52-12 victory.
Sports reporter Camden Bush can be reached at [email protected]
