5-2 , 2-1
WKU
5-2 , 3-0
WKU ends Kats’ four-game winning streak
10/16/2024 9:30:00 PM | Football
The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for the Kats (5-2, 2-1), who remain one win away from becoming bowl eligible for the first time since moving up to the FBS level. Wednesday was also the first time this season Sam Houston went scoreless in the second half as two big plays by the Hilltoppers (5-2, 3-0) turned a close contest into a one-sided affair late in the game.
Both teams had success moving the ball in the first half, they just went about putting points on the board in different ways. The Bearkats hit home runs while the Hilltoppers gobbled up yardage by sustaining long scoring drives.
WKU went 65 yards in seven plays right out of the gate to grab a 7-0 lead, two and a half minutes into the game.
The pace slowed as the teams traded punts, but Sam Houston answered when starting quarterback Hunter Watson hooked up with Simeon Evans for a 37-yard score. Following a Toppers field goal, Michael Phoenix II made the play of the night when he caught a pass from Watson down the right sideline, spun around a defender then won a footrace to the end zone for a 14-7 advantage with just under nine minutes to go the half.
Once again WKU went on a methodical drive to reclaim the lead, going 75 yards on 13 plays to go into the break on top 17-14 with a touchdown pass.
The second half was uneventful as both teams took over defensively. The third quarter came and went without a score, and it did not remedy the situation when Watson was forced out of the game with an injury right before the fourth quarter.
The Kats caught a break when backup passer Jase Bauer threw what appeared to be an interception down around the goal line to start the final period. Despite a new lease on the drive and a 15-yard personal foul, Sam Houston had the game tying field goal from 32 yards out blocked.
The Hilltoppers jumped on the opportunity and scored two quick touchdowns, the second coming after an SHSU fumble, to break the game open.
The Bearkats have a short turnaround before hitting the road to face FIU on Tuesday in Miami.
Team Stats
WKU 7, SAM 0
WKU - Helms,River 17 yd pass from Veltkamp,Caden (Carneiro,Lucas kick) 7 plays, 65 yards, TOP 02:40
WKU 7, SAM 7
SAM - Evans,Simeon 37 yd pass from Watson,Hunter (Pavon,Christian kick) 8 plays, 77 yards, TOP 03:03
WKU 10, SAM 7
WKU - Carneiro,Lucas 51 yd field goal 10 plays, 32 yards, TOP 04:09
WKU 10, SAM 14
SAM - Phoenix II,Michael 50 yd pass from Watson,Hunter (Pavon,Christian kick) 4 plays, 73 yards, TOP 01:47
WKU 17, SAM 14
WKU - Young,Elijah 11 yd pass from Veltkamp,Caden (Carneiro,Lucas kick) 13 plays, 75 yards, TOP 05:47
WKU 24, SAM 14
WKU - Hutchinson,K.D. 74 yd pass from Veltkamp,Caden (Carneiro,Lucas kick) 3 plays, 80 yards, TOP 01:20
WKU 31, SAM 14
WKU - Veltkamp,Caden 19 yd run (Carneiro,Lucas kick), 3 plays, 24 yards, TOP 00:43
