WKU Football: Tops Become Bowl Eligible, Defeat Rice 42–21

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are now bowl eligible for the tenth time in 11 years. They capped off their efforts with a victory over the Rice Owls on Saturday. The Tops rolled into Houston looking for their fifth Conference USA win of the year as it was a homecoming for various Texas-born players, coaches, and Houston Baptist graduate representatives.

At the end of the first quarter, the Tops began to lead 7–0. The first score of the game was courtesy of halfback Kye Robichaux’s two-yard touchdown run.

The second quarter was where things started to heat up for Bailey Zappe and the WKU offense. Robichaux went for his second touchdown being a 13-yard pass from Zappe at the 10:12 mark.

After a short drive for the Rice Owls who couldn't get anything going, Zappe went long on the next WKU offensive possession. He was able to find Mitchell Tinsley for a 65-yard passing touchdown.

The Owls got the ball back and did not have it for long as bridge quarterback Jae Constatine was picked off WKU’s Kahlef Hallassie. leading to a turnover.

In less than 80 seconds. Zappe closed the quarter with his third touchdown pass of the afternoon, throwing from 7 yards out of the red zone to Dalvin Smith.

At halftime, it was all Tops 28–0. Bailey Zappe was 20–27 for 330 yards and 3 TDs. Tinsley led all receivers with 7 receptions for 158 yards & a touchdown. Hallassie led the defense with 5 tackles and 1 interception. Dominique Bradshaw also caught his first career interception earlier in the second quarter as well.

In the third quarter, Rice was able to find themselves on the board. It was the Owls' only touchdown pass of the game from Constantine.

Going into the fourth quarter, WKU kept the offensive fireworks going. Zappe hooked up with Tinsley once again for their second dual touchdown of the afternoon. With 14:56 left in the game, the Tops kept the lead 35–7.

After a Rice touchdown on offense, Zappe was back in the game as he completed his fifth and final touchdown of the day. Joey Beljan was targeted successfully as Zappe threw a pass from five yards out. This was the Burlsworth Trophy nominee’s first touchdown catch since the Michigan State loss.

The Tops completed the game with a final score of 42–21. They will come back to The Houch next week for Senior Day as they face the Florida International Owls. The game has an 11 am CST kickoff time and will be televised on Stadium.

Zappe had another high passing day as he was 34–42, 482 yards with 5 TDS & 1 int. Kye Robichaux led all rushers with 12 carries, 61 yards, and a TD to his credit. Tinsley finished with a career-high 10 receptions for 198 yards & 2 TDS. Jerreth Sterns still had a productive day as he caught 7 passes for 92 yards.

Omari Alexander finished the game with two interceptions on defense. Will Ignont, Jaden Hunter, & Darius Shipp all had one quarterback sack each as well.