BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University football team fell 31-0 to rival Western Kentucky in its week two matchup on Saturday night.
The Colonels stayed within striking distance for most of the game, but after a 17-play, 89-yard drive to open the second half, they failed to score following a missed field goal.
Western Kentucky put the game away with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
The Colonels will return home for their season opener next week against new conference foe West Georgia on Saturday, Sept. 14.
How It Happened
Western Kentucky opened the scoring on its first possession with a 29-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead in the first quarter.
The Hilltoppers threatened again on their next possession, reaching the EKU 15-yard line with a fresh set of downs. However, EKU's defense stood firm, forcing a turnover on downs as linebacker Braden Sullivan tackled WKU quarterback TJ Finley short of the first-down marker.
On EKU's next possession, the Colonels gained one first down before WKU forced a strip-sack and recovered the ball in the red zone.
Four plays later, WKU capitalized with a one-yard rushing touchdown, extending its lead to 10-0 with 15 seconds left in the first quarter.
The Hilltoppers added another short rushing touchdown late in the second quarter, heading into halftime with a 17-0 advantage.
EKU's best offensive drive of the night came in the second half, as quarterback Cameron Hergott and running back Brayden Latham spearheaded a ground attack, converting two fourth downs to enter the red zone.
On the first fourth down, Latham cut up the middle for a four-yard gain at EKU's 42-yard line. Later, facing fourth-and-two at WKU's 46-yard line, Latham broke free for a 42-yard run, bringing the ball to the four-yard line.
However, EKU couldn't punch the ball into the end zone after two rushing attempts and a pass, setting up a 17-yard field goal attempt. The kick hit the left upright, leaving the score at 17-0.
WKU responded quickly, driving 79 yards in five plays, but EKU's defense stood strong again, forcing another turnover on downs in the red zone.
The Colonels' defense continued to show resilience in the fourth quarter when defensive back Mike Smith Jr. delivered a hard hit on a WKU wide receiver, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Jordon Thomas.
Despite the defensive stop, EKU was forced to punt after going three-and-out on the ensuing drive.
WKU sealed the win with two more touchdowns in the final quarter, pushing the final score to 31-0.
