Western Kentucky 49-21 Middle Tennessee (September 14, 2024) Match Report

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Caden Veltkamp threw for 398 of WKU's 481 yards and scored five touchdowns, tying his career for most touchdowns, as Western Kentucky defeated Middle Tennessee 49-21 on Saturday night in the Conference USA opener for both teams.

Veltkamp, ​​who also scored a touchdown, completed 27 of 30 passes, while wide receiver Dalvin Smith also threw a touchdown pass. Kisean Johnson caught eight balls for a career-high 129 yards and scored two touchdowns.

Nicholas Vattiato of the Blue Raiders completed 24 of 31 passes for a personal best of 456 yards — three yards shy of the school record — and three touchdowns with one interception. All three touchdown passes went to Omari Kelly, who caught nine passes for a personal best of 239 yards — five yards shy of the school record. Kelly's three touchdown catches match a school record that has been set multiple times.

Together, the teams achieved 937 yards in passing and 1,145 total yards in offense.

The Hilltoppers (2-1) scored the first 28 points of the game before Middle Tennessee (1-2) scored its first touchdown with 10:12 left in the third quarter.

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