This past weekend, Western Kentucky struck down Louisiana Tech 35-28 to move to 2-0 in conference play, due in part to a lights-out 35 unanswered points in the first half.
Malachi Corley, the team’s national star, was almost primarily the biggest factor in offensive performance. Corley broke loose for eight receptions for 207 yards and three touchdowns. Corley’s first score, a 70-yard pitch and go, came off of a quick roll out pass from Austin Reed to Corley against boundary, where the receiver tip-toed the sideline and broke several tackles on the way to the endzone. Corley’s second touchdown reception went for 48 yards, snagging a dump off from Reed and blazing his way for six.
Finally, his final touchdown reception came on a hat-trick catch in the endzone, making a laser-focused grab on a 29-yard pass in traffic.
This Monday, Corley was named the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Bulldogs. Alongside his three-touchdown game, Corley bumped up to second all-time in receptions for Hilltoppers, as his 217 catches are just behind Taywan Taylor’s 253 receptions.
Corley was also named the Reese’s Senior Bowl Co-Offensive Player of the Week for his performance. The Reese’s Senior Bowl is a postseason NFL Draft All-Star game for senior collegiate football players. He earned this honor alongside Florida State running back Trey Benson. In addition to this award, Corley also earned Breakout Offensive Player of the Week honors from the East-West Shrine Bowl, another NFL Draft and professional prospect showcase game.
The breakout receiver also landed on Pro Football Focus’ week six College Football Team of the Week, given to the highest graded offensive standouts from week six of college football action.
With a bye week this week, Corley and the Hilltoppers (4-2, 2-0 C-USA) will be back in action Tuesday, October 17 at 6:30 PM CT against the 5-1 Jacksonville State Gamecocks in Jacksonville, Alabama, as they look to move to 3-0 in conference play.
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