This past Tuesday night, Western Kentucky fell to Jacksonville State in Jacksonville, Alabama in what was the Hilltoppers third bout of Conference USA action, bumping down to 2-1 in the conference.

A new member of both the C-USA and FBS, the Gamecocks were able to take down the Hilltoppers 20-17, moving to second in the conference standings. Their 4-1 record is behind first-place Liberty’s 5-0 and ahead of third-place WKU’s 2-1 standing.

The Hilltoppers did all of their scoring in the first half, with quarterback Austin Reed hitting receiver Dalvin Smith on a 10-yard touchdown grab in the first quarter. Their next points came from kicker Lucas Carneiro, who struck a 28-yard field goal late in the first. Reed then connected with tight end River Helms on a three-yard touchdown connection midway through the second quarter, taking the score to 17-7.

Ultimately, that was all she wrote for the Hilltoppers offense on Tuesday night.

Following what would be Western’s final score of the game, the Gamecocks were able to post 13 unanswered points between two field goals (including the game winner) from kicker Alen Karajic, and a 26-yard touchdown run from running back Anwar Lewis.

Gamecocks quarterback Zion Webb posted a stellar game for JSU, where the quarterback who has been a part of the program since 2017. He was able to complete 22-of-39 pass attempts for 218 yards, while rushing 28 times for 146 yards and a score. He also threw an interception to WKU cornerback Anthony Johnson Jr.

On the other side, Reed was able to complete 24-of-48 passing attempts for 250 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Reed spread the ball out, with 10 different players pulling in a reception. Receiver Malachi Corley accumulated six receptions for 47 yards. KD Hutchinson led the team in receiving yards, with four grabs for 52 yards.

The Hilltoppers will take the field next at home, hosting the undefeated Liberty Flames in Houchens Industries L.T. Smith Stadium on Tuesday, October 24th, with kickoff schedules for 6:30 PM.

****

Talk about it on RED TOWEL TALK.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

Follow us on Twitter: @WKU_Rivals, @SeanW_Rivals, @Drew_Toennies, @Derrick_Deen

Like us on FACEBOOK.