2021 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team

The 2021 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team represented Western Kentucky University during the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Hilltoppers played their home games at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and competed in the East Division of Conference USA (CUSA). The team was coached by third-year head coach Tyson Helton.

2021 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football
C-USA East Division champion
Boca Raton Bowl champion
ConferenceConference USA
DivisionEast Division
Record9–5 (7–1 C-USA)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorZach Kittley (1st season)
Co-offensive coordinatorBryan Ellis (3rd season)
Offensive schemeAir raid
Defensive coordinatorMaurice Crum Jr. (2nd season)
Base defense4–2–5
Home stadiumHouchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
(Capacity: 22,113)
2021 Conference USA football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
East Division
Western Kentucky xy  7 –1   9 –5  
Marshall  5 –3   7 –6  
Old Dominion  5 –3   6 –7  
Middle Tennessee  4 –4   7 –6  
Florida Atlantic  3 –5   5 –7  
Charlotte  3 –5   5 –7  
FIU  0 –8   1 –11  
West Division
UTSA xy$  7 –1   12 –2  
UAB  6 –2   9 –4  
North Texas  5 –3   6 –7  
UTEP  4 –4   7 –6  
Rice  3 –5   4 –8  
Southern Miss  2 –6   3 –9  
Louisiana Tech  2 –6   3 –9  
Championship: UTSA 49, Western Kentucky 41
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant

Schedule

Western Kentucky announced its 2021 football schedule on January 27, 2021.[1][2] The 2021 schedule consists of 6 home and 6 away games in the regular season.

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
September 27:00 p.m.UT Martin*
ESPN+W 59–2116,236
September 1111:00 a.m.at Army*
CBSSNL 35–3825,989
September 257:00 p.m.Indiana*
  • Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
  • Bowling Green, KY
CBSSNL 31–3325,171
October 26:30 p.m.at No. 17 Michigan State*
FS1L 31–4870,075
October 96:00 p.m.UTSA
  • Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
  • Bowling Green, KY
StadiumL 46–5215,243
October 162:30 p.m.at Old Dominion
ESPN3W 43–2016,418
October 236:00 p.m.at FIU
ESPN+W 34–190
October 303:00 p.m.Charlottedagger
  • Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
  • Bowling Green, KY
ESPN+W 45–1316,763
November 62:30 p.m.Middle Tennessee
StadiumW 48–2115,022
November 131:00 p.m.at Rice
ESPN+W 42–2117,883
November 2011:00 a.m.Florida Atlantic
  • Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
  • Bowling Green, KY
StadiumW 52–1710,477
November 272:30 p.m.at Marshall
CBSSNW 53–2119,134
December 36:00 p.m.at UTSA
CBSSNL 41–4941,148
December 1810:00 a.m.vs. Appalachian State*
ESPNW 59–3815,429
Schedule Source:[1][3]

Game summaries

UT Martin
Tennessee–Martin at Western Kentucky
1 234Total
Skyhawks 7 707 21
• Hilltoppers 7 211414 56
        
Scoring summary
111:04UTMKeon Howard 2-yard rush (Tyler Larco kick)
(10 plays, 75 yards, 3:56)		UTM 7–0
04:09WKUDaewood Davis 73-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(2 plays, 75 yards, 0:41)		TIE 7–7
214:56WKUMitchell Tinsley 10-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(6 plays, 55 yards, 2:36)		WKU 14–7
09:31WKUJerreth Sterns 22-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(6 plays, 59 yards, 2:40)		WKU 21–7
01:43WKUMalachi Corley 8-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(12 plays, 79 yards, 4:58)		WKU 28–7
00:10UTMColton Dowell 27-yard pass from Keon Howard (Tyler Larco kick)
(6 plays, 85 yards, 1:27)		WKU 28–14
312:51WKUJerreth Sterns 7-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(5 plays, 53 yards, 2:09)		WKU 35–14
11:10WKUJoshua Simon 45-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(2 plays, 47 yards, 0:48)		WKU 42–14
03:02WKUBrayden Narveson 30-yard field goal
(12 plays, 68 yards, 5:06)		WKU 45–14
414:17WKUJoshua Simon 3-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(4 plays, 57 yards, 2:01)		WKU 52–14
07:22UTMKeon Howard 9-yard rush (Tyler Larco kick)
(14 plays, 75 yards, 6:54)		WKU 52–21
05:36WKUCraig Burt Jr. 54-yard pass from Carson Baker (Brayden Narveson kick)
(3 plays, 65 yards, 1:41)		WKU 59–21
See also: 2021 UT Martin Skyhawks football team
Pregame lineOver/under
WKU –24.058.5
StatisticsUT MartinWestern Kentucky
First downs2225
Total yards396587
Rushing yards201109
Passing yards195478
Turnovers21
Time of possession33:3026:30
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UT MartinPassingKeon Howard20/43, 195 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingPeyton Logan7 carries, 75 yards
ReceivingColton Dowell6 receptions, 102 yards, 1 TD
Western KentuckyPassingBailey Zappe28/35, 424 yards, 7 TDs, 1 INT
RushingKye Robichaux9 carries, 44 yards
ReceivingJerreth Sterns7 receptions, 107 yards, 2 TDs

At Army
Western Kentucky at Army
1 234Total
Hilltoppers 0 14021 35
• Black Knights 0 21710 38
        
Scoring summary
214:51ARMYTyrell Robinson 24-yard rush (Cole Talley kick)
(10 plays, 62 yards, 4:50)		ARMY 7–0
11:30ARMYBraheam Murphy 40-yard pass from Christian Anderson (Cole Talley kick)
(4 plays, 53 yards, 1:55)		ARMY 14–0
10:40WKUJerreth Sterns 72-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Naverson kick)
(3 plays, 75 yards, 0:50)		ARMY 14–7
02:07ARMYJakobi Buchanan 1-yard rush (Cole Talley kick)
(16 plays, 75 yards, 8:33)		ARMY 21–7
00:30WKUBailey Zappe 10-yard rush (Brayden Naverson kick)
(6 plays, 75 yards, 1:37)		ARMY 21–14
308:57ARMYAnthony Adkins 3-yard rush (Cole Talley kick)
(10 plays, 75 yards, 6:03)		ARMY 28–14
410:31ARMYJakobi Buchanan 13-yard rush (Cole Talley kick)
(14 plays, 71 yards, 9:15)		ARMY 35–14
08:05WKUMitchell Tinsley 21-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(8 plays, 75 yards, 2:26)		ARMY 35–21
04:58WKUJerreth Sterns 14-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(6 plays, 63 yards, 1:23)		ARMY 35–28
01:52ARMYCole Talley 31-yard field goal
(7 plays, 30 yards, 3:05)		ARMY 38–28
00:22WKUAdam Cofield 2-yard rush (Brayden Narveson kick)
(9 plays, 75 yards, 1:30)		ARMY 38–35
See also: 2021 Army Black Knights football team
Pregame lineOver/under
ARMY –6.051.5
StatisticsWestern KentuckyArmy
First downs2223
Total yards477416
Rushing yards42339
Passing yards43577
Turnovers11
Time of possession20:2239:38
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western KentuckyPassingBailey Zappe28/40, 435 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
RushingNoah Whittington8 carries, 33 yards
ReceivingJerreth Sterns9 receptions, 171 yards, 2 TDs
ArmyPassingChristian Anderson5/6, 77 yards, 1 TD
RushingChristian Anderson22 carries, 119 yards
ReceivingBraheam Murphy1 reception, 40 yards, 1 TD

Indiana
Indiana at Western Kentucky
1 234Total
• Hoosiers 14 937 33
Hilltoppers 0 14107 31
        
Scoring summary
110:15IUStephen Carr 1-yard rush (Charles Campbell kick)
(11 plays, 79 yards, 4:45)		IU 7–0
05:02IUMichael Penix Jr. 1-yard rush (Charles Campbell kick)
(11 plays, 81 yards, 4:50)		IU 14–0
214:27WKUAdam Cofield 1-yard rush (Brayden Narveson kick)
(15 plays, 77 yards, 5:29)		IU 14–7
09:49IUCharles Campbell 46-yard field goal
(13 plays, 46 yards, 4:34)		IU 17–7
02:42IUCharles Campbell 37-yard field goal
(13 plays, 56 yards, 4:55)		IU 20–7
00:55WKUDaewood Davis 25-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(7 plays, 72 yards, 1:42)		IU 20–14
00:00IUCharles Campbell 25-yard field goal
(8 plays, 68 yards, 0:55)		IU 23–14
313:13WKUDalvin Smith 13-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(5 plays, 76 yards, 1:40)		IU 23–21
09:10IUCharles Campbell 48-yard field goal
(9 plays, 44 yards, 4:03)		IU 26–21
05:53WKUBrayden Narveson 34-yard field goal
(11 plays, 59 yards, 3:17)		IU 26–24
404:27IUStephen Carr 1-yard rush (Charles Campbell kick)
(14 plays, 86 yards, 6:19)		IU 33–24
02:43WKUMalachi Corley 19-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(8 plays, 75 yards, 1:44)		IU 33–31
See also: 2021 Indiana Hoosiers football team
Pregame lineOver/under
IU –9.563
StatisticsIndianaWestern Kentucky
First downs3524
Total yards507458
Rushing yards13493
Passing yards373365
Turnovers00
Time of possession38:3421:26
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
IndianaPassingMichael Penix Jr.35/53, 373 yards
RushingStephen Carr25 carries, 109 yards, 2 TDs
ReceivingPeyton Hendershot7 receptions, 100 yards
Western KentuckyPassingBailey Zappe31/44, 365 yards, 3 TDs
RushingNoah Whittington6 carries, 41 yards
ReceivingJerreth Sterns7 receptions, 82 yards

At Michigan State
Western Kentucky at Michigan State
1 234Total
Hilltoppers 10 6015 31
• No. 17 Spartans 21 2133 48
          
Scoring summary
113:32MSUJayden Reed 88-yard punt returned (Matt Coghlin kick)
(3 plays, 2 yards, 1:28)		MSU 7–0
08:26MSUKenneth Walker III 5-yard rush (Matt Coghlin kick)
(7 plays, 80 yards, 3:59)		MSU 14–0
05:04WKUBrayden Narveson 37-yard field goal
(11 plays, 56 yards, 3:22)		MSU 14–3
03:54MSUJayden Reed 46-yard pass from Payton Thorne (Matt Coghlin kick)
(4 plays, 75 yards, 1:10)		MSU 21–3
02:57WKUJoey Beljan 4-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(3 plays, 65 yards, 0:57)		MSU 21–10
211:42WKUBrayden Narveson 29-yard field goal
(13 plays, 61 yards, 4:53)		MSU 21–13
09:10MSUKenneth Walker III 5-yard rush (Matt Coghlin kick)
(6 plays, 68 yards, 2:27)		MSU 28–13
06:51WKUBrayden Narveson 35-yard field goal
(8 plays, 58 yards, 2:19)		MSU 28–16
02:39MSUKenneth Walker III 3-yard rush (Matt Coghlin kick)
(9 plays, 66 yards, 4:06)		MSU 35–16
00:41MSUPayton Thorne 12-yard rush (Matt Coghlin kick)
(6 plays, 31 yards, 0:53)		MSU 42–16
300:43MSUMatt Coghlin 21-yard field goal
(14 plays, 96 yards, 5:49)		MSU 45–16
413:13WKUJerreth Sterns 28-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Bailey Zappe two-point conversion pass to Mitchell Tinsley)
(9 plays, 75 yards, 2:30)		MSU 45–24
08:24WKUJoey Beljan 1-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(7 plays, 55 yards, 2:28)		MSU 45–31
04:46MSUMatt Coghlin 20-yard field goal
(12 plays, 72 yards, 3:38)		MSU 48–31
See also: 2021 Michigan State Spartans football team
Pregame lineOver/under
MSU –10.566.5
StatisticsWestern KentuckyMichigan State
First downs3126
Total yards560519
Rushing yards72192
Passing yards488327
Turnovers10
Time of possession29:3530:25
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western KentuckyPassingBailey Zappe46/64, 488 yards, 3 TDs
RushingNoah Whittington7 carries, 37 yards
ReceivingJerreth Sterns17 receptions, 186 yards, 1 TD
Michigan StatePassingPayton Thorne20/30, 327 yards, 1 TD
RushingKenneth Walker III24 carries, 126 yards, 3 TDs
ReceivingJalen Nailor8 receptions, 128 yards

UTSA
UTSA at Western Kentucky
1 234Total
• Roadrunners 14 141410 52
Hilltoppers 10 14139 46
            
Scoring summary
114:13UTSADe'Corian Clark 30-yard pass from Frank Harris (Hunter Duplessis kick)
(3 plays, 75 yards, 0:47)		UTSA 7–0
10:11WKUBrayden Narveson 34-yard field goal
(8 plays, 54 yards, 3:56)		UTSA 7–3
05:03UTSATykee Ogle-Kellogg 15-yard pass from Frank Harris (Hunter Duplessis kick)
(14 plays, 75 yards, 5:08)		UTSA 14–3
00:49WKUJerreth Sterns 3-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(12 plays, 58 yards, 4:04)		UTSA 14–10
211:22WKUAdam Cofield 10-yard rush (Brayden Narveson kick)
(8 plays, 74 yards, 3:26)		WKU 17–14
08:25UTSAFrank Harris 23-yard pass from Joshua Cephus (Hunter Duplessis kick)
(8 plays, 75 yards, 2:57)		UTSA 21–17
04:47WKUDalvin Smith 33-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(9 plays, 82 yards, 3:32)		WKU 24–21
00:40UTSAOscar Cardenas 11-yard pass from Frank Harris (Hunter Duplessis kick)
(3 plays, 32 yards, 0:32)		UTSA 28–24
312:46WKUMalachi Corley 24-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(3 plays, 24 yards, 0:52)		WKU 31–28
10:38UTSADe'Corian Clark 18-yard pass from Frank Harris (Hunter Duplessis kick)
(6 plays, 75 yards, 2:08)		UTSA 35–31
06:06UTSAJoshua Cephus 3-yard pass from Frank Harris (Hunter Duplessis kick)
(7 plays, 57 yards, 3:55)		UTSA 42–31
00:50WKUMitchell Tinsley 40-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (two-point rush conversion attempt failed)
(3 plays, 95 yards, 0:33)		UTSA 42–37
410:01UTSAHunter Duplessis 35-yard field goal
(10 plays, 57 yards, 5:49)		UTSA 45–37
08:04WKUJerreth Sterns 20-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (two-point pass conversion attempt failed)
(7 plays, 75 yards, 1:57)		UTSA 45–43
06:39UTSADe'Corian Clark 43-yard pass from Frank Harris (Hunter Duplessis kick)
(4 plays, 75 yards, 1:25)		UTSA 52–43
04:22WKUBrayden Narveson 27-yard field goal
(10 plays, 66 yards, 2:17)		UTSA 52–46
See also: 2021 UTSA Roadrunners football team
Pregame lineOver/under
WKU –3.571
StatisticsUTSAWestern Kentucky
First downs3235
Total yards564670
Rushing yards192147
Passing yards372523
Turnovers22
Time of possession29:5630:04
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UTSAPassingFrank Harris28/38, 349 yards, 6 TDs, 1 INT
RushingSincere McCormick23 carries, 120 yards
ReceivingDe'Corian Clark7 receptions, 160 yards, 3 TDs
Western KentuckyPassingBailey Zappe38/60, 523 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT
RushingAdam Cofield9 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingJerreth Sterns16 receptions, 195 yards, 2 TDs

At Old Dominion
Western Kentucky at Old Dominion
1 234Total
• Hilltoppers 14 16310 43
Monarchs 0 3314 20
  • Date: October 16, 2021
  • Location: S.B. Ballard Stadium
    Norfolk, VA
  • Game start: 2:35 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 20 minutes
  • Game attendance: 16,418
  • Game weather: 82 °F (28 °C) • Weather: Sunny
  • Referee: Kevin Vicknair
  • Television network: ESPN3
        
Scoring summary
109:16WKUMalachi Corley 26-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(8 plays, 68 yards, 3:42)		WKU 7–0
04:24WKUDakota Thomas 9-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(12 plays, 81 yards, 3:30)		WKU 14–0
205:23WKUDaewood Davis 15-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(3 plays, 41 yards, 1:02)		WKU 21–0
02:23ODUNick Rice 44-yard field goal
(10 plays, 48 yards, 3:00)		WKU 21–3
01:48WKUJerreth Sterns 74-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(3 plays, 75 yards, 0:35)		WKU 27–3
00:00WKUBrayden Narveson 20-yard field goal
(8 plays, 45 yards, 1:16)		WKU 30–3
310:37ODUNick Rice 38-yard field goal
(11 plays, 54 yards, 4:23)		WKU 30–6
03:43WKUBrayden Narveson 31-yard field goal
(4 plays, -9 yards, 1:30)		WKU 33–6
414:55ODUElijah Davis 24-yard rush (Nick Rice kick)
(8 plays, 79 yards, 3:45)		WKU 33–13
10:17ODUBlake Watson 7-yard rush (Nick Rice kick)
(8 plays, 78 yards, 3:02)		WKU 33–20
05:41WKUBrayden Narveson 41-yard field goal
(13 plays, 42 yards, 4:31)		WKU 36–20
03:51WKUDakota Thomas 17-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(2 plays, 23 yards, 0:38)		WKU 43–20
See also: 2021 Old Dominion Monarchs football team
Pregame lineOver/under
WKU –13.567
StatisticsWestern KentuckyOld Dominion
First downs2923
Total yards518446
Rushing yards121119
Passing yards397327
Turnovers13
Time of possession30:3929:21
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western KentuckyPassingBailey Zappe36/54, 397 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT
RushingAdam Cofield10 carries, 67 yards
ReceivingJerreth Sterns13 receptions, 221 yards, 1 TD
Old DominionPassingHayden Wolff26/41, 327 yards, 2 INTs
RushingBlake Watson22 carries, 104 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingAli Jennings III13 receptions, 172 yards

At FIU
Western Kentucky at Florida International
1 234Total
• Hilltoppers 0 17710 34
Panthers 6 607 19
  • Date: October 23, 2021
  • Location: Riccardo Silva Stadium
    University Park, FL
  • Game start: 7:28 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 2 hours and 24 minutes
  • Game attendance: 0
  • Game weather: 80 °F (27 °C) • Weather: Sunny
  • Referee: Patrick Foy
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): A. J. Ricketts (play–by–play) and Cam Lynch (analyst)
     
Scoring summary
110:22FIUMax Bortenschlager 1-yard rush (Chase Gabriel PAT blocked)
(12 plays, 75 yards, 4:38)		FIU 6–0
207:13WKUAdam Cofield 8-yard rush (Brayden Narveson kick)
(8 plays, 80 yards, 2:52)		WKU 7–6
07:04FIURandall St. Felix 75-yard pass from Max Bortenschlager (two-point pass conversion attempt failed)
(1 play, 75 yards, 0:09)		FIU 12–7
01:22WKUBrayden Narveson 23-yard field goal
(13 plays, 70 yards, 5:42)		FIU 12–10
00:15WKUMitchell Tinsley 32-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(5 plays, 80 yards, 0:34)		WKU 17–12
311:35WKUJerreth Sterns 20-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(8 plays, 75 yards, 3:25)		WKU 24–12
411:08WKUJerreth Sterns 1-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(9 plays, 63 yards, 3:52)		WKU 31–12
04:08WKUBrayden Narveson 26-yard field goal
(13 plays, 82 yards, 5:20)		WKU 34–12
01:39FIUShaun Peterson Jr. 3-yard rush (Chase Gabriel kick)
(9 plays, 75 yards, 2:29)		WKU 34–19
See also: 2021 FIU Panthers football team
Pregame lineOver/under
WKU –16.578
StatisticsWestern KentuckyFIU
First downs3118
Total yards530290
Rushing yards14828
Passing yards382262
Turnovers10
Time of possession33:1526:45
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western KentuckyPassingBailey Zappe39/49, 382 yards, 3 TDs
RushingAdam Cofield15 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingJerreth Sterns14 receptions, 115 yards, 2 TDs
FIUPassingMax Bortenschlager15/32, 192 yards, 1 TD
RushingD'Vonte Price15 carries, 86 yards
ReceivingRandall St. Felix5 receptions, 104 yards, 1 TD

Charlotte
Charlotte at Western Kentucky
1 234Total
49ers 3 1000 13
• Hilltoppers 14 14710 45
  • Date: October 30, 2021
  • Location: Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
    Bowling Green, KY
  • Game start: 3:05 p.m. CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 11 minutes
  • Game attendance: 16,763
  • Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C) • Weather: Wet and Cloudy
  • Referee: Scott Hardin
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Nate Gatter (play–by–play) and Bob Belvin (analyst)
      
Scoring summary
111:44WKUDaewood Davis 11-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(7 plays, 47 yards, 2:19)		WKU 7–0
06:39CLTJonathan Cruz 37-yard field goal
(11 plays, 55 yards, 5:05)		WKU 7–3
01:21WKUBailey Zappe 2-yard rush (Brayden Narveson kick)
(4 plays, 73 yards, 1:29)		WKU 14–3
213:09WKUMitchell Tinsley 13-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(6 plays, 50 yards, 2:20)		WKU 21–3
09:40CLTJames Foster 1-yard rush (Jonathan Cruz kick)
(7 plays, 75 yards, 3:29)		WKU 21–10
03:06CLTJonathan Cruz 56-yard field goal
(5 plays, 37 yards, 2:10)		WKU 21–13
01:27WKUJerreth Sterns 21-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(5 plays, 75 yards, 1:39)		WKU 28–13
302:04WKUDalvin Smith 9-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(8 plays, 69 yards, 2:46)		WKU 35–13
412:28WKUBrayden Narveson 35-yard field goal
(8 plays, 17 yards, 2:52)		WKU 38–13
05:09WKUNoah Whittington 1-yard rush (Brayden Narveson kick)
(6 plays, 60 yards, 3:09)		WKU 45–13
See also: 2021 Charlotte 49ers football team
Pregame lineOver/under
WKU –19.571.5
StatisticsCharlotteWestern Kentucky
First downs1729
Total yards319469
Rushing yards19076
Passing yards129393
Turnovers22
Time of possession33:4426:16
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
CharlottePassingJames Foster12/24, 129 yards, 1 INT
RushingCalvin Camp7 carries, 60 yards
ReceivingShadrick Byrd1 reception, 53 yards
Western KentuckyPassingBailey Zappe33/45, 393 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs
RushingNoah Whittington10 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingJerreth Sterns10 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD

Middle Tennessee
Middle Tennessee at Western Kentucky
1 234Total
Blue Raiders 7 707 21
• Hilltoppers 21 10170 48
       
Scoring summary
111:49MTSUDJ England-Chisolm 45-yard pass from Nick Vattiato (Zeke Rankin kick)
(8 plays, 75 yards, 3:11)		MTSU 7–0
10:21WKUDaewood Davis 17-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(7 plays, 68 yards, 1:22)		TIE 7–7
06:09WKUMitchell Tinsley 5-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(2 plays, 19 yards, 0:36)		WKU 14–7
02:07WKUBeanie Bishop 43-yard interception returned (Brayden Narveson kick)
(3 plays, -1 yards, 1:34)		WKU 21–7
209:08MTSUYusuf Ali 36-yard pass from Nick Vattiato (Zeke Rankin kick)
(5 plays, 52 yards, 1:38)		WKU 21–14
05:24WKUBrayden Narveson 35-yard field goal
(9 plays, 54 yards, 3:38)		WKU 24–14
03:35WKUMitchell Tinsley 10-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(2 plays, 10 yards, 0:09)		WKU 31–14
311:21WKUDaewood Davis 28-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(7 plays, 74 yards, 3:39)		WKU 38–14
09:18WKUBailey Zappe 8-yard rush (Brayden Narveson kick)
(4 plays, 33 yards, 1:16)		WKU 45–14
07:38WKUBrayden Narveson 43-yard field goal
(4 plays, 4 yards, 0:57)		WKU 48–14
413:35MTSUFrank Peasant 5-yard rush (Zeke Rankin kick)
(3 plays, 16 yards, 1:04)		WKU 48–21
See also: 2021 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football team and 100 Miles of Hate
Pregame lineOver/under
WKU –17.566.5
StatisticsMiddle TennesseeWestern Kentucky
First downs1919
Total yards349352
Rushing yards12371
Passing yards226281
Turnovers70
Time of possession33:0226:58
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Middle TennesseePassingNick Vattiato24/41, 205 yards, 2 TDs, 5 INTs
RushingFrank Peasant18 carries, 78 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingDJ England-Chisolm3 receptions, 69 yards, 1 TD
Western KentuckyPassingBailey Zappe29/50, 281 yards, 4 TDs
RushingNoah Whittington17 carries, 67 yards
ReceivingJerreth Sterns11 receptions, 110 yards

At Rice
Western Kentucky at Rice
1 234Total
• Hilltoppers 7 21014 42
Owls 0 0714 21
  • Date: November 13, 2021
  • Location: Rice Stadium
    Houston, TX
  • Game start: 1:05 p.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours and 20 minutes
  • Game attendance: 17,883
  • Game weather: 67 °F (19 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: NE 7 MPH
  • Referee: Scott Hardin
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): David Saltzman (play–by–play) and Taylor McHargue (analyst)
     
Scoring summary
102:56WKUKye Robichaux 2-yard rush (Brayden Narveson kick)
(7 plays, 97 yards, 3:00)		WKU 7–0
210:12WKUKye Robichaux 13-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(5 plays, 39 yards, 2:18)		WKU 14–0
07:36WKUMitchell Tinsley 65-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(2 plays, 70 yards, 0:34)		WKU 21–0
06:19WKUDalvin Smith 7-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(2 plays, 34 yards, 0:32)		WKU 28–0
303:16RICECedric Patterson III 23-yard pass from Jake Constantine (Christian VanSickle kick)
(8 plays, 80 yards, 3:44)		WKU 28–7
414:56WKUMitchell Tinsley 9-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(10 plays, 77 yards, 3:15)		WKU 35–7
11:44RICEKhalan Griffin 7-yard rush (Christian VanSickle kick)
(9 plays, 75 yards, 3:12)		WKU 35–14
08:18WKUJoey Beljan 5-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(2 plays, 23 yards, 0:35)		WKU 42–14
00:55RICEJuma Otoviano 2-yard rush (Christian VanSickle kick)
(6 plays, 37 yards, 1:13)		WKU 42–21
See also: 2021 Rice Owls football team
Pregame lineOver/under
WKU –19.061.5
StatisticsWestern KentuckyRice
First downs2725
Total yards587504
Rushing yards92124
Passing yards495380
Turnovers45
Time of possession24:2035:40
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western KentuckyPassingBailey Zappe34/42, 482 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT
RushingKye Robichaux12 carries, 61 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingMitchell Tinsley10 receptions, 198 yards, 2 TDs
RicePassingJake Constantine28/50, 380 yards, 1 TD, 4 INTs
RushingAri Broussard15 carries, 60 yards
ReceivingAugust Pitre III9 receptions, 113 yards

Florida Atlantic
Florida Atlantic at Western Kentucky
1 234Total
Owls 3 770 17
• Hilltoppers 14 17714 52
       
Scoring summary
110:52WKUJerreth Sterns 1-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(6 plays, 87 yards, 2:16)		WKU 7–0
05:41FAUMorgan Suarez 35-yard field goal
(11 plays, 33 yards, 5:11)		WKU 7–3
04:13WKUMitchell Tinsley 8-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(3 plays, 50 yards, 1:20)		WKU 14–3
213:34WKUJoey Beljan 3-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(9 plays, 79 yards, 3:52)		WKU 21–3
07:58FAUTeja Young 62-yard interception returned (Morgan Suarez kick)
(6 plays, 43 yards, 2:50)		WKU 21–10
03:15WKUMalachi Corley 3-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(9 plays, 80 yards, 4:36)		WKU 28–10
01:35WKUBrayden Narveson 26-yard field goal
(6 plays, 28 yards, 1:38)		WKU 31–10
305:34FAUJoey Mitchell 9-yard pass from N'Kosi Perry (Morgan Suarez kick)
(9 plays, 62 yards, 3:36)		WKU 31–17
01:59WKUMitchell Tinsley 27-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(5 plays, 61 yards, 1:57)		WKU 38–17
412:15WKUJoey Beljan 7-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(7 plays, 56 yards, 2:40)		WKU 45–17
04:16WKUJakairi Moses 7-yard rush (Brayden Narveson kick)
(10 plays, 83 yards, 5:32)		WKU 52–17
See also: 2021 Florida Atlantic Owls football team
Pregame lineOver/under
WKU –11.564
StatisticsFlorida AtlanticWestern Kentucky
First downs1835
Total yards301608
Rushing yards25100
Passing yards276508
Turnovers33
Time of possession24:3935:21
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Florida AtlanticPassingN'Kosi Perry19/28, 213 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
RushingJohnny Ford13 carries, 48 yards
ReceivingJe'Quan Burton7 receptions, 80 yards
Western KentuckyPassingBailey Zappe39/49, 470 yards, 6 TDs, 2 INTs
RushingNoah Whittington9 carries, 46 yards
ReceivingMitchell Tinsley9 receptions, 164 yards, 2 TDs

At Marshall
Western Kentucky at Marshall
1 234Total
• Hilltoppers 0 62324 53
Thundering Herd 7 707 21
         
Scoring summary
107:01MRSHGrant Wells 1-yard rush (Shane Ciucci kick)
(15 plays, 79 yards, 6:58)		MRSH 7–0
214:22MRSHDevin Miller 3-yard pass from Grant Wells (Shane Ciucci kick)
(9 plays, 57 yards, 3:57)		MRSH 14–0
08:05WKUBrayden Narveson 41-yard field goal
(6 plays, 25 yards, 1:56)		MRSH 14–3
02:48WKUBrayden Narveson 46-yard field goal
(10 plays, 27 yards, 3:12)		MRSH 14–6
313:41WKUDaewood Davis 47-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(2 plays, 58 yards, 0:23)		MRSH 14–13
09:10WKUMalachi Corley 14-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(9 plays, 78 yards, 2:21)		WKU 20–14
07:28WKUDaewood Davis 50-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (two-point pass conversion attempt failed)
(1 play, 50 yards, 0:09)		WKU 26–14
03:25WKUBrayden Narveson 53-yard field goal
(10 plays, 37 yards, 3:30)		WKU 29–14
414:18WKUDalvin Smith 8-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(9 plays, 78 yards, 3:30)		WKU 36–14
12:23MRSHShadeed Ahmed 41-yard pass from Luke Zban (Shane Ciucci kick)
(6 plays, 75 yards, 1:55)		WKU 36–21
12:16WKUA. J. Brathwaite 43-yard kickoff returned (Brayden Narveson kick)
(9 plays, 31 yards, 3:46)		WKU 43–21
01:12WKUBrayden Narveson 39-yard field goal
(11 plays, 21 yards, 7:18)		WKU 46–21
00:53WKUDavion Williams 45-yard interception returned (Brayden Narveson kick)
(2 plays, 0 yards, 0:19)		WKU 53–21
See also: 2021 Marshall Thundering Herd football team
Pregame lineOver/under
EVEN75
StatisticsWestern KentuckyMarshall
First downs2520
Total yards485325
Rushing yards157126
Passing yards328199
Turnovers02
Time of possession30:3429:26
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western KentuckyPassingBailey Zappe24/48, 328 yards, 4 TDs
RushingNoah Whittington14 carries, 69 yards
ReceivingDaewood Davis3 receptions, 105 yards, 2 TDs
MarshallPassingLuke Zban16/25, 123 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
RushingRasheen Ali24 carries, 99 yards
ReceivingCorey Gammage7 receptions, 44 yards

At UTSA (C-USA Championship)
Western Kentucky at Texas–San Antonio
1 234Total
Hilltoppers 10 31315 41
• Roadrunners 14 14147 49
          
Scoring summary
114:04WKUMitchell Tinsley 60-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(5 plays, 78 yards, 0:56)		WKU 7–0
11:49UTSAFrank Harris 24-yard rush (Hunter Duplessis kick)
(7 plays, 75 yards, 2:15)		TIE 7–7
10:07WKUBrayden Narveson 33-yard field goal
(6 plays, 51 yards, 1:42)		WKU 10–7
04:59UTSASincere McCormick 2-yard rush (Hunter Duplessis kick)
(14 plays, 75 yards, 5:08)		UTSA 14–10
214:57WKUBrayden Narveson 34-yard field goal
(15 plays, 59 yards, 5:02)		UTSA 14–13
11:50UTSABrenden Brady 6-yard rush (Hunter Duplessis kick)
(9 plays, 75 yards, 3:07)		UTSA 21–13
09:10UTSASincere McCormick 65-yard rush (Hunter Duplessis kick)
(1 play, 65 yards, 0:11)		UTSA 28–13
311:13UTSAZakhari Franklin 14-yard pass from Frank Harris (Hunter Duplessis kick)
(2 plays, 14 yards, 0:45)		UTSA 35–13
10:16UTSASincere McCormick 17-yard rush (Hunter Duplessis kick)
(1 play, 17 yards, 0:08)		UTSA 42–13
08:17WKUMitchell Tinsley 12-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(8 plays, 66 yards, 1:59)		UTSA 42–20
03:01WKUJerreth Sterns 13-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (two-point pass conversion attempt failed)
(7 plays, 53 yards, 2:17)		UTSA 42–26
411:01WKUKye Robichaux 1-yard rush (Bailey Zappe two-point pass conversion to Jerreth Sterns)
(5 plays, 71 yards, 1:10)		UTSA 42–34
06:18UTSADe'Corian Clark 28-yard pass from Frank Harris (Hunter Duplessis kick)
(10 plays, 75 yards, 4:43)		UTSA 49–34
03:58WKUJerreth Sterns 34-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(9 plays, 72 yards, 2:20)		UTSA 49–41
See also: 2021 UTSA Roadrunners football team
Pregame lineOver/under
WKU –3.074.5
StatisticsWestern KentuckyUTSA
First downs2628
Total yards568556
Rushing yards-9304
Passing yards577252
Turnovers30
Time of possession23:1636:44
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western KentuckyPassingBailey Zappe36/59, 577 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs
RushingNoah Whittington4 carries, 15 yards
ReceivingJerreth Sterns10 receptions, 179 yards, 2 TDs
UTSAPassingFrank Harris19/28, 218 yards, 2 TDs
RushingSincere McCormick36 carries, 204 yards, 3 TDs
ReceivingZakhari Franklin6 receptions, 67 yards, 1 TD

Vs. Appalachian State (Boca Raton Bowl)
Western Kentucky vs. Appalachian State
1 234Total
• Hilltoppers 14 17217 59
Mountaineers 14 1077 38
           
Scoring summary
113:14WKUJerreth Sterns 1-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(8 plays, 74 yards, 1:46)		WKU 7–0
3:25ASUMalik Williams 36-yard pass from Chase Brice (Chandler Staton kick)
(6 plays, 63 yards, 2:58)		Tie 7–7
3:11WKUMitchell Tinsley 75-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(1 play, 75 yards, 00:14)		WKU 14–7
1:11ASUJalen Virgil 60-yard pass from Chase Brice (Chandler Staton kick)
(5 plays, 76 yards, 2:00)		Tie 14–14
211:48WKUBrayden Narveson 24-yard field goal
(7 plays, 64 yards, 1:21)		WKU 17–14
8:57ASUDashaun Davis 33-yard pass from Chase Brice (Chandler Staton kick)
(5 plays, 61 yards, 2:51)		ASU 21–17
6:54WKUJoey Beljan 5-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(8 plays, 75 yards, 2:03)		WKU 24–21
2:55ASUChandler Staton 28-yard field goal
(8 plays, 64 yards, 3:59)		Tie 24–24
00:29WKUJerreth Sterns 10-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(8 plays, 78 yards, 2:26)		WKU 31–24
312:49WKUNoah Wittington 86-yard run (Brayden Narveson kick)
(1 play, 86 yards, 00:12)		WKU 38–24
5:56WKUMitchell Tinsley 2-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(11 plays, 73 yards, 4:38)		WKU 45–24
5:38ASUChristian Wells 62-yard pass from Chase Brice (Chandler Staton kick)
(1 play, 62 yards, 00:18)		WKU 45–31
2:42WKUJerreth Sterns 37-yard pass from Bailey Zappe (Brayden Narveson kick)
(6 plays, 75 yards, 2:56)		WKU 52–31
49:40WKUKye Robichaux 2-yard run (Brayden Narveson kick)
(2 plays, 2 yards, 00:09)		WKU 59–31
1:55ASUAnderson Castle 9-yard run (Chandler Staton kick)
(7 plays, 69 yards, 2:17)		WKU 59–38
See also: 2021 Appalachian State Mountaineers football team and 2021 Boca Raton Bowl
Pregame lineOver/under
WKU –1.068
StatisticsWestern KentuckyAppalachian State
First downs2427
Total yards609637
Rushing yards251215
Passing yards358422
Turnovers41
Time of possession31:1228:48
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Western KentuckyPassingBailey Zappe33/47, 422 yards, 6 TD
RushingNoah Wittington7 carries, 150 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingJerreth Sterns13 receptions, 184 yards, 3 TD
Appalachian StatePassingChase Brice15/23, 317 yards, 4 TD, INT
RushingCamerun Peoples13 carries, 101 yards
ReceivingChristian Wells4 receptions, 86 yards, 1 TD

References
  1. "WKU Football release their 2021 schedule". WBKO. January 27, 2021. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  2. "Hilltopper Football 2021 Full Schedule Released". Western Kentucky University Department of Athletics. January 27, 2021. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  3. "2021 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Football Schedule". FBSchedule. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
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