EAST LANSING, Mich. — Despite WKU Football’s 48-31 loss at No. 16/17 Michigan State, Bailey Zappe and the offense once again lit up the scoreboard.
The quarterback completed 46-of-64 passes for 488 yards, with three touchdowns and zero interceptions. It was the third-most against a Spartans’ defense since 2000 (via www.Sports-Reference.com). Bryce Petty of Baylor had 550 in 2015 and C.J. Bacher of Northwestern had 520 in 2007.
For the season, he is now 133-of-183 (72.7%) for 1,712 yards, with 16 touchdowns compared to only two interceptions on the year. His 428-yard average leads all FBS quarterbacks.
Kicker Brayden Narveson kicked three field goals – of 37, 29 and 25 yards – all in the first half, but WKU trailed by a score of 42-16 after Michigan State went on a 21-3 run to end the second quarter.
The Hilltoppers trailed the Spartans 45-16 going into the fourth quarter, but scored back-to-back touchdowns to make it a two-possession game at 45-31 with 8:24 remaining. But the Michigan State defense was able to hold the rest of the way, and the Spartans added a field goal to run the final score to 48-31.
Wide receiver Jerreth Sterns tied the all-time WKU program record with 17 receptions – matching Lucky Jackson’s mark in the 2019 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl – while amassing 186 yards and one touchdown. For the season, he now has 40 catches for 546 yards and five scores – all of which lead the team.
Tight end Joey Beljan caught two touchdowns, while wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley had career-highs of seven receptions and 127 yards. On the defensive side, safety Antwon Kincade led the way with 10 tackles and defensive end DeAngelo Malone had nine – including two tackles for loss.
The Hilltoppers (1-3) will begin the Conference USA portion of their schedule on Saturday, October 9 vs. UTSA. WKU and the 5-0 Roadrunners will kick off at 6 p.m. at Houchens-Smith Stadium. Tickets are available HERE.
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