The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers struggled early in the Famous Toastery Bowl falling behind Old Dominion 28-0. But third string quarterback Caden Veltkamp came off the bench to lead the Hilltoppers back to a tie game and force overtime. The Western Kentucky special teams then stepped up in the extra session giving the C-USA their second win of the bowl season.
Old Dominion Dominates Early
The Old Dominion Monarchs came out firing on all cylinders in the first quarter. Grant Wilson threw a touchdown pass while Kadarius Calloway rushed for another touchdown. Kris Caine also returned an interception for a touchdown in the first quarter; one of five turnovers forced by the Monarchs on the day. By the time Wilson rushed for a touchdown in the second quarter, it appeared like Old Dominion would cruise to victory. But in the second quarter, the Hilltoppers woke up.
Caden Veltkamp: Unlikely Hero
Western Kentucky’s regular starter, Austin Reed, opted out of the Famous Toastery Bowl. Backup QB Turner Helton started the game for the Hilltoppers but was replaced by Caden Veltkamp following the pick-six. Veltkamp shined for Western Kentucky, completing 40 of 52 passes for 383 yards and five touchdowns. That included three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to force overtime.
Veltkamp told the team earlier this season he planned to enter the transfer portal, because Western Kentucky planned to convert him to tight end if he returned next season. There’s no word on if this bowl performance will change either Veltkamp’s or the team’s plans for the 2024 season.
Special Teams Shine in Overtime
Old Dominion got the ball first in the extra session and after nine plays lined up for a go-ahead field goal. While kicker Ethan Sanchez had been perfect on PAT attempts, Western Kentucky blocked the field goal giving the Hilltoppers a chance to win. Western Kentucky responded with a short 14-yard drive and kicked a field goal to secure the 38-35 win.
Conference Bowl Records (Must Field 3 Teams Through Entire Bowl Season)
- Big 12 (1-0)
- C-USA (2-1)
- MAC (1-1)
- Mountain West (1-1)
- Pac-12 (1-1)
- Sunbelt (1-3)
- ACC (0-0)
- American (0-0)
- Independents (0-0)
- SEC (0-0)
Next Bowl Matchup
The bowls return Tuesday evening with the Scooters Coffee Frisco Bowl. UTSA will take on Marshall from Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
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