W. Kentucky rallies to defeat Old Dominion in the Famous Toastery Bowl.
Western Kentucky defeated Old Dominion 38-35 in overtime at the Famous Toastery Bowl. Caden Veltkamp, who came off the bench, passed for 383 yards and five touchdowns. Lucas Carneiro kicked a decisive 29-yard field goal, ending the game after Talique Allen blocked a 23-yard field-goal attempt. Veltkamp completed 40 of 52 passes with one interception and rushed for a team-high 53 yards. Dalvin Smith caught three touchdown passes for the Hilltoppers.
Old Dominion (6-7) managed to score two touchdowns and a rushing touchdown, but failed to win despite forcing five turnovers. Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed was ruled out of the game, and Veltkamp led a late-game charge with 21 points, forcing overtime. Elijah Young scored a 37-yard touchdown with 14:09 remaining in regulation, bringing the Hilltoppers within 35-21.
The Hilltoppers scored a touchdown with two hands, a 14-yard pass from Veltkamp, and a 15-yard pass to K.D. Hutchinson with 19 seconds left. Old Dominion forced four turnovers and took early control of the game. The Monarchs drove 89 yards on five plays, with Wilson’s 79-yard keeper setting up the score and completing the excursion with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Isiah Page.
Turner Helton started for Western Kentucky, but made two mistakes before being pulled. He was sacked by Lowry and fumbled the ball, which was recovered by James. Kadarius Calloway scored to make it 14-0 with 9:06 left in the first quarter. Caine intercepted Helton and returned it 30 yards for a score, giving the Monarchs a 21-point lead.
Old Dominion pushed the lead to 28-0 when Wilson scored on an 11-yard run with 13:38 left in the first half. Western Kentucky got on the board with 8:14 left in the half when Smith made a one-handed touchdown grab on a 14-yard toss from Veltkamp. Smith’s second stellar grab came on an 18-yard touchdown pass to pull the Hilltoppers within 28-14 with 10:24 left in the third quarter.
