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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
WKU Football Tops Missouri State with Strong All-Around Performance
The WKU Hilltoppers captured a decisive 34-13 victory over Missouri State on Thursday evening at Houchens-Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This college football win improved WKU’s record to 2-4 overall and 1-1 in Conference USA play, while the Bears dropped to 1-4 overall and 0-1 in conference play.
Game Recap: Early Lead Sets Pace
WKU football opened the scoring with a methodical 11-play, 68-yard drive, capped by a 1-yard touchdown run from quarterback Brock Glenn, taking a 7-0 lead with just under seven minutes left in the first quarter. Missouri State responded with two field goals—first from 25 yards and then from 31 yards—closing the gap to 7-6 in the second quarter.
The Hilltoppers answered with a quick 4-play, 75-yard drive, highlighted by a 42-yard touchdown pass from Glenn to Jonathan Stafford Jr. Ajay Allen stretched the lead to 21-6 by halftime with a 3-yard rushing touchdown.
Second Half Highlights and Key Plays
The Bears scored their only touchdown of the second half off a 36-yard pass, narrowing the score to 21-13 in the third quarter. WKU quickly regained momentum, as kicker Karl Campbell made a 34-yard field goal to push the lead to 24-13. Campbell added a 43-yarder early in the fourth, and Allen sealed the game with his second rushing touchdown—a 39-yard run—late in the contest, concluding the scoring at 34-13.
Notable Statistics and Player Performances
The Hilltoppers delivered a balanced offensive effort, recording 464 total yards—233 rushing and 231 passing. This marked WKU’s first victory with more rushing than passing yards since November 2023. Quarterback Brock Glenn finished with 326 total yards (231 passing on 20-of-35 completions and 95 rushing on 15 attempts), accounting for two touchdowns. Glenn’s season totals now include five touchdowns, tied for a team lead, and four touchdown passes.
Running back Ajay Allen led the ground attack with 105 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries, his second 100-yard rushing game of the season. Jonathan Stafford Jr. tallied a team-high six catches for 72 yards and his first collegiate touchdown, moving into fourth on WKU’s freshman receiving list with 36 receptions on the year.
Defensively, safety Jaylen Lewis paced the team with 14 tackles (11 solo) and contributed two tackles for loss. The Hilltoppers’ defense notched seven tackles for loss overall, including two by Lewis. Tony Newsome Jr. made his first interception for WKU in the first quarter, the third of his college career.
Kicker Karl Campbell remained perfect this season, making both field goal attempts and all four extra points. Punter Jackson Smith averaged 49.3 yards on four punts, with three exceeding 50 yards and two downed inside the 20-yard line.
Team Milestones and Coaches' Remarks
The victory marked WKU’s tenth straight win over Missouri State, bringing their series record to 10-2. The Hilltoppers are now 2-0 at home this season and have won 13 of their last 15 games at Houchens-Smith Stadium. Head Coach Tyson Helton improved his record to 59-40 with the program (31-12 at home), achieving the third-most wins in team history.
"Really good team win tonight, it was good to see us put it all together at home," said head coach Tyson Helton. Players credited preparation, belief, and team depth for the strong performance. "We had a great week of prep, so I was extremely confident in what we could come out here and do," quarterback Brock Glenn added.
Looking Ahead: Next Opponent
The Hilltoppers will travel to face Sam Houston on Wednesday, October 14, at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT, with national coverage on ESPN2.
Source: wnky.com.
