Sam Houston State Football vs. WKU Football Match Player Stats: A Comprehensive Breakdown
The clash between Sam Houston State Bearkats and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (WKU) in college football is a matchup that consistently delivers excitement, intensity, and standout performances. Fans searching for “Sam Houston State football vs. WKU football match player stats” are eager to dive into the numbers behind these thrilling encounters. This article provides an in-depth analysis of their most notable meeting the October 16, 2024, game along with historical context, key player performances, and statistical insights. By the end, you’ll have a complete picture of this rivalry and why it’s a must-watch in Conference USA football.
Table of Contents
The Rivalry: Sam Houston State vs. WKU Football
Sam Houston State and WKU have faced off multiple times since their first recorded meeting on November 27, 2004. As of April 10, 2025, their head-to-head record stands at 2-1 in favor of WKU, with the Hilltoppers securing victories in the most recent encounters. The October 16, 2024, game, played at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, Texas, is the focal point of this article due to its detailed statistical availability and significance in the 2024 season. This Conference USA showdown ended with WKU defeating Sam Houston 31-14, showcasing a blend of offensive firepower and defensive resilience.
Game Overview
The October 16, 2024, matchup was a midweek Conference USA battle televised on ESPN2. Sam Houston entered the game with a 5-1 record, riding a four-game winning streak, while WKU came in at 4-2, looking to solidify their standing in the conference. The game was a tale of two halves: Sam Houston held their own early, but WKU dominated the second half with a 21-0 run to secure the victory.
- Final Score: WKU 31, Sam Houston 14
- Venue: Elliott T. Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX
- Attendance: Not officially reported, but Bowers Stadium has a capacity of 14,000
- Key Moment: WKU’s defense shut out Sam Houston in the second half, highlighted by a fumble recovery and an interception.
Player Stats Breakdown: Sam Houston State Bearkats
Let’s dive into the individual performances that shaped Sam Houston’s effort in this game.
Offense
- Quarterbacks:
- Hunter Watson: Started the game and played the first half, completing 6 of 9 passes for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns. Watson’s efficiency was notable, with a 66.7% completion rate and an average of 14.2 yards per attempt. His touchdowns came on a 37-yard pass to Simeon Evans and a 50-yard strike to Qua’Vez Humphreys. However, an undisclosed injury sidelined him for the second half.
- Jase Bauer: Took over in the third quarter, completing 12 of 22 passes for 106 yards with no touchdowns and 1 interception. Bauer struggled under pressure, averaging just 4.8 yards per attempt, and his interception to Upton Stout with 2:18 remaining sealed Sam Houston’s fate.
- Running Backs:
- DJ McKinney: Led the Bearkats’ rushing attack with 45 yards on 12 carries, averaging 3.8 yards per attempt. While not explosive, McKinney provided consistency on the ground.
- Jay Ducker: Added 33 yards on 10 carries, averaging 3.3 yards per rush. The duo combined for 78 of Sam Houston’s 93 total rushing yards.
- Receivers:
- Simeon Evans: The standout receiver with 5 receptions for 59 yards and 1 touchdown. His 37-yard score in the second quarter tied the game at 7-7.
- Qua’Vez Humphreys: Caught 2 passes for 55 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown that gave Sam Houston a brief 14-10 lead.
- Noah Smith: Contributed 3 receptions for 23 yards, providing a reliable short-yardage option.
Defense
- Sam Houston’s defense struggled to contain WKU’s passing game, allowing 281 passing yards. They recorded no sacks and forced just one turnover—a fumble recovered late in the game when the outcome was already decided.
- Standout Defender: Specific tackle leaders weren’t highlighted in available data, but the Bearkats’ defense ranked 59th nationally in yards per play allowed entering the game, suggesting a typically stout unit that faltered against WKU’s balanced attack.
Player Stats Breakdown: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
WKU’s performance was a masterclass in second-half adjustments, with key players stepping up across the board.
Offense
Quarterback:
- Caden Veltkamp: The game’s MVP, completing 20 of 29 passes for 281 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 rushing touchdown. Veltkamp’s 69% completion rate and 9.7 yards per attempt showcased his command of the offense. His touchdowns included a 17-yard pass to River Helms, a 74-yard bomb to K.D. Hutchinson, and a 17-yard strike to Elijah Young.
- Running Backs:
- Elijah Young: A dual-threat star, rushing for 97 yards on 23 carries (4.2 yards per attempt) and adding 3 receptions for 61 yards and 1 touchdown. His 158 total yards were pivotal in wearing down Sam Houston’s defense.
- Team Rushing: WKU totaled 130 rushing yards, with Young accounting for the bulk of the production.
- Receivers:
- K.D. Hutchinson: Led the receiving corps with 3 catches for 88 yards and 1 touchdown. His 74-yard score in the fourth quarter was the longest play of the game and a dagger to Sam Houston’s hopes.
- River Helms: Caught 3 passes for 36 yards, including the opening 17-yard touchdown.
- Dalvin Smith: Added 3 receptions for 30 yards, one of six Hilltoppers with multiple catches.
Defense.
WKU’s defense was the difference-maker, shutting out Sam Houston in the second half. They recorded 3 sacks and 2 turnovers:
- Kylan Guidry: Led with 7 tackles, including 1 sack, anchoring a defense that limited Sam Houston to 93 rushing yards.
- Upton Stout: Sealed the game with a 24-yard interception return off a tipped pass.
- Zach Edwards: Recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter and added a sack.
Statistical Comparison
| Category | Sam Houston | WKU |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 327 | 411 |
| Passing Yards | 234 | 281 |
| Rushing Yards | 93 | 130 |
| First Downs | 18 | 23 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 30:15 | 29:45 |
| Third-Down Conversions | 5/14 (36%) | 6/13 (46%) |
WKU’s edge in total offense (411 vs. 327 yards) and efficiency on third downs proved decisive. Sam Houston’s quarterback switch disrupted their rhythm, while WKU’s balanced attack—281 passing and 130 rushing—kept the Bearkats’ defense guessing.
Historical Context and Trends
- All-Time Series: WKU leads 2-1. Their first meeting in 2004 saw Sam Houston dominate 54-24, but WKU has won the last two, including a 28-23 victory on November 18, 2023.
- Trends: WKU has a 1-0 record at home and 1-1 on the road against Sam Houston. The Hilltoppers’ largest margin of victory came in 2024 (17 points), while Sam Houston’s was in 2004 (30 points).
- Conference USA Impact: The 2024 win improved WKU to 3-0 in conference play, while Sam Houston dropped to 2-1, highlighting the stakes in this budding rivalry.
Why This Game Matters
The “Sam Houston State football vs. WKU football match player stats” keyword resonates with fans because it captures a clash of styles: Sam Houston’s run-heavy approach (286 rushes vs. 150 passes entering the game) against WKU’s balanced offense (212 passes vs. 198 rushes). The 2024 game showcased how individual brilliance—Veltkamp’s four total touchdowns, Young’s versatility—can swing a game, while also exposing Sam Houston’s vulnerability when their starting quarterback was sidelined.
How to Watch and Relive the Game
- Replay Availability: Highlights are available on ESPN.com, YouTube (via official NJPW channels), and the Conference USA website.
- Box Score: Detailed stats can be found on wkusports.com, gobearkats.com, and FOX Sports.
- Live Updates: For future games, follow Sofascore or ESPN for real-time stats.
Conclusion
The October 16, 2024, Sam Houston State vs. WKU football game was a showcase of talent, strategy, and resilience. Caden Veltkamp’s 281 passing yards and four total touchdowns earned him the spotlight, while Elijah Young’s 158 all-purpose yards underscored WKU’s depth. For Sam Houston, Hunter Watson’s first-half heroics (128 yards, 2 TDs) were overshadowed by an injury and a second-half collapse. The Bearkats’ 327 total yards couldn’t match WKU’s 411, and defensive lapses allowed the Hilltoppers to pull away.
This matchup’s stats tell a story of momentum shifts and standout performances, making it a goldmine for fans searching “Sam Houston State football vs. WKU football match player stats.” WKU’s victory solidified their Conference USA standing, while Sam Houston learned valuable lessons about depth and adaptability. As this rivalry grows, expect more thrilling chapters—and more reasons to keep these stats on your radar.
FAQS
1. Who threw the most passing yards in the Sam Houston vs. WKU game?
Answer: WKU’s Caden Veltkamp led with 281 passing yards, completing 20 of 29 attempts and throwing 3 touchdowns.
2. Which player had the highest rushing total in the matchup?
Answer: WKU’s Elijah Young topped the rushing stats with 97 yards on 23 carries, averaging 4.2 yards per rush.
3. Who was the leading receiver in the October 16, 2024, game?
Answer: WKU’s K.D. Hutchinson led with 88 yards on 3 catches, including a 74-yard touchdown.
4. How did Sam Houston’s quarterbacks perform against WKU?
Answer: Hunter Watson threw for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns before exiting, while Jase Bauer added 106 yards but threw 1 interception.
5. Which defense made the biggest impact in the game?
Answer: WKU’s defense stood out, recording 3 sacks, 2 turnovers (including an interception by Upton Stout), and a shutout in the second half.
