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For the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, their third win of the season came down to limiting mistakes and controlling possession. On their way to a 10-7 victory over the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, the Tops picked up 304 total yards compared to their opponents’ 221. WKU also won the time-of-possession battle 34:42 to 25:18.
Tyrell Pigrome achieved his second highest total of passing yards this season with 183. Pigrome also ran the ball for 32 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Brayden Narveson added a 24-yard field goal in the second quarter.
The Golden Eagles were down their regular starting quarterback Jack Abraham in the loss after Abraham opted out of the rest of the season. Southern Miss running back Kevin Perkins accounted for his team’s only score with a rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Running back Frank Gore Jr. also accounted for 66 rushing yards on 14 carries.
WKU’s defense provided two key stops to close out the fourth quarter. Head coach Tyson Helton presented the game ball to his defense for their efforts in the win.
Game Ball to the ! #TopsOnTop pic.twitter.com/GcaGVrAyi1
— WKU Football (@WKUFootball) November 15, 2020
The Hilltoppers’ defense also had two individual players set FBS era records for the program. Safety Devon Key set the record for career tackles by picking up his 327th and defensive end DeAngelo Malone also earned his 25th career sack.
3️⃣2️⃣7️⃣
— WKU Football (@WKUFootball) November 14, 2020
DEVON KEY has set the Hilltoppers’ FBS Era record!@Dev2Key | #TopsOnTop pic.twitter.com/dLB1ZGnaoA
2️⃣5️⃣.0️⃣
— WKU Football (@WKUFootball) November 14, 2020
DeANGELO MALONE has set the Hilltoppers’ FBS Era career record!@debomalone18 | #TopsOnTop pic.twitter.com/jQDBAD6j7Z
The Tops have two games left on the schedule with FIU set for November 21 and Charlotte on November 28. Southern Miss has four games left with UTSA set to visit on November 21.