Reed throws four TD passes, Western Kentucky rolls in opener

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Austin Reed threw 4 landing passes in his Western Kentucky debut and the Hilltoppers defeated Austin Peay 38-27 in a season-opener on Saturday. 

Reed’s first three TD throws went to Malachi Corley, a sophomore who caught 73 passes final season. Western Kentucky recovered a fumble close to midfield after Corley’s third landing catch and Reed shortly discovered All-American candidate Daewood Davis deep over the center for a 48-yard rating and a 35-20 lead early within the fourth quarter.

After forcing a punt on the Governors’ subsequent possession, Western Kentucky was driving once more earlier than Reed threw his solely interception of the sport, a pickoff by Shamari Simmons. Austin Peay then closed the hole to 35-27 when Mike Diliello hit Drae McCray for twenty-four yards and a landing.

The Hilltoppers regained a two-score benefit, driving 70 yards in 11 performs for a 23-yard subject objective by Brayden Narveson. Austin Peay fumbled on the following kickoff, the Hilltoppers recovered and ran the ultimate three minutes off the clock.

Upton Stout’s 34-yard pick-6 within the second quarter put Western Kentucky forward 21-10 and the Hilltoppers went on to steer 21-17 at halftime.

Reed, who transferred from West Florida, the crew he led to the 2019 Division II nationwide championship, accomplished 19 of 33 passes for 276 yards. Davis caught six passes for 124 yards and Corley had 5 receptions for 61 yards.

Diliello completed 15 of 21 for 156 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Each touchdowns went to McCray, who had six catches for 90 yards.