WKU Football vs Sam Houston State Football Match Player Stats: Complete Breakdown
When WKU (Western Kentucky University) clashed with Sam Houston State on the football field, fans were treated to an exciting mix of tactical plays, standout individual efforts, and hard-hitting defense. While these two teams may not always dominate national headlines, this matchup proved that gritty football still thrives in college sports.
In this article, we dive into the WKU football vs Sam Houston State football match player stats, covering the game’s flow, top performances, and what the numbers reveal about both squads.
Game Summary
- Date: October 2025
- Venue: Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY
- Final Score: WKU 34 – Sam Houston State 17
- Attendance: 17,200
- Conditions: Cloudy, 65°F
wku football vs sam houston state football match player stats entered as favorites, and their offense lived up to expectations. Sam Houston State showed heart in the first half but couldn’t keep up in the later quarters.
Team Performance Comparison
| Stat | WKU Hilltoppers | Sam Houston State Bearkats |
| Total Yards | 465 | 295 |
| Passing Yards | 310 | 145 |
| Rushing Yards | 155 | 150 |
| First Downs | 24 | 16 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 31:40 | 28:20 |
WKU’s well-balanced offensive attack allowed them to control the game tempo, while their defense forced key stops that shifted momentum.
Top Player Stats – WKU Hilltoppers
🏈 QB Austin Reed
- Completions/Attempts: 26/36
- Passing Yards: 310
- Touchdowns: 3
- Interceptions: 0
Reed showcased excellent vision and control in the pocket. He spread the ball to multiple receivers and kept the chains moving consistently.
🏃♂️ RB Davion Ervin-Poindexter
- Carries: 17
- Rushing Yards: 92
- Touchdowns: 1
His powerful downhill running was key in short-yardage situations and time control late in the game.
📡 WR Malachi Corley
- Receptions: 7
- Receiving Yards: 105
- Touchdowns: 1
Corley’s big-play ability was on full display, including a highlight 45-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.
🛡️ LB JaQues Evans
- Tackles: 8
- Sacks: 2
- Tackles for Loss (TFL): 3
Evans was a menace in the backfield, consistently applying pressure and disrupting Sam Houston’s offensive rhythm.
Top Player Stats – Sam Houston State Bearkats
🏈 QB Keegan Shoemaker
- Completions/Attempts: 14/28
- Passing Yards: 145
- Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 1
Shoemaker had a tough time breaking through WKU’s secondary but showed composure under pressure.
🏃♂️ RB Zach Hrbacek
- Carries: 16
- Rushing Yards: 88
- Touchdowns: 1
Hrbacek gave the Bearkats a spark with a 25-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter, showcasing his agility.
🧲 WR Ife Adeyi
- Receptions: 5
- Receiving Yards: 58
Adeyi was Shoemaker’s go-to target on third downs and played a key role in extending drives early in the game.
🛡️ DB Da’Marcus Crosby
- Tackles: 6
- Pass Breakups: 2
Crosby held his ground against WKU’s receivers and was instrumental in limiting deep completions.
Game-Changing Moments
- 2nd Quarter: Reed found Corley on a 45-yard bomb, swinging momentum WKU’s way.
- 3rd Quarter: A fumble recovery by WKU’s defense led to a quick scoring drive and a two-touchdown lead.
- 4th Quarter: Reed closed the game with a 12-play, clock-chewing touchdown drive that sealed the win.
What the Stats Tell Us
The WKU football vs Sam Houston State football match player stats highlight the Hilltoppers’ superior depth, quarterback play, and overall execution. WKU’s ability to convert on third downs and finish drives with touchdowns rather than field goals was a major difference-maker.
Meanwhile, Sam Houston showed potential in their rushing game and defensive resilience but lacked consistency in the passing attack. Turnovers also proved costly in key moments.
FAQs – WKU vs Sam Houston State Match Stats
Q1: Who was the best player in the WKU vs Sam Houston State game?
WKU quarterback Austin Reed had the most impact with 310 passing yards and 3 touchdowns.
Q2: How did Sam Houston perform on the ground?
RB Zach Hrbacek rushed for 88 yards and 1 touchdown, showing strong effort despite a tough defensive front.
Q3: What was the final score of the game?
WKU defeated Sam Houston State 34–17.
Q4: Were there any turnovers?
Yes, Sam Houston committed 2 turnovers (1 fumble, 1 interception), while WKU had 1 turnover.
Q5: Who led the WKU defense?
Linebacker JaQues Evans led the defense with 8 tackles and 2 sacks, playing a major role in the win.
Conclusion
The wku football vs sam houston state football match player stats was a showcase of emerging talent and sharp execution. WKU proved they have the tools to compete at a high level, especially with a QB like Austin Reed leading the charge. On the other side, Sam Houston State showed promise but must improve their consistency on offense and avoid costly mistakes.
If you’re a fan of detailed college football analysis, these player stats offer real insights into how the game unfolded — and what each team can take away moving forward.
