Eastern Kentucky at Western Carolina

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Western Carolina beat Eastern Kentucky 45–⁠21. It was their seventh meeting; Western Carolina leads the series 4–⁠3.

AwayEastern Kentucky2–⁠5 in 2026
21
HomeWestern Carolina3–⁠4 in 2026
45

Final at E. J. Whitmire Stadium, CullowheeTV: ESPN+Attendance 13,482

At kickoff
76°F, calmWeather: NOAA NCEI Global Historical Climatology Network hourly; Jackson County, 3 km from the stadium
Official
Jake GrombachGame officials: stats.ncaa.org box scores, via SportsDataverse

Scoring by quarter

TeamQ1Q2Q3Q4Final
Eastern Kentucky777021
Western Carolina73211445

Standouts

  • PassingLex Thomas27 of 35, 320 yards, 3 TDWestern Carolina
  • ReceivingElijah Caldwell6 catches, 102 yards, 1 TDEastern Kentucky
  • DefenseJeffrey Kinley12 tacklesEastern Kentucky

Player stats

Eastern Kentucky

PassingC/AttYdsTDInt
Tyler Travers22/3430531
RushingCarYdsTDLong
Brayden Latham164109
Cortez Stone219015
Brady Hensley61504
ReceivingRecYdsTDLong
Elijah Caldwell6102129
Jarvis Hayes547119
Caeleb Schlachter237021
Jackson House237022
DefenseTklTFLSacksInt
Jeffrey Kinley12000
Derek Taylor10000
Aden Tagaloa-Nelson7000
Cam Jessee7000
Caleb Redd41.510
Nasir Spruill41.50.50
Payne Miller20.50.50

Western Carolina

PassingC/AttYdsTDInt
Lex Thomas27/3532030
RushingCarYdsTDLong
Lex Thomas1469117
Marlin Cochran560134
Josh Perry1631011
Anthony Benjamin326114
ReceivingRecYdsTDLong
Michael Rossin694042
A.J. Colombo690025
Bode Burns451118
Santana Carlos136036
DefenseTklTFLSacksInt
Joshua Collins71.510
Ken Moore Jr.50.500
Alant’e Reese5000
Trystan Anderson4110
Caleb Turner-Allen2110
Marseille Taylor1001

From CollegeFootballData’s box score. Names lead to each player’s page. ★ a career high on file.

Team stats

Eastern KentuckyWestern Carolina
370Total yards508
305Passing yards320
65Rushing yards188
9.0Yards per pass9.1
2.2Yards per rush4.7
20First downs28
5–⁠13Third downs8–⁠14
2–⁠3Fourth downs0–⁠2
2Turnovers0
9–⁠74Penalties8–⁠80
27:45Possession32:15
2Sacks (by defense)3

Efficiency

Eastern KentuckyWestern Carolina
38%Success rate39%
0.06EPA per play0.22
1.38Explosiveness1.69
−0.40Rushing EPA0.08
0.35Passing EPA0.56
30%Passing-down success48%
10%Havoc by its defense17%

From CollegeFootballData.com: each offense’s efficiency, and the havoc each defense caused. The better side of each line is bold.

Before kickoff

Our ratings and the line, going in

Our ratings (scores only)

Western Carolina 63% to win. Elo’s favorite won.

The line

Western Carolina −3, over/under 54.5.

The last line on file before kickoff: the consensus line when the books publish one, otherwise a single major sportsbook’s.

Before kickoff, the win chances were Western Carolina 58%, Eastern Kentucky 42%. CollegeFootballData.com’s estimate from the point spread.

Every drive

Western Carolina end zoneEastern Kentucky end zoneQ1 Eastern KentuckyTouchdown, 10 playsQ1 Western CarolinaTurnover on downs, 10 playsQ1 Eastern KentuckyPunt, 4 playsQ1 Western CarolinaTouchdown, 7 playsQ1 Eastern KentuckyPunt, 4 playsQ2 Western CarolinaPunt, 3 playsQ2 Eastern KentuckyPunt, 3 playsQ2 Western CarolinaPunt, 3 playsQ2 Eastern KentuckyTouchdown, 12 playsQ2 Western CarolinaField goal, 8 playsQ3 Western CarolinaTouchdown, 6 playsQ3 Eastern KentuckyPunt, 3 playsQ3 Western CarolinaTouchdown, 6 playsQ3 Western CarolinaTurnover on downs, 5 playsQ3 Eastern KentuckyFumble, 1 playQ3 Western CarolinaTouchdown, 7 playsQ3 Eastern KentuckyTouchdown, 7 playsQ3 Western CarolinaPunt, 9 playsQ4 Eastern KentuckyPunt, 6 playsQ4 Western CarolinaPunt, 4 playsQ4 Eastern KentuckyInterception, 7 playsQ4 Western CarolinaTouchdown, 5 playsQ4 Eastern KentuckyTurnover on downs, 4 playsQ4 Western CarolinaTouchdown, 3 playsQ4 Eastern KentuckyResult not recorded, 2 plays
Solid bars scored; an outline in the other team’s color marks points the defense scored. Western Carolina drives left to right, Eastern Kentucky right to left.
  1. Q1 Eastern KentuckyTouchdown, 10 plays, 75 yards
  2. Q1 Western CarolinaTurnover on downs, 10 plays, 44 yards
  3. Q1 Eastern KentuckyPunt, 4 plays, 58 yards
  4. Q1 Western CarolinaTouchdown, 7 plays, 89 yards
  5. Q1 Eastern KentuckyPunt, 4 plays, 58 yards
  6. Q2 Western CarolinaPunt, 3 plays, 46 yards
  7. Q2 Eastern KentuckyPunt, 3 plays, 44 yards
  8. Q2 Western CarolinaPunt, 3 plays, 61 yards
  9. Q2 Eastern KentuckyTouchdown, 12 plays, 81 yards
  10. Q2 Western CarolinaField goal, 8 plays, −24 yards
  11. Q3 Western CarolinaTouchdown, 6 plays, 75 yards
  12. Q3 Eastern KentuckyPunt, 3 plays, 42 yards
  13. Q3 Western CarolinaTouchdown, 6 plays, 60 yards
  14. Q3 Western CarolinaTurnover on downs, 5 plays, 28 yards
  15. Q3 Eastern KentuckyFumble, 1 play, 13 yards
  16. Q3 Western CarolinaTouchdown, 7 plays, 50 yards
  17. Q3 Eastern KentuckyTouchdown, 7 plays, 75 yards
  18. Q3 Western CarolinaPunt, 9 plays, 74 yards
  19. Q4 Eastern KentuckyPunt, 6 plays, 7 yards
  20. Q4 Western CarolinaPunt, 4 plays, 60 yards
  21. Q4 Eastern KentuckyInterception, 7 plays, 20 yards
  22. Q4 Western CarolinaTouchdown, 5 plays, 53 yards
  23. Q4 Eastern KentuckyTurnover on downs, 4 plays, 1 yard
  24. Q4 Western CarolinaTouchdown, 3 plays, 26 yards
  25. Q4 Eastern KentuckyResult not recorded, 2 plays, 19 yards

Play by play

1st quarter5 drives, then Tied at 7
Eastern Kentucky Touchdown, 10 plays
15:001st & 10 at own 35#95 M.Fitzgerald kickoff 65 yards to the EKU00, Touchback
15:001st & 10 at own 25#14 B.Latham rush middle for 0 yards to the EKU25 (#13 C.Turner-Allen; #5 B.Jones)
15:002nd & 10 at own 25Shotgun #14 B.Latham rush right for 0 yards to the EKU25 (#3 J.Collins)
15:003rd & 10 at own 25Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass incomplete short right to #11 J.Hayes thrown to EKU40, 1ST DOWN, PENALTY WCU Targeting (#5 B.Jones) 15 yards from EKU25 to EKU40, 1ST DOWN. The previous play is under automatic review - “Targeting”. CALL UPHELD
15:001st & 10 at own 40Shotgun #14 B.Latham rush left for 2 yards loss to the EKU38 (#1 K.Moore Jr.; #3 J.Collins)
15:002nd & 12 at own 38Shotgun #14 B.Latham rush left for 4 yards gain to the EKU42 (#8 R.McKinnis)
15:003rd & 8 at own 42Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short middle to #9 E.Caldwell caught at WCU46, for 29 yards to the WCU29 (#4 A.Jackson, Jr), 1ST DOWN
15:001st & 10 at opp 29Shotgun #14 B.Latham rush middle for 1 yard gain to the WCU28 (#34 J.Martin-Durham; #33 G.Rowell)
15:002nd & 9 at opp 28Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short right to #14 B.Latham caught at WCU31, for 8 yards to the WCU20 (#2 N.Simpson-Nealy)
15:003rd & 1 at opp 20#14 B.Latham rush middle for 2 yards gain to the WCU18 (#18 T.Anderson), 1ST DOWN
9:381st & 10 at opp 18Elijah Caldwell 18 Yd pass from Tyler Travers (Buzz Flabiano Kick)Eastern Kentucky 7, Western Carolina 0
Western Carolina Turnover on downs, 10 plays
9:381st & 10 at own 35#44 D.Orr kickoff 65 yards to the WCU00, Touchback
9:381st & 10 at own 25No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #0 A.Colombo caught at WCU30, for 15 yards to the WCU40 (#10 D.Taylor; #30 J.Kinley), 1ST DOWN
9:381st & 10 at own 40No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush left for 4 yards gain to the WCU44 (#0 J.Marable)
9:382nd & 6 at own 44No Huddle-Shotgun #5 M.Rossin rush middle for 2 yards gain to the WCU46 (#91 D.Hawkins-Ingram; #13 A.Tagaloa-Nelson)
9:383rd & 4 at own 46No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short middle to #2 L.Thomas caught at WCU46, for 4 yards to the WCU50 (#39 C.Jessee), 1ST DOWN
9:381st & 10 at the 50No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush right for 5 yards gain to the EKU45 (#1 K.Smith; #0 J.Marable)
9:382nd & 5 at opp 45No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete deep left to #0 A.Colombo caught at EKU25, for 22 yards to the EKU23 (#10 D.Taylor) PENALTY WCU Holding (#55 S.Algie) 10 yards from EKU45 to WCU45. NO PLAY
9:382nd & 15 at own 45No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush left for 4 yards gain to the WCU49 (#25 J.McGrath)
9:383rd & 11 at own 49No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete short left to #10 S.Carlos thrown to EKU40, 1ST DOWN, PENALTY EKU Pass Interference (#6 D.Galva) 13 yards from WCU49 to EKU38, 1ST DOWN. NO PLAY
9:381st & 10 at opp 38No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete deep right to #18 M.Keener thrown to EKU00
9:382nd & 10 at opp 38No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas rush middle for 9 yards gain to the EKU29 (#1 K.Smith)
9:383rd & 1 at opp 29No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush middle for 0 yards to the EKU29 (#39 C.Jessee)
5:094th & 1 at opp 29No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas rush middle for 2 yards loss to the EKU31 (#34 C.Redd; #0 J.Marable), TURNOVER ON DOWNS
Eastern Kentucky Punt, 4 plays
5:091st & 10 at own 31No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short right to #11 J.Hayes caught at EKU49, for 19 yards to the EKU50, out of bounds at EKU50, 1ST DOWN
5:091st & 10 at the 50No Huddle-Shotgun #42 B.Hensley rush middle for 3 yards gain to the WCU47 (#91 J.Diamond; #16 C.Kerns)
5:092nd & 7 at opp 47#42 B.Hensley rush middle for 1 yard gain to the WCU46 (#21 N.Ashenafi)
5:093rd & 6 at opp 46Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass incomplete short right to #9 E.Caldwell thrown to WCU37 broken up by #21 N.Ashenafi
3:234th & 6 at opp 46#27 J.Brown punt 35 yards to the WCU11 fair catch by #0 A.Colombo at WCU11
Western Carolina Touchdown, 7 plays
3:231st & 10 at own 11No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short middle to #5 M.Rossin caught at WCU14, for 11 yards to the WCU22 (#10 D.Taylor), 1ST DOWN
3:231st & 10 at own 22No Huddle-Shotgun #8 M.Cochran rush middle for 5 yards gain to the WCU27 (#13 A.Tagaloa-Nelson)
3:232nd & 5 at own 27No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short left to #9 B.Burns caught at WCU31, for 11 yards to the WCU38 (#10 D.Taylor; #37 J.Marshall), 1ST DOWN
3:231st & 10 at own 38No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short middle to #9 B.Burns caught at WCU45, for 16 yards to the EKU46 (#10 D.Taylor), 1ST DOWN
3:231st & 10 at opp 46No Huddle-Shotgun #8 M.Cochran rush left for 12 yards gain to the EKU34 (#30 J.Kinley; #10 D.Taylor), 1ST DOWN
3:231st & 10 at opp 34No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #5 M.Rossin caught at EKU39, for 0 yards to the EKU34 (#13 A.Tagaloa-Nelson; #25 J.McGrath), out of bounds
0:152nd & 10 at opp 34No Huddle-Shotgun #8 M.Cochran rush left for 34 yards gain to the EKU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 00:15, 1ST DOWN #60 B.McCollum kick attempt good (H: #63 T.Guerrero, LS: #57 K.Powell)Tied at 7
Eastern Kentucky Punt, 4 plays
0:101st & 10 at own 35#95 M.Fitzgerald kickoff 63 yards to the EKU02 #22 C.Stone return 22 yards to the EKU24 (#12 J.Quintero)
0:101st & 10 at own 24No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short middle to #2 C.Hergott caught at EKU30, for 14 yards to the EKU38 (#6 J.Cornelius), 1ST DOWN
Q2 15:001st & 10 at own 38#14 B.Latham rush left for 1 yard gain to the EKU39 (#1 K.Moore Jr.)
Q2 15:002nd & 9 at own 39Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass incomplete short right to #9 E.Caldwell thrown to EKU49
Q2 15:003rd & 9 at own 39Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short middle to #11 J.Hayes caught at EKU40, for 6 yards to the EKU45 (#4 A.Jackson, Jr)
Q2 13:364th & 3 at own 45#27 J.Brown punt 37 yards to the WCU18 fair catch by #0 A.Colombo at WCU18
2nd quarter5 drives, then Eastern Kentucky 14, Western Carolina 10
Western Carolina Punt, 3 plays
13:361st & 10 at own 18No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #3 J.Perry caught at WCU16, for 3 yards to the WCU21 (#32 J.Chappell)
13:362nd & 7 at own 21No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas rush right for 2 yards gain to the WCU23 (#30 J.Kinley), out of bounds
13:363rd & 5 at own 23No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short left to #87 J.Young caught at WCU26, for 3 yards to the WCU26, End Of Play
11:424th & 2 at own 26#95 M.Fitzgerald punt 38 yards to the EKU36, out of bounds at EKU36
Eastern Kentucky Punt, 3 plays
11:421st & 10 at own 36Shotgun #42 B.Hensley rush middle for 3 yards gain to the EKU39 (#32 A.Mintze)
11:422nd & 7 at own 39#42 B.Hensley rush middle for 4 yards gain to the EKU43 (#31 A.Reese)
11:423rd & 3 at own 43PENALTY EKU False Start (#9 E.Caldwell) 5 yards from EKU43 to EKU38. NO PLAY
11:423rd & 8 at own 38Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass incomplete deep right to #9 E.Caldwell thrown to WCU40 QB hurried by #34 J.Martin-Durham
9:474th & 8 at own 38#27 J.Brown punt 45 yards to the WCU17 #0 A.Colombo return 3 yards to the WCU20 (#16 J.House)
Western Carolina Punt, 3 plays
9:471st & 10 at own 20No Huddle-Shotgun #8 M.Cochran rush middle for 3 yards gain to the WCU23 (#25 J.McGrath)
9:472nd & 7 at own 23No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short left to #0 A.Colombo caught at WCU26, for 3 yards to the WCU26 (#30 J.Kinley)
9:473rd & 4 at own 26No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas rush middle for 3 yards gain to the WCU29 (#34 C.Redd)
8:254th & 1 at own 29#95 M.Fitzgerald punt 52 yards to the EKU19 fair catch by #22 C.Stone at EKU19
8:323rd & 4 at opp 26Timeout Eastern Kentucky, clock 08:32
Eastern Kentucky Touchdown, 12 plays
8:321st & 10 at own 19Shotgun #14 B.Latham rush right for 0 yards (0) to the EKU19 (#21 N.Ashenafi) PENALTY EKU Holding (#64 S.Eskridge) 9 yards from EKU19 to EKU10
8:321st & 19 at own 10Shotgun #14 B.Latham rush middle for 2 yards gain to the EKU12 (#18 T.Anderson)
8:322nd & 17 at own 12Shotgun #14 B.Latham rush middle for 9 yards gain to the EKU21 (#21 N.Ashenafi; #1 K.Moore Jr.)
8:323rd & 8 at own 21Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short middle to #9 E.Caldwell caught at EKU38, for 18 yards to the EKU39, End Of Play, 1ST DOWN
8:321st & 10 at own 39No Huddle-Shotgun #14 B.Latham rush middle for 2 yards gain to the EKU41 (#99 A.Stone; #97 F.Jeanty)
8:322nd & 8 at own 41No Huddle-Shotgun #14 B.Latham rush middle for 4 yards gain to the EKU45 (#21 N.Ashenafi) PENALTY WCU Offside (#16 C.Kerns) 5 yards from EKU41 to EKU46. NO PLAY
8:322nd & 3 at own 46No Huddle-Shotgun #14 B.Latham rush left for 6 yards gain to the WCU48 (#3 J.Collins; #11 M.Patierno), 1ST DOWN
8:321st & 10 at opp 48#17 T.Travers pass incomplete short left to #84 A.Johnson thrown to WCU38 broken up by #4 A.Jackson, Jr
8:322nd & 10 at opp 48#14 B.Latham rush middle for 2 yards gain to the WCU46 (#11 M.Patierno)
8:323rd & 8 at opp 46Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short middle to #2 C.Hergott caught at WCU39, for 7 yards to the WCU39, End Of Play
8:324th & 1 at opp 39#17 T.Travers pass complete short left to #89 C.Schlachter caught at WCU25, for 21 yards to the WCU18 (#6 J.Cornelius), 1ST DOWN
2:341st & 10 at opp 18No Huddle-Shotgun #14 B.Latham rush middle for 9 yards gain to the WCU09 (#12 J.Quintero)
2:344th & 1 at own 39Timeout Western Carolina, clock 02:34
1:572nd & 1 at opp 9No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short left to #14 B.Latham caught at WCU00, for 9 yards to the WCU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 01:57, 1ST DOWN #36 B.Flabiano kick attempt good (H: #2 C.Hergott, LS: #99 L.Turk)Eastern Kentucky 14, Western Carolina 7
2:001st & 10 at opp 18Timeout Eastern Kentucky, clock 02:00
Western Carolina Field goal, 8 plays
1:491st & 10 at own 35#44 D.Orr kickoff 65 yards to the WCU00 #13 R.Hollis return 59 yards to the EKU41 (#20 K.Neal)
1:491st & 10 at opp 41No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short left to #0 A.Colombo caught at EKU46, for 1 yard to the EKU40 (#39 C.Jessee; #91 D.Hawkins-Ingram) PENALTY WCU Face Mask 15 yards from EKU41 to WCU44. NO PLAY
1:491st & 25 at own 44No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush middle for 5 yards gain to the WCU49 (#39 C.Jessee; #91 D.Hawkins-Ingram)
1:492nd & 20 at own 49No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas rush right for 5 yards gain to the EKU46, out of bounds at EKU46
1:493rd & 15 at opp 46No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas rush middle for 15 yards gain to the EKU31, End Of Play, 1ST DOWN. #51 C.Exume injured on the play
1:491st & 10 at opp 31No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete short left to #1 J.Boyd thrown to EKU12
1:492nd & 10 at opp 31No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete short right to #9 B.Burns thrown to EKU17
1:493rd & 10 at opp 31No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas rush middle for 17 yards gain to the EKU14 (#30 J.Kinley), 1ST DOWN
0:263rd & 10 at opp 31Timeout Western Carolina, clock 00:26
0:261st & 10 at opp 14No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #3 J.Perry caught at EKU15, for 1 yard to the EKU13 (#30 J.Kinley)
0:262nd & 9 at opp 13No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete short right to #5 M.Rossin thrown to EKU00 broken up by #6 D.Galva PENALTY EKU Pass Interference (#6 D.Galva) 11 yard from EKU13 to EKU02, 1ST DOWN. NO PLAY
0:001st & goal at opp 2Bryan McCollum 20 Yd Field GoalEastern Kentucky 14, Western Carolina 10
3rd quarter8 drives, then Western Carolina 31, Eastern Kentucky 21
Western Carolina Touchdown, 6 plays
15:001st & 10 at own 35#44 D.Orr kickoff 65 yards to the WCU00, Touchback
15:001st & 10 at own 25No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #0 A.Colombo caught at WCU39, for 25 yards to the WCU50 (#6 D.Galva; #10 D.Taylor), 1ST DOWN
15:001st & 10 at the 50No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #1 J.Boyd caught at EKU45, for 8 yards to the EKU42 (#39 C.Jessee; #25 J.McGrath)
15:002nd & 2 at opp 42No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete short middle to #9 B.Burns thrown to EKU37
15:003rd & 2 at opp 42No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short left to #5 M.Rossin caught at EKU31, for 23 yards to the EKU19 QB hurried by #91 D.Hawkins-Ingram (#13 A.Tagaloa-Nelson), 1ST DOWN
15:001st & 10 at opp 19No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush middle for 1 yard gain to the EKU18 (#39 C.Jessee)
12:472nd & 9 at opp 18No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short left to #9 B.Burns caught at EKU12, for 18 yards to the EKU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 12:47, 1ST DOWN #60 B.McCollum kick attempt good (H: #63 T.Guerrero, LS: #57 K.Powell)Western Carolina 17, Eastern Kentucky 14
Eastern Kentucky Punt, 3 plays
12:411st & 10 at own 35#95 M.Fitzgerald kickoff 64 yards to the EKU01 #22 C.Stone return 17 yards to the EKU18 (#31 A.Reese)
12:411st & 10 at own 18Shotgun #17 T.Travers rush middle for 3 yards gain to the EKU21 (#3 J.Collins)
12:412nd & 7 at own 21No Huddle-Shotgun #14 B.Latham rush middle for 2 yards gain to the EKU23 (#97 F.Jeanty)
12:413rd & 5 at own 23No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass incomplete short middle to #89 C.Schlachter thrown to EKU30
11:214th & 5 at own 23#27 J.Brown punt 37 yards to the WCU40, out of bounds at WCU40
Western Carolina Touchdown, 6 plays
11:211st & 10 at own 40No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete deep left to #8 M.Cochran caught at EKU26, for 0 yards to the WCU40 PENALTY WCU False Start 5 yards from WCU40 to WCU35. NO PLAY
11:211st & 15 at own 35No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete short right thrown to WCU45
11:212nd & 15 at own 35No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short middle to #10 S.Carlos caught at WCU48, for 36 yards to the EKU29 (#30 J.Kinley), 1ST DOWN
11:211st & 10 at opp 29No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas rush middle for 2 yards gain to the EKU27 (#13 A.Tagaloa-Nelson)
11:211st & 10 at opp 11No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush left for 1 yard loss to the EKU12 (#5 N.Spruill)
8:312nd & goal at opp 12Josh Perry 12 Yd pass from Lex Thomas (Bryan McCollum Kick)Western Carolina 24, Eastern Kentucky 14
8:301st & 10 at own 35#95 M.Fitzgerald onside kickoff 14 yards to the WCU49
Western Carolina Touchdown, 6 plays
11:212nd & 8 at opp 27No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas rush right for 5 yards gain to the EKU22, End Of Play PENALTY EKU Personal Foul (#37 J.Marshall) 11 yard from EKU22 to EKU11, 1ST DOWN
Western Carolina Turnover on downs, 5 plays
11:211st & 10 at own 49No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush middle for 11 yards gain to the EKU40 (#30 J.Kinley), 1ST DOWN
11:211st & 10 at opp 40No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas sacked for loss of 10 yards to the EKU50 (#5 N.Spruill, #97 P.Miller)
11:212nd & 20 at the 50No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #9 B.Burns caught at EKU45, for 6 yards to the EKU44 (#13 A.Tagaloa-Nelson; #30 J.Kinley)
11:213rd & 14 at opp 44No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #5 M.Rossin caught at EKU45, for 7 yards to the EKU37 (#5 N.Spruill)
6:224th & 7 at opp 37No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete deep right to #5 M.Rossin thrown to EKU15, TURNOVER ON DOWNS
6:221st & 10 at own 37No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short middle to #9 E.Caldwell caught at WCU50, for 13 yards to the EKU50 fumbled by #9 E.Caldwell at WCU50 forced by #17 J.Mack recovered by WCU #21 N.Ashenafi at WCU50, End Of Play. The previous play is under automatic review - “”. CALL UPHELD
Western Carolina Touchdown, 7 plays
6:221st & 10 at the 50No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush middle for 2 yards gain to the EKU48 (#4 K.Hayden)
6:222nd & 8 at opp 48No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short left to #0 A.Colombo caught at EKU30, for 18 yards to the EKU30 (#25 J.McGrath), 1ST DOWN
6:221st & 10 at opp 30No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush middle for 3 yards gain to the EKU27 (#97 P.Miller; #10 D.Taylor)
6:222nd & 7 at opp 27No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete short middle to #10 S.Carlos thrown to EKU15 broken up by #6 D.Galva
6:223rd & 7 at opp 27No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short middle to #0 A.Colombo caught at EKU20, for 21 yards to the EKU06 QB hurried by #1 K.Smith (#10 D.Taylor; #30 J.Kinley), 1ST DOWN
6:221st & goal at opp 6No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush middle for 0 yards to the EKU06 (#91 D.Hawkins-Ingram)
3:382nd & goal at opp 6Josh Perry 6 Yd pass from Lex Thomas (Bryan McCollum Kick)
Eastern Kentucky Touchdown, 7 plays
3:381st & 10 at own 35#95 M.Fitzgerald kickoff 65 yards to the EKU00, Touchback
3:381st & 10 at own 25No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short right to #9 E.Caldwell caught at EKU29, for 4 yards to the EKU29 (#1 K.Moore Jr.; #17 J.Mack)
3:382nd & 6 at own 29No Huddle-Shotgun #42 B.Hensley rush middle for 2 yards gain to the EKU31 (#1 K.Moore Jr.; #8 R.McKinnis)
3:383rd & 4 at own 31No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short left to #42 B.Hensley caught at EKU32, for 6 yards to the EKU37, out of bounds at EKU37, 1ST DOWN
3:381st & 10 at own 37No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short left to #42 B.Hensley caught at EKU41, for 30 yards to the WCU33 (#6 J.Cornelius), 1ST DOWN
3:381st & 10 at opp 33No Huddle-Shotgun #42 B.Hensley rush middle for 2 yards gain to the WCU31 (#11 M.Patierno)
3:382nd & 8 at opp 31No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short middle to #89 C.Schlachter caught at WCU27, for 16 yards to the WCU15 (#18 T.Anderson), 1ST DOWN
0:371st & 10 at opp 15Jarvis Hayes 15 Yd pass from Tyler Travers (Buzz Flabiano Kick)
Western Carolina Punt, 9 plays
3:38PENALTY WCU Personal Foul (#1 K.Moore Jr.) 15 yards from EKU35 to EKU50. NO PLAY
0:371st & 10 at the 50#44 D.Orr kickoff 35 yards to the WCU15, out of bounds at WCU15
0:371st & 10 at own 20No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush middle for 2 yards loss to the WCU18 (#0 J.Marable)
Q4 15:002nd & 12 at own 18No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #3 J.Perry caught at WCU20, for 7 yards to the WCU25 (#30 J.Kinley), out of bounds
Q4 15:003rd & 5 at own 25No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #0 A.Colombo caught at WCU26, for 8 yards to the WCU33 (#8 B.Driver; #12 C.Conyer), 1ST DOWN
Q4 15:001st & 10 at own 33Shotgun #5 M.Rossin rush left for 0 yards to the WCU33 (#4 K.Hayden; #10 D.Taylor)
Q4 15:002nd & 10 at own 33Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #1 J.Boyd caught at WCU30, for 5 yards to the WCU38 (#37 J.Marshall)
Q4 15:003rd & 5 at own 38No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short right to #5 M.Rossin caught at WCU49, for 11 yards to the WCU49 (#8 B.Driver), 1ST DOWN
Q4 15:001st & 10 at own 49No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush middle for 3 yards gain to the EKU48 (#8 B.Driver)
Q4 15:002nd & 7 at opp 48No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas rush middle for 1 yard loss to the EKU49, End Of Play
Q4 15:003rd & 8 at opp 49No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass incomplete short right to #10 S.Carlos thrown to EKU35 QB hurried by #5 N.Spruill
Q4 10:454th & 8 at opp 49#95 M.Fitzgerald punt 43 yards to the EKU06
4th quarter7 drives, then Western Carolina 45, Eastern Kentucky 21
Eastern Kentucky Punt, 6 plays
10:451st & 10 at own 6No Huddle-Shotgun #14 B.Latham rush right for 3 yards gain to the EKU09 (#31 A.Reese)
10:452nd & 7 at own 9No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short right to #2 C.Hergott caught at EKU16, for 8 yards to the EKU17 (#15 H.Bodine), 1ST DOWN
10:451st & 10 at own 17No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short middle to #9 E.Caldwell caught at EKU28, for 20 yards to the EKU37 (#31 A.Reese; #15 H.Bodine), 1ST DOWN
10:451st & 10 at own 37No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers rush left for 5 yards gain to the EKU42 (#3 J.Collins; #31 A.Reese)
10:452nd & 5 at own 42No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers sacked for loss of 2 yards to the EKU40 (#13 C.Turner-Allen)
10:453rd & 7 at own 40No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass incomplete short right thrown to EKU35 QB hurried by #3 J.Collins PENALTY EKU Intentional Grounding (#17 T.Travers)
7:594th & 17 at own 30#27 J.Brown punt 52 yards to the WCU18 #0 A.Colombo return 7 yards to the WCU25 (#99 L.Turk) PENALTY WCU Illegal Block in Back (#17 J.Mack) 10 yards from WCU23 to WCU13
Western Carolina Punt, 4 plays
7:591st & 10 at own 13No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas rush middle for 10 yards gain to the WCU23 (#91 D.Hawkins-Ingram), 1ST DOWN
7:591st & 10 at own 23No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas sacked for loss of 1 yard to the WCU22 (#34 C.Redd)
7:592nd & 11 at own 22Shotgun #8 M.Cochran rush middle for 6 yards gain to the WCU28 (#39 C.Jessee; #34 C.Redd)
7:593rd & 5 at own 28PENALTY WCU False Start (#72 A.Threatt) 5 yards from WCU28 to WCU23. NO PLAY
7:593rd & 10 at own 23No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete short middle to #3 J.Perry caught at WCU22, for 0 yards to the WCU23 QB hurried by #39 C.Jessee (#5 N.Spruill)
4:494th & 10 at own 23#95 M.Fitzgerald punt 50 yards to the EKU27 fair catch by #22 C.Stone at EKU27
Eastern Kentucky Interception, 7 plays
4:491st & 10 at own 27No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass incomplete deep middle to #9 E.Caldwell thrown to EKU49 broken up by #4 A.Jackson, Jr
4:492nd & 10 at own 27PENALTY EKU False Start (#2 C.Hergott) 5 yards from EKU27 to EKU22. NO PLAY
4:492nd & 15 at own 22No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short middle to #16 J.House caught at EKU31, for 22 yards to the EKU44 (#12 J.Quintero; #2 N.Simpson-Nealy), 1ST DOWN
4:491st & 10 at own 44No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass incomplete short left to #11 J.Hayes thrown to WCU48 broken up by #4 A.Jackson, Jr
4:492nd & 10 at own 44No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass incomplete deep right to #9 E.Caldwell thrown to WCU30
4:493rd & 10 at own 44No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short middle to #11 J.Hayes caught at EKU44, for 0 yards to the EKU44 (#4 A.Jackson, Jr)
4:494th & 10 at own 44No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short middle to #16 J.House caught at WCU41, for 15 yards to the WCU41 (#2 N.Simpson-Nealy), 1ST DOWN. #16 J.House injured on the play
3:231st & 10 at opp 41No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass intercepted by #7 M.Taylor at WCU24 #7 M.Taylor return 8 yards to the WCU32 (#85 B.Newcomb) PENALTY EKU UNS: Unsportsmanlike Conduct (#79 A.Gaines) 15 yards from WCU32 to WCU47, 1ST DOWN
Western Carolina Touchdown, 5 plays
3:231st & 10 at own 47No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush left for 1 yard loss to the WCU46 (#25 J.McGrath)
3:182nd & 11 at own 46No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas pass complete deep left to #5 M.Rossin caught at EKU15, for 42 yards to the EKU12 (#13 A.Tagaloa-Nelson), out of bounds, 1ST DOWN
3:181st & 10 at opp 47Timeout Eastern Kentucky, clock 03:18
3:181st & 10 at opp 12Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush middle for 0 yards to the EKU12 (#1 K.Smith; #39 C.Jessee)
2:372nd & 10 at opp 12No Huddle-Shotgun #3 J.Perry rush middle for 3 yards loss to the EKU15 (#91 D.Hawkins-Ingram; #1 K.Smith)
2:371st & 10 at own 12Timeout Eastern Kentucky, clock 02:37
2:273rd & 13 at opp 15No Huddle-Shotgun #2 L.Thomas rush middle for 15 yards gain to the EKU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 02:27, 1ST DOWN #60 B.McCollum kick attempt good (H: #63 T.Guerrero, LS: #57 K.Powell)
2:332nd & 10 at own 12Timeout Eastern Kentucky, clock 02:33
Eastern Kentucky Turnover on downs, 4 plays
2:271st & 10 at own 35#95 M.Fitzgerald kickoff 65 yards to the EKU00, Touchback
2:271st & 10 at own 25No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass incomplete short right to #9 E.Caldwell thrown to EKU31
2:272nd & 10 at own 25No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers sacked for loss of 6 yards to the EKU19 (#18 T.Anderson)
2:003rd & 16 at own 19No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass complete short middle to #11 J.Hayes caught at EKU21, for 7 yards to the EKU26 (#7 M.Taylor; #21 N.Ashenafi)
2:002nd & 10 at own 25Timeout Eastern Kentucky, clock 02:00
1:364th & 9 at own 26No Huddle-Shotgun #17 T.Travers pass incomplete short middle to #2 C.Hergott thrown to EKU37 broken up by #7 M.Taylor, TURNOVER ON DOWNS
Western Carolina Touchdown, 3 plays
1:361st & 10 at opp 26No Huddle-Shotgun #24 A.Benjamin rush middle for 5 yards gain to the EKU21 (#30 J.Kinley; #4 K.Hayden)
1:362nd & 5 at opp 21No Huddle-Shotgun #24 A.Benjamin rush middle for 7 yards gain to the EKU14 (#10 D.Taylor), 1ST DOWN
0:471st & 10 at opp 14No Huddle-Shotgun #24 A.Benjamin rush left for 14 yards gain to the EKU00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 00:47, 1ST DOWN #60 B.McCollum kick attempt good (H: #63 T.Guerrero, LS: #57 K.Powell)
Eastern Kentucky Result not recorded, 2 plays
0:471st & 10 at own 35#95 M.Fitzgerald kickoff 65 yards to the EKU00, Touchback
0:471st & 10 at own 25No Huddle-Shotgun #22 C.Stone rush middle for 4 yards gain to the EKU29 (#3 J.Collins)
0:472nd & 6 at own 29No Huddle-Shotgun #22 C.Stone rush left for 15 yards gain to the EKU44 (#22 Q.Grant III; #24 T.Poyser), 1ST DOWN

Play-by-play from CollegeFootballData.com, as its scorers wrote it. The clock is the time left in the quarter; the spot is from the side of the team with the ball.

Western Carolina leads 4–⁠3 in seven meetings.

Recent meetings
2026Western Carolina 45, Eastern Kentucky 21
2023Western Carolina 27, Eastern Kentucky 24
2021Eastern Kentucky 31, Western Carolina 28
2020Eastern Kentucky 49, Western Carolina 17
2009Western Carolina 24, Eastern Kentucky 7
2007Eastern Kentucky 45, Western Carolina 21

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