OSM{WKU} 54, LA-Lafayette 21

October 23--What happened? After losing their last 26 games and their last 32 games against FBS opponents and three days short of two years wearing the Original Shame Mask, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers finally won a game. And they won convincingly.

The first quarter featured two long drives for WKU. The first ended in a missed 42-yard field goal attempt, but on the second, the field goal was good, giving WKU a 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter had to be best quarter WKU has played in their four years at the FBS level (the first two were transitioning). They started with a 69-yard interception return for a touchdown from Jamarcus Allen. Okay, so maybe they celebrated a bit too much because they allowed a 52-yard touchdown run to LA-Lafayette's QB Chris Masson three plays later, but WKU countered with a 15-play drive capped by a 1-yard touchdown run by quaterback Kawaun Jakes. On the following drive, the LA-Lafayatte punter fumble the snap, and two plays later, WKU got another touchdown. After forcing to LA-Lafayette to turn it over on downs, the WKU two-minute drill got a field goal as time expired to take a 27-7 lead into the half.

The Hilltoppers poured it on in the second half, too. Two interceptions in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter, one returned 62 yards for a touchdown by Derrius Brooks, sealed the WKU victory.

It was a very efficient day for Kawaun Jakes. He completed 18 of 22 passes for 262 yards and a touchdown, and he also ran 4 times for 28 yards and two touchdowns.

Hearty congratulations to Western Kentucky!

But I am saddened just a twinge. Had WKU lost, their upcoming game with Golden Gopher Shame Mask-wearing North Texas would have brought shame mask unity at long last, but to no avail. Next week, LA-Lafayette (2-5) tries to send the Original Shame Mask back to the MAC when they travel to Athens to take on Ohio.