Recapping the 2016 Boca Raton Bowl between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Memphis Tigers from FAU Stadium.
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers showcased their high-powered offense on Tuesday night at FAU Stadium in a 51-31 victory over the Memphis Tigers to win the 2016 Boca Raton Bowl and cap off an impressive 11-win season.
Shockingly, the two teams traded three-and-outs to begin the game. The defensive struggled wouldn’t last much longer, as Tony Pollard’s 45 yard reception from Riley Ferguson put the Tigers up 7-0 just over four minutes in.
Three minutes later, the game was tied on Mike White’s short touchdown pass to Stevie Donatell. After holding Memphis to a field goal, the Hilltoppers took their first lead at 14-10 with 1:47 to go in the opening quarter on a nine yard trick lateral pass to offensive tackle Forrest Lamp.
Neither team would force another punt until a Memphis drive late in the first half, but Western Kentucky got some separation by the break with a 28-17 lead thanks to a missed Memphis field goal. The Hilltoppers gained 356 yards in the first half, 205 of which belonged to running back Anthony Wales, and controlled the clock with a seven minute touchdown drive just before the half.
Western Kentucky had a chance to add to the lead with 45 seconds left after Wales ripped off a 53 yard run on the infamous Little Giants fake kneeldown play before White was intercepted in the end zone by Dontrell Nelson. That at least kept the Tigers in the game, although there was no answer for the Hilltoppers’ terrific balance on offense.
That continued early in the second half, as Western Kentucky opened a commanding 35-17 advantage on White’s 41 yard pass to Taywan Taylor to cap off a quick four play drive. Memphis could generate no pass rush even while bringing a number of blitzes, allowing White to pick apart the secondary on deep shots.
The Tigers fumbled deep in their own territory two drives later, and Western Kentucky took advantage on a short Wales touchdown run to push the lead to a seemingly insurmountable 41-17. With a couple of rare defensive stops, Memphis managed to cut the defect to 44-31 with 8:47 remaining on a 45 yard pass from Ferguson to Anthony Miller on fourth and 12, just moments after the quarterback returned from an ugly-looking ankle injury he suffered late in the third.
Wales and company countered with a lengthy touchdown drive, aided by a Memphis delay of game penalty on fourth down, to seal a 51-31 victory and third straight bowl win for Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers racked up 596 yards of total offense, split fairly evenly between run and pass.
Highlights
Three Stars
3. Riley Ferguson, QB, Memphis. Kept the Tigers in the game while dealing with an injury by completing 25 of 42 passes for 372 yards and four touchdowns.
2. Forrest Lamp, OT, Western Kentucky. Got on the highlight reel with a touchdown catch in the first half while also providing strong blocking for White and Wales all game long against heavy Memphis pressure.
1. Anthony Wales, RB, Western Kentucky. Compiled what could be the best individual performance of bowl season with 35 carries for 245 yards and three touchdowns, plus an additional 84 receiving yards.
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Next Season
The Hilltoppers will move on without Brohm after hiring Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Sanford, but will still retain White under center. Memphis will hope for an AAC title in Norvell’s second season, as a number of top conference contenders will be bringing in new coaches.