BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Western Kentucky ended an 18-game home losing streak Saturday behind Bobby Rainey’s career-high three touchdowns and 206 rushing yards in a 42-23 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette.
The Hilltoppers (3-4, 3-1 Sun Belt Conference) led the entire way after Rainey scored from 1 yard out on their opening drive. Rainey erased any doubt about a victory when he broke free on a 24-yard touchdown run with 1:09 to play to set the final margin.
Kadeem Jones added two touchdowns for the Hilltoppers, and Kawaun Jakes completed 15 of 18 passes for 242 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
The Ragin’ Cajuns (6-2, 4-1) hadn’t lost since their season opening game against Oklahoma State. The Hilltoppers have won each of their past three games.
Blaine Gautier led Louisiana-Lafayette, completing 32 of 51 passes for 419 yards and 2 touchdowns.
It was Western Kentucky’s first home victory over a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent.
In other Sun Belt Conference games, Derek Thompson threw three touchdown passes and Lance Dunbar rushed for 139 yards as North Texas (3-5) defeated Louisiana-Monroe (2-5, 1-2) 38-21 in Denton, Texas. Thompson completed 23 of 39 passes for 332 yards and had TD passes of 9 and 13 yards to Chris Bynes, and 40 yards to Brelan Chancellor. Bynes had eight receptions for 85 yards, while Chancellor finished with five receptions for 113 yards. ... Logan Kilgore threw three touchdown passes and Middle Tennessee defeated Florida Atlantic 38-14 in Boca Raton, Fla. Kilgore started the game by completing 19 consecutive passes, including three touchdowns, to eclipse the previous school record of 15 set by Wes Counts in 2001. Kilgore tossed touchdown passes to Malcolm Beyah, Shane Blissard and Andrew Banks to give the Blue Raiders (2-4, 1-2) a 21-0 lead with 3:17 left in the first quarter. Florida Atlantic (0-7, 0-4 Sun Belt Conference) lost its 10th consecutive game.
Sports, Pages 33 on 10/23/2011