WKU Football hits the road against Sam Houston seeking back-to-back conference victories

WKU Football hits the road against Sam Houston seeking back-to-back conference victories WKU Football hits the road against Sam Houston seeking back-to-back conference victories Jonah Moore, Sports Reporter October 13, 2026 Tanner York WKU Hilltoppers defensive back Jacob Cosby-Mosley (19) jumps into the end zone trying to recover a punt before a touchback is called during the match against Missouri State University at Houchens-Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Ky. on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. WKU Football makes the trek down to the Lone Star State on Oct. 14 to take on the Sam Houston State Bearkats, hoping to do something they have not done all season— win a game on the road. “Winning is hard in general and winning on the road is extra hard,” Head Coach Tyson Helton said. “There’s nothing better than a big road win because you have to go earn it.” After a tough start to the season, WKU is 2-1 in its last three games and has improved on both sides of the ball. Senior quarterback Rodney Tisdale Jr. did not play in the Hilltoppers’ 34-13 win over Missouri State on Oct. 8, after recording back-to-back 300-plus passing yard performances. “He’s worked really hard with our trainers to try to get back to 100%,” Helton said. “He’s game ready. He could have played in the last game, but I didn’t want to take that risk.” With Tisdale Jr.’s absence, senior quarterback Brock Glenn was given the reins of the offense and did not disappoint, racking up 326 yards of total offense. True freshman wide receiver Jonathan Stafford Jr. was Glenn’s favorite target, hauling in six catches for 72 yards and a touchdown, earning Conference USA Freshman of the Week honors. The game marked Stafford Jr.’s third-straight game with 60-plus receiving yards. WKU came into the game short-handed on defense, with three key starters sidelined. However, even with the missing pieces, the Hilltoppers were able to put together one of their best performances of the season, holding the Bears to just 13 points. “They have really good schemes, and so it’ll be a big challenge for us defensively,” Helton said. WKU is a perfect 3-0 against Sam Houston since they joined CUSA in 2023. Most recently, the Hilltoppers secured a 41-24 win in the 2025 season opener at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Despite their recent success, the Hilltoppers will be tasked with facing a Bearkats squad looking to defend their home field and turn around their season. With the status of Tisdale Jr. still a key storyline heading into the game, the Hilltoppers could once again rely on Glenn to lead the team to a hard-fought conference road victory. Stream the game on ESPN, kicking off at 7 p.m. 0 Like This Story Share on Facebook Share on X Email this Story Print this Story More to Discover More in Sports / Football WKU Football knocks off Missouri State for first conference victory WKU Football looks for first conference win against Missouri State WKU Football drops Conference USA opener 34-13 to New Mexico State WKU Football looks to secure back-to-back wins, going on the road against New Mexico State Gridiron memories: WKU inducts 2015 football team into Athletic Hall of Fame WKU Football bounces back with 52-7 win over Mercyhurst About the Contributor Tanner York, Staff Photographer Tanner York is a sophomore majoring in Visual Journalism and Photography from Shelbyville, Kentucky. This is his first semester working for the Herald Photo staff.