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Hilltoppers Impressive in Opening Game Blowout

WKU Media Relations

Mike White threw for 517 yards and three touchdowns in his debut as starting quarterback as Western Kentucky opened the season and Conference USA play with a 46-14 drubbing of Rice.

White, who was 25 for 31 passing, is only the third quarterback to throw for 500 or more yards in Western Kentucky history.

The Hilltoppers had two receivers top 100 yards in receiving as Taywan Taylor caught five passes for 165 yards and Nicholas Norris hauled in seven for 147 yards and two scores.

Western Kentucky, which won its 13th straight conference game, finished with 552 yards passing and 97 rushing, amassing 649 yards while limiting Rice to 288 total yards.

White's first scoring strike was for 87 yards as Norris hauled that one in for a 16-0 lead with 1:31 left in the first quarter. The Hilltoppers were up 30-7 at the half.

Tyler Stehling led Rice with 183 passing yards.