Record-setting Reed lifts Western Kentucky past S. Alabama
Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed (16) throws against South Alabama defensive lineman Jamie Sheriff (11) during the first half of the New Orleans Bowl NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Matthew Hinton]
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Austin Reed passed for four touchdowns and a New Orleans Bowl-record 497 yards, leading Western Kentucky to a 44-23 win over South Alabama. It was another memorable season-ending performance for Reed. He set Division II title game records in 2019 with 523 yards and six TDs passing in West Florida’s 48-40 victory over Minnesota State in 2019. Reed’s bowl total gave him 4,744 yards and 40 touchdowns passing this season — leading the nation in both categories. However, some of the players he moved past will have a chance move ahead of him in upcoming bowl games. The Hilltoppers also set a New Orleans Bowl record for team yards passing with 522.
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Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed (16) runs against South Alabama during the first half of the New Orleans Bowl NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Matthew Hinton
South Alabama quarterback Carter Bradley (2) is sacked by Western Kentucky linebacker JaQues Evans (3) during the first half of the New Orleans Bowl NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Matthew Hinton
Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed smiles after receiving the MVP trophy after the team's victory over South Alabama in the New Orleans Bowl NCAA football game in New Orleans, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Matthew Hinton