MONTGOMERY, Ala. — In a thrilling matchup on Saturday night at the Veterans Bowl, Bishop Davenport led South Alabama to a 30-23 victory over Western Michigan, marking his second start of the season. Davenport was responsible for three touchdowns while Jeremiah Webb excelled with six catches totaling 182 yards and two touchdowns, contributing to South Alabama’s strong performance. With this win, South Alabama improved to 7-6, under the leadership of first-year head coach Major Applewhite, and secured a bowl game appearance for the third consecutive season.

The game saw Hayden Wolff of Western Michigan connect with Anthony Sambucci for a 7-yard touchdown pass, capping a 75-yard drive and narrowing the deficit to 23-20 with just over six minutes remaining. However, Kentrel Bullock responded with a significant impact on the following drive, rushing five times for 50 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown run that extended the lead to 30-20 with 2:42 left in the game. Bullock finished the night with 130 rushing yards on 17 carries.

Davenport’s statistics were impressive, completing 15 of his 24 pass attempts for 271 yards and two touchdowns while also adding 85 rushing yards, highlighted by a 50-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. South Alabama had to cope without quarterback Gio Lopez, who was sidelined with turf toe, and wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett, who opted out. Pritchett, a standout player for the Sun Belt Conference, had led the league with 91 receptions, 1,127 receiving yards, and nine touchdown catches this season.

Western Michigan initially seized control of the game with a 1-yard touchdown run by Jalen Buckley and a 37-yard field goal from Luka Zurak, giving them a 10-0 advantage early in the second quarter. Yet, after a quick three-and-out for the Broncos, Davenport found Webb deep down the right sideline. Webb showcased his skills by leaping to secure the ball from a defender, scoring a 45-yard touchdown that shifted the momentum and put South Alabama ahead 16-10 with 4:50 remaining in the first half.

This victory marks a significant achievement for South Alabama, who previously claimed a dominant 59-10 win over Eastern Michigan in the 2023 68 Ventures Bowl. With this win, the program has now enjoyed back-to-back bowl victories, the first such accomplishment in their history.