On the road in Commonwealth Stadium, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have mounted a 17-10 lead on UK at the half.

UK starting quarterback Maxwell Smith had a rough start to the game, throwing three early interceptions allowing the Hilltoppers to rack up a 17-0 lead midway through the second quarter.

But Smith and the Cats responded, driving 65 yards in seven plays culminating with an eight-yard touchdown run by junior running back Jonathan George. Smith was 6-6 passing for 57 yards on the drive. After forcing a WKU punt on its next drive following the Cats’ touchdown, Smith led another four-play, 36-yard drive that ended with a Craig McIntosh 48-yard field goal as time in the half expired.

For the Hilltoppers, quarterback Kawaun Jakes is 9-10 passing for 91 yards. His only incompletion of the half was actually an interception that his receiver batted into the air. Antonio Andrews led WKU’s ground game with 65 yards on 16 carries and both of the Hilltoppers’ touchdowns.

Western Kentucky will receive the kickoff to begin the second half, still clinging to a seven-point lead. The Hilltoppers have never beaten a BCS-conference school in their history, including an 0-16 record against SEC opponents.