Cardinals quarterback Jawon Pass fired a throw to tight end Kemari Averett, who was running a short route in the right flat. The ball bounced right off Averett’s hands as Hilltopper linebacker Ben Holt swarmed to tackle him.
Malone was standing nearby when the ball came loose. He pounced to his right and secured an interception before the football could hit the ground.
The sophomore’s teammates mobbed Malone as he ran off the field. His was the first pick by a WKU defensive end since Derik Overstreet grabbed one Nov. 5, 2016, against Florida International.
The interception was a highlight of a career game for Malone.