Rice’s 26-yard field goal on the night’s final play lifted the Monarchs to a 37-34 win over the Hilltoppers. It came after a bizarre sequence that included flags on both teams to keep the game alive.
With the game tied 34-all, WKU tight end Kris Leach fielded a kickoff at his 30. A 15-yard Garland LaFrance run gave the Toppers (1-6 overall, 0-3 Conference USA) first-and-10 at their own 45 and set up a chance for a desperation shot at the win.
Coach Mike Sanford sent kicker Alex Rinella out for a game-winning field goal attempt from 57 yards.