Western Kentucky quarterback Caden Veltkamp was not supposed to play during the Famous Toastry Bowl on Monday. He is actively in the transfer portal — and yet — he was named the player of the game.
His performance during the incredible and emotional comeback win might change that. It’s actually kind of awkward for the Hilltoppers coaching staff.
The game was sponsored by a largely unknown brunch spot that is primarily located in North Carolina. Famous Toastry’s website could not keep up with the influx of traffic, so they got pretty good brand awareness from their investment, but they were never supposed to be the host.
It was supposed to be the Bahamas Bowl but stadium renovations required the college football bowl game to move Stateside.
Starting quarterback Austin Reed has been awesome all year. He opted out of the Famous Toastry Bowl.
Backup quarterback Turner Helton got the nod against Old Dominion in his place. He is the son of Georgia Southern head coach Clay Helton and nephew to Western Kentucky head coach Tyson Helton. His ugly pick-six played a huge role in a 21-point deficit — in the first quarter.
Annnd now add an 🚨ODU PICK SIX!!!!🚨 #FamousToasteryBowl pic.twitter.com/8Nd2N3LwrK
— Video from: @TSV__1 (@TSV__1) December 18, 2023
Turner couldn’t have looked much worse so his uncle went to the bench.
Enter Caden Veltkamp!
Veltkamp is 6-foot-6, which rules. Everybody loves a very tall quarterback.
The Bowling Green-native (hometown kid) proceeded to go 40-of-52 for 383 yards and five touchdowns in a 38-35 overtime victory. It was an incredible performance from the former three-star redshirt freshman even though he did throw a pick.
Veltkamp does not know what his future hold. The Hilltoppers had previously requested a change of position. Helton could reconsider at the expense of his nephew.
There are people out there who say that there are too many bowls. They sure look dumb after the best Famous Toastry bowl in college football history.