Zappe throws 4 TDs as W. Kentucky batters Charlotte 45-13

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — Bailey Zappe threw for 393 yards and four touchdowns — giving him 33 on the season — as Western Kentucky battered Charlotte 45-13 on Saturday.

The Hilltoppers (4-4, 3-1 Conference USA) remain tied with Marshall for the lead in the conference's East Division, while Charlotte (4-4, 2-2) suffered a second straight lopsided loss.

Zappe, who came into the game leading the nation in touchdown passes, got right to work, lofting a corner fade to Oregon transfer Dawood Davis for an 11-yard score seven plays after getting the ball. He added a 13-yard TD pass to Mitchell Tinsley, a 21-yarder to Jerreth Sterns and a 9-yarder to Dalvin Smith while completing 33 of 46 passes.

Zappe also ran for a touchdown on a 2-yard keeper. He was intercepted twice in the first half.

James Foster, starting in place of the injured Chris Reynolds, completed 13 of 25 passes for 118 yards with an interception for Charlotte. He also ran for 34 yards and a touchdown. Jonathan Cruz added field goals from 37 and 56 yards, the latter tied his career-long.

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