LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) – Caden Veltkamp threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns while running for two more scores and Western Kentucky never trailed in a 41-28 victory over New Mexico State on Saturday.

The opening drive was a sign of things to come, with Veltkamp throwing a 54-yard touchdown pass to Easton Messer on the fourth play of the game. Three minutes later, Veltkamp ran from 1st place to take a two-point lead.

New Mexico State cut the deficit before the end of the first half on a 1-yard run by Mike Washington. The Hilltoppers (7-2, 5-0 Conference USA) pulled the lead back with a two-touchdown pass by Mike Williams, who threw a 51-yard touchdown pass to Kisean Johnson. As time expired at the end of the half, Lucas Carneiro scored a field goal from 42 yards to take a 24-7 lead.

The Aggies (2-7, 1-5) got back into the game with a run by Washington at No. 3, followed by a run by Seth McGowan at No. 7. Veltkamp ran from the 3rd position before the end of the third quarter and made the score 31-21. The Hilltoppers lead by double digits the rest of the way.

Washington rushed for 152 yards on 19 carries with two touchdowns, and McGowan rushed for 113 yards on 15 carries with a touchdown.

With the win, Western Kentucky maintained its first place among Conference USA with Jacksonville State (6-3, 5-0). ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. become a member Here. AP college basketball: And