Central Michigan vs. Western Kentucky: 2014 Bahamas Bowl Score, Twitter Reaction

Central Michigan did everything possible to climb back into the inaugural Popeyes Bahamas Bowl, but it wouldn't be enough. A late Hail Mary that went for a touchdown gave the Chippewas a chance, but Western Kentucky shut down a two-point conversion for the 49-48 win.

Western Kentucky quarterback Brandon Doughty capped off his memorable season with the Christmas Eve bowl victory. The senior finished the game with five passing touchdowns after leading the nation during the regular season.

ESPN College Football provides the final play and result from Nassau, Bahamas:

Doughty shined on the big stage by throwing for three or more touchdowns in his ninth game this season. Going 31-of-42 for 486 passing yards, Doughty connected with five different players for touchdowns, including Willie McNeal, who had 155 receiving yards.

Doughty's numbers alone in the last three games are more than several programs on the entire year, via ESPN Stats and Info:

Prior to the game, Central Michigan coach Dan Enos spoke about the caliber of quarterback his team would be facing, via Nate Schneider of The Morning Sun:

"

I think he is the best (quarterback) we’ve played all year. ...He doesn’t get rattled. He gets hit a lot and you can’t tell from play to play because he doesn’t get nervous in there. His posture is very good in the pocket. He’s not a great runner, but he’s strong and can extend plays a little bit. He understands what they are doing really well offensively and they do a good job with him.

"

The first drives for both teams ended well with two consecutive passing touchdowns. Doughty connected with Jared Dangerfield for a 14-yard touchdown, while Cooper Rush's strike to Titus Davis for 21 yards ended in the end zone.

Rush finished the game with a more impressive stat line than Doughty at 28-of-45 for 493 passing yards, 25 rushing yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. Those numbers were overshadowed by Doughty, but Rush ended a great sophomore season with optimism for the future.

His seven touchdown passes tied a bowl record, as Michael David Smith of Pro Football Focus noted:

After the first drive, it was nearly all Hilltoppers to close out the half. Doughty finished the half with five passing touchdowns and nearly had a rushing touchdown that was called back and eventually run in by Leon Allen.

College GameDay provided a look at his first-half statistics:

Allen's numbers also helped make history along with Doughty, as Chad Bishop of the Bowling Green Daily News pointed out:

The blowout was already in full effect at the point, but Central Michigan wouldn't just lie down for the second half. The Chippewas chipped away at the lead as Rush led three fourth-quarter drives that resulted in passing touchdowns.

Davis caught another three touchdowns along with his 142 total yards, while Courtney Williams hauled in his second of the day after tallying one during the second quarter. However, the deficit was just about insurmountable at that point, and Western Kentucky held on late.

Smith described the atmosphere in Nassau at the end of the game:

The last-ditch Hail Mary toss by Rush was lateraled multiple times before Davis scored a touchdown. However, the two-point effort meant the Chippewas would fall short of the epic comeback.

Despite the disappointing finish for Central Michigan, the program still has plenty of potential for next season. Rush will lose his top two receivers and tight end Deon Butler, but he still has several young targets who can fill in those roles.

Having Doughty back for another year of eligibility means the Hilltoppers have their best offensive weapon back in the fold. Having two running backs in Allen and Anthony Wales back, WKU's offense promises to be just as exciting next year.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.