West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois University football team is set to travel to Bloomington, Indiana, for their second consecutive away game. The Leathernecks will face the Indiana Hoosiers under the Friday Night Lights at 6 p.m., with the game being televised on the Big Ten Network.

Western Illinois (0-1) is coming off a 54-15 loss to Northern Illinois in Week 1. In contrast, Indiana (1-0) secured a 31-7 victory over Florida International in their season opener.

Quarterback Nathan Lamb made his first start for WIU last week, completing 17 of 29 passes for 204 yards and one touchdown. Cameren Smith carried the ball 14 times for 51 yards. Tristin Duncan led the receivers with five catches for 68 yards, while Eli Arago and Christian Anaya each contributed three receptions. Defensively, Willie Jones recorded 13 tackles, Ryan Crandall added six stops, and Braylen Brooks had four tackles along with a fumble recovery. Punter Jared Campbell averaged 37 yards on six punts, with a long of 45 yards. Kicker Antonio Chadha went two-for-three on field goals, making kicks from 46 and 44 yards.

Indiana's quarterback Kurtis Rourke completed 15 of his 24 passes for 180 yards and one touchdown last week. Elijah Green led their rushing attack with 82 yards, followed by Ty Son Lawton with 74 yards and Justice Ellison with 68 yards. Lawton also rushed for two touchdowns. Myles Price had four receptions while Omar Cooper had three catches totaling a team-high of 45 yards. Aidan Foster led Indiana's defense with twelve tackles.

This matchup marks the first-ever meeting between Western Illinois and Indiana. Western Illinois has yet to defeat a Big Ten program; their last win over an FBS team was against Coastal Carolina in September 2017.

Antonio Chadha's two field goals were the most by a Western Illinois kicker since Owen Valek achieved the same feat last season against Lindenwood. Mayo Bola’s blocked extra point returned by Fredrik Greenhoward was only the fourth such occurrence in Leatherneck history.

Around the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Football Association, teams went collectively went 1-8 last week, with Tennessee State securing the sole victory.

Several Leathernecks players received preseason accolades from Phil Steele/Draftscout.com as part of their All-Big South-OVC Team selections.

Next up for Western Illinois is another road game against former in-state rival Illinois State.

For further updates on Leatherneck Football, visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow them on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.

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