West Central Reporter

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Western Illinois University football team suffered a defeat on the road Friday night, losing to Indiana 77-3 in Bloomington, Indiana.

The game marked the first meeting between the two programs. The Leathernecks will next play against in-state and former Missouri Valley Football Conference rival Illinois State in Normal, Illinois, next Saturday.

The Hoosiers (2-0) demonstrated their Big 10 capabilities, establishing a 28-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Indiana maintained their scoring momentum before Western Illinois (0-2) managed a 12-play, 69-yard drive that concluded with Antonio Chadha's 31-yard field goal.

The field goal was Chadha's third this season.

Christian Pierce and Ryan Crandall led Western Illinois' defense with 11 tackles each. Seven of Pierce's tackles were solo efforts. KJ Coleman contributed nine tackles and collaborated with Crandall on a tackle for loss. Michael Newman finished with eight tackles.

Offensively, wide receivers Christian Anaya and Demari Davis had notable performances. Anaya caught five passes for 56 yards while Davis added four catches for 41 yards.

In his second start at quarterback for WIU, Nathan Lamb completed 13 passes for 25 yards. On the ground, Torrance Farmer Jr. had five carries for 20 yards.

Punter Jared Campbell executed nine punts, averaging 41.6 yards per punt.

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