West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University (WIU) football team is set to play its inaugural game in the Big South-Ohio Valley Football Association against Charleston Southern University (CSU) this Saturday. The match will take place at Buccaneer Field in Charleston, South Carolina, with a kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m.

The Leathernecks recently ended a 27-game losing streak with a victory over McKendree, scoring 49-32. Cameren Smith led WIU's offense with 199 rushing yards, contributing to the team's total of 273 ground yards. In contrast, CSU lost its opening conference game to Tennessee State by a narrow margin of 13-9.

WIU's performance statistics reveal an average of 25.25 points per game while conceding an average of 53.5 points. The team averages 143.1 rushing yards and 213 passing yards per game. Key players include running back Cameren Smith and quarterback Nathan Lamb, who has thrown for three touchdowns this season.

Charleston Southern averages fewer points per game at 13.5 but allows only 23.25 points on average from opponents. Their offensive strategy relies on Autavius Ison's rushing ability and a rotating cast of quarterbacks led by Rob McCoy Jr.

This weekend marks the first meeting between WIU and CSU on the football field and serves as WIU's debut conference match in their new association.