West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's football team will travel to Martin, Tennessee, this Saturday to face UT Martin in an Ohio Valley Conference–Big South matchup at Hardy M. Graham Stadium. Both teams enter the contest with a 1-5 record, but UT Martin holds a 1-1 mark in conference play while Western Illinois is still seeking its first league win.

The Leathernecks are coming off a 66-20 loss at Tennessee Tech last week. Despite the defeat, the game saw notable individual performances, particularly from freshman quarterback Cason Carswell, who made his first career start. Carswell completed 34 of 48 passes for 343 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Christian Anaya caught 13 passes for 132 yards, and Demari Davis added 99 yards and a touchdown on five receptions. Tight end Alex Williams also contributed with three catches for 28 yards and a touchdown.

On special teams, junior kicker Antonio Chadha remained consistent, converting field goals from 48 and 33 yards and making both extra point attempts. Chadha has now made seven consecutive field goals over the past three weeks.

Defensively, linebacker Kevin Washington Jr. led the Leathernecks with 10 tackles, marking his third double-digit tackle performance this season. Freshman Aa'zoriyon Bonner recorded a sack, while Justin Richardson added six tackles.

Carswell's performance earned him OVC–Big South Freshman of the Week honors after throwing for 343 yards and two touchdowns in his first collegiate start at Tennessee Tech. "Carswell won the honor against a competitive field that included Charleston Southern's Anthony Paulk, Eastern Illinois quarterback Connor Wolf, and Lindenwood's Rico Bond."

UT Martin comes into the matchup after a 30-14 loss to Lindenwood. The Skyhawks are led by head coach Jason Simpson, who is currently the longest tenured coach in the conference. UT Martin was projected to finish second in the OVC–Big South preseason poll and has averaged 15.3 points per game this season while allowing 31.3 points per game.

Key factors for Western Illinois include stopping UT Martin's quarterback inside the pocket, as Jase Bauer leads the Skyhawks in rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns. Protecting the football will also be important against a UT Martin defense that averages 1.4 takeaways per game. Additionally, controlling possession time will be crucial; UT Martin has averaged just over 32 minutes of possession per game compared to opponents' average of just under 28 minutes.

Western Illinois is looking to secure its first OVC–Big South victory of the season and make a statement by defeating one of the league's preseason favorites. "A win over UT Martin, the conference's preseason No. 2 pick, would mark a major statement for the Leathernecks."

The game is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, at 2:00 p.m.