Leatherneck Nation

 VS 

Opponent: Moreahead State Eagles

Game Time: Saturday, September 19 at 6 PM

Location: Hanson Field, Macomb

Last Year: Morehead State went 6-6 overall, with a 4-6 record against FCS opponents, and a 4-4 record in the Pioneer League

This Year: The Eagles are 1-2 so far this year, with a 3OT loss to DII Ohio Dominican (42-40), a big win over NAIA Kentucky Christian (75-24) and a loss to their first FCS foe of the season, Austin Peay, to the tune of 63-7.

History: The Leathernecks and Eagles have faced off once, a 31-6 WIU victory in 2006.

Projections: Massey Ratings gives us a 90% chance of a victory, with a predicted score of 45-21. Sagarin says 94% chance of a win...with about a 46-18 score. I'm feeling better about this team after seeing how they played against Wisconsin (and seeing that Illinois State is the "real deal" against NIU), so I think this should be a pretty solid win for us.

This is also Family Day and Ag Day/BBQ Competition. Be sure to stop by the tailgate area early to get your fill of BBQ and other tasty treats. The Marching Leathernecks will also be joined on the field by parents and family members during halftime, so I'll be out there...just not with my usual trombone (that's being saved for Homecoming)...this game, I'm a color guard dad.

To tell you how little we know about the OVC yet this season, WIU ranks at the top of many stat catagories through 3 weeks....even after the last 2 weeks  Lots of lopsided games and FBS foes early for FCS teams. https://ovcsports.com/stats.aspx?path=f ... &year=2026 

NewNeck wrote: Mon Sep 14, 2026 1:00 pm To tell you how little we know about the OVC yet this season, WIU ranks at the top of many stat catagories through 3 weeks....even after the last 2 weeks  Lots of lopsided games and FBS foes early for FCS teams. https://ovcsports.com/stats.aspx?path=f ... &year=2026 

Yeah, it's pretty hard to tell unless you happen to luck into a matchup with a roughly "comparable" team. I think we won't really get that until North Alabama though.
For reference, Massey lists strength of schedule so far as one of the stats. OVC strength of schedule rankings (ranking numbers are for all of FCS) are as follows:
#8 - SEMO
#13 - Gardner-Webb
#39 - Charleston Southern
#44 - Eastern Illinois
#49 - Western Illinois
#53 - Lindenwood
#57 - UT Martin
#63 - TN State

So, you can compare that rough "difficulty ranking" to stats to get a very early idea of how well we might do against the other OVC teams.

 

Game Day Weather:

Scattered thunderstorms this morning, then cloudy skies this afternoon.
High near 85.
Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Chance of rain 40%.

Partly cloudy skies this evening.
Thunderstorms likely late.
Low 68.
Winds light and variable.
Chance of rain 70%.
 

wiu712 wrote: Sat Sep 19, 2026 9:36 am Game Day Weather:

Scattered thunderstorms this morning, then cloudy skies this afternoon.
High near 85.
Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Chance of rain 40%.

Partly cloudy skies this evening.
Thunderstorms likely late.
Low 68.
Winds light and variable.
Chance of rain 70%.
 

 

Well another game that the weather probably won't help the attendance

Western wins 59-2

#17 Kennedy McGill was 25 of 31 for 264 yards.  4 Touchdowns. 0 Interceptions.

#5 Cason Carswell was 6 of 6 for 86 yards.  1 Touchdown.  0 Interceptions.

#10 Gage Sturgill was 1 of 1 for 6 yards.  1 Touchdown.  0 Interceptions.

Western had 593 Total Yards:  356 yards Passing.  237 yards Rushing.

Attendance at Hanson Field = 3,151
 

Our defense kept them out of the end zone the entire game. Only points for them was when we took the ball to their end zone for them.

Someone tell that punt returner that they aren't Devin Hester.


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Thought we played a good game but kind of a weaker opponent.  Think we will get tested next week against N Alabama.  Threw the ball well.  

Very complete game and ESPN + broadcast was improved from week 1. MSU looked very weak but Necks dominated as they should. Play by play announcer (sounded like a student) said that was the lowest yards WIU has held an opponent to since 1985. Pretty impressive. McGill looks like the real deal but still won’t know until consistency of opponents show up week to week. Impressed with our OL & running backs and new kicker looks strong. I’d feel better about this team if we had showed a pulse against Redbirds 2 weeks ago…