Team Notes...

This is the longest game in the history of both Western Illinois and South Dakota State.

This is the second time that Western has defeated a ranked FCS opponent to open up the season at Hanson Field. The last time was six years ago tonight when the #3 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers fell to # 13 Western Illinois 17-13.

Western now has a 4-1 lead in the series with the South Dakota State.

Western has won 31 consecutive non-conference home games in the regular season.

Western is now 10-0 when opening the season at home since 1994.

The Leathernecks' first touchdown of the night was only the second time in school history that two freshmen connected for a touchdown pass. Matt Barr completed his fourth pass of the game to Nick Coleman for Western's first score. The last time that a freshman duo hooked up for a touchdown was in 2005 (Will Ducey and Paul Anderson at Toledo).

Last overtime game was in the opening round FCS playoffs in 2003 at Montana. Western was victorious 43-40 in double overtime.

Western improves to 4-2 in overtime games since 1985.

Coach Patterson Notes...

...Moves into a tie with Ray Hanson for second place in career coaching victories at Western Illinois with 56 wins and is eight victories away from tying Randy Ball for most all-time

...Improves to 18-0 at home against non-conference opponents in the regular season

...Has won all nine of his home openers

...Overtime record now is 2-1

Player Notes...

Patrick Stoudamire intercepted both the first and final pass attempts of the night for South Dakota State quarterback Ryan Berry. They were the second and third interceptions of Stoudamire's career.

Taylor Rowan tied Justin Langan for the school record of most field goals in a game with five tonight. He also improved his consecutive PAT streak to 91.

Travis Cherry set a career high in tackles with 12. Tonight was his first start since the season opener last season against Morehead State, when he was injured and forced to redshirt.

Matt Barr took over the Leatherneck offense on the second drive of the game. He also led Western in rushing with 114 yards on 15 carries.

Matt Barr became the first Leatherneck quarterback to rush for 100 yards since Frisman Jackson rushed for 109 yards against Southern Illinois in 2000.

Herb Donaldson ran for his eighth career 100-yard game, and fourth consecutive dating back to last season.

Matt Barr and Herb Donaldson became the first Western duo to rush for 100 yards each since Frisman Jackson and Charles Tharp did it in 2000.

Nick Coleman caught his first career touchdown from Matt Barr in the second quarter. It was the also the first touchdown pass of Barr's career.

Quinshun Riley collected his second career interception and returned it a career-long 48 yards.

Josh Galloway recorded his first career sack in the first quarter.

Carl Sims tied his career high in receptions with 9.