Leatherneck Football Returns to the ‘Top 25’ Poll

Western makes first appearance since 2010 final poll

MACOMB, Ill. – For the first time in five years, Western Illinois Football returns to the national rankings. The Fighting Leathernecks debut at 23rd in the FCS Coaches poll and 20th in the STATS FCS poll.

The Leathernecks had received 'Top 25' votes all season long, coming in at 28th heading into last weekend in both polls.

Following the 24-19 win at 12th-ranked UNI, Western joined the 'Top 25' for the first time since the 2010 final poll (17th). The 2010 team debuted at 20th in October and stayed in the poll for seven weeks.

WIU again leads the NCAA FCS this week with the toughest schedule in the country, based off cumulative opposition winning percentage. Boasting a 3-0 record in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the first time since 2000 winning its first three conference games, Western improved to 4-2 overall. The two losses came at Illinois and a 7-point loss at top-ranked Coastal Carolina.

Western takes to the road again this Saturday (Oct. 24), traveling to No. 3 Illinois State. Kickoff in Normal is scheduled for 2 p.m. and can be seen live on Comcast SportsNet Chicago and online at ESPN3.com.

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