MACOMB, Ill. - Stepping up to another significant challenge in the competitive Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), Western Illinois football (1-6, 1-3) hosted FCS nationally-ranked South Dakota State (5-1, 2-1) on Saturday (Oct. 16). WIU kept the scoring margin notably close in the first half, which saw the score become tied up twice. The Jackrabbits ultimately went on to capture a 41-17 decision.

"For the entire game, I was proud of how hard our guys played," said WIU head football coach Jared Elliott. "It was a much better start from our team overall, which was needed, of course. We still had some critical mistakes that cannot afford to happen against a team like South Dakota State."

"We tackled better at times and tried to make it a one-dimensional game. At the end of the day, we simply didn't make enough plays."

SDSU went on the scoreboard first at the 8:11 mark in the first quarter -- completing a four-yard pass. Gaining yardage on a 7-play drive, Dennis Houston ran in a 12-yard rushing touchdown with just under two minutes to play in the period. The score remained tied at the quarter's conclusion.

Mason Laramie kicked a 43-yard field goal only two minutes in the second to give WIU its first lead of the day. Western landed a few ensuing successful defensive possessions before SDSU evened the score again, 10-10, on a field goal of its own for 47 yards. SDSU capped another (29 yards) to take a 13-10 advantage with mere seconds remaining before the halftime break.

Opening the third, SDSU blocked a Leatherneck punt to scoop it up for a recovery return, increasing its lead to 20-10. However, Myles Wanza would quickly give the Leathernecks life again when he maneuvered his way into the endzone for a 15-yard rush. Nevertheless, points continued to be traded, as a 17-yard rush for six by the Jackrabbits kept them in front, 27-17. An additional touchdown was added before the quarter wrapped up.

Another rushing touchdown by the Jackrabbits occurred during the fourth quarter's first minute of play, which would be the last points scored of the afternoon, as SDSU contained strong field position down the stretch.

The Leathernecks visit North Dakota in a week (Oct. 23) for a 2 p.m. CT showing.
 

Notes

• Dennis Houston's 14 receptions were a personal season-high and ties for the second-best single-game clip within the WIU record books.

• Houston and Myles Wanza each scored their second rushing touchdowns of the fall.

• Connor Sampson's 51 attempts were his second-most in a single game this season.

• Mason Laramie's field goal was his third make this year.

• Sampson currently sits at 200 completions on the season.

• WIU led for the first time in a first-half showing this year.