Who | Western Illinois (1-6, 1-3) at North Dakota (2-4, 0-3)
When | Saturday, Oct. 23 - 2 p.m.
Where | Grand Forks, N.D. - Alerus Center
Radio | Q98.1, and Leatherneck Sports Network (Mixlr) - Dr. Tom Cody and Randy Larson
TV | ESPN+
Social Media | Twitter + Facebook + #TRADITIONofTOUGH
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Quick Hits
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Western Illinois football has entered the final â…“ of its regular season, as week eight involves a visit to the North Dakota Fighting Hawks.
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Last weekend (Oct. 16), WIU dropped home appearance to nationally-ranked South Dakota State in a 41-17 decision.
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In the SDSU game, Dennis Houston recorded 14 receptions that ended as a personal season-high and tied for the second-best single-game clip within program records.
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North Dakota is searching for its first win in conference play.
Most Recently … | Hosting the Jackrabbits, WIU kept the scoring margin notably close in the first half. SDSU went on the scoreboard first at the 8:11 mark in the opening 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 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.
Best in the FCS | Entering week eight, WIU impressively contains a trio of standouts who lead the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in three respective categories for individual statistics:
Joiner also narrowly places second behind Lawson in solo tackles nationally (51).
Close to a New Mark | As of today (Oct. 19), Connor Sampson only needs 26 more passing yards to set a new personal single-season record. His highest season total happened back during 2019 when he threw for 2,092 yards. Sampson ranks best in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) for that individual category and completions per game (28.57).
A Brief History | There is little history between the two programs, as Saturday will only be the third all-time meeting. North Dakota has won the first pair of matchups -- most recently taking a 38-21 decision this past March.
