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Tony Tate
Rachael Keating

Leathernecks Open Spring Slate Saturday

Western Illinois will play host to Missouri State Saturday at 12 p.m.

Who | Western Illinois vs. Missouri State 
When | Saturday, Feb. 27 - 12 p.m. 
Where | Hanson Field - Macomb, Ill.  
Radio | Mixlr - Dr. Tom Cody & RJ Larson  
TV | ESPN3+ - Nick Sable (PxP) & Andrew Sutton (CC)  
Social Media | Twitter #TRADITIONofTOUGH
 
Gameday Protocol | After thorough discussion and consultation with university leaders, Western Illinois Athletics made the decision to decrease seating at all outdoor events this spring. Student-athletes will be permitted to have only their families in attendance, admitted via the player pass list. 
 
Gates open 45 minutes before kick-off, and a temperature check will be required for entry into Hanson Field. Fans are also asked to socially distance themselves and wear a mask at all times. 
 
For more information on gameday protocol, click here. 
 
Quick Hits
- Western Illinois opens up MVFC play versus Missouri State in back-to-back seasons; the 2019 opener required three overtimes before falling in favor of the Bears, 37-31
- WIU has won three of the last four matchups against Missouri State
- Adam Fellner was picked a preseason MVC honorable mention
 
2019 Nuggets | Western Illinois finished the 2019 season 1-11, with its lone win occurring in a 38-34 decision over South Dakota. The Leathernecks finished the slate 'Top 40' in the following national rankings: 
 
- Completion Percentage (60.3 % / 36th in NCAA)
- Net Punting (37.34 / 30th) 
- Combined Kick Returns - Justin Hall (706 yards / 20th)
- Completions Per Game - Connor Sampson (19.25 / 33rd)
- Punting - Adam Fellner (42.5 / 18th)
 
The Captains | Connor Sampson enters the second year of his captaincy. Eryk Preston and Tony Tate join him as team captains for the 2021 spring season.   
 
Season-Opening Success | The Leathernecks have a history of success in season-opening games against FCS opponents. In the last 15 openers, Western has only three losses, two recently back-to-back to kickstart the 2019 and 2018 seasons. 
 
2019: 17-26 loss at North Alabama
2018: 23-26 loss at Montana State  
2017: 41-14 at Tennessee Tech
2016: 38-21 at Eastern Illinois
2015: 33-5 vs. #25 Eastern Illinois
2014: 45-6 vs. Valparaiso
2013: 42-9 vs. Hampton
2012: 23-15 vs. Butler
2011: 20-6 loss at Sam Houston State (eventual national runner-up)
2010: 45-0 vs. Valparaiso
2009: 35-28 at Sam Houston State
2007: 29-26 (4OT) win vs. #20 South Dakota State
2006: 31-6 vs. Morehead State
2002: 64-7 vs. Drake
2001: 17-13 vs. #3 Western Kentucky
 
Since 2000, the Leathernecks have also defeated:
Division II Wayne State (35-3 in 2003)
 
and lost to FBS teams:
Missouri (50-20 in 2000)
Nebraska (56-17 in 2004)
Toledo (62-14 in 2005)
Arkansas (28-24 in 2008)
 
MVFC Preseason Accolades | Adam Fellner was named an MVFC preseason honorable mention. The Ozark, Mo., native finished the 2019 season 18th in the FCS and third in the Valley, averaging 42.5 yards per punt. He booted a punt a career-long 64 yards in the Leathernecks' season-finale at Northern Iowa, and on 194 career punts - 31 traveled over 50 yards, 46 were downed inside the 20-yard line, and 46 were called fair catches. 
 
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