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WIU kicks 2022 off at UT Martin

Leathernecks open season at ranked Skyhawks

 
Who | Western Illinois (0-0) at No. 15/18 UT Martin (0-0)
 
When | Thursday, Sept. 1 6:30 p.m.

Where | Hardy M. Graham Stadium, Martin, Tennessee

Social media | Twitter + Facebook
  
Previous matchup: The two teams have only met one time in the history of both programs, a 56-0 Western Illinois win in 2003. It was a record-setting day for the Leathernecks as quarterback Russ Michna tossed five touchdowns, all in the first half, the most TD passes in a half and second-most TD passes for an individual in a game in program history. It was not just the offense that shined. The Leatherneck defense surrendered -20 yards rushing by UT-Martin, the fewest a Western defense has allowed in a single game.
 
Preseason notes: The game marks not only the beginning of a new season for Leatherneck football, but a new era as well. Western Illinois graduate Myers Hendrickson takes over control of the Leatherneck program and coaches his first game as head coach of WIU. Hendrickson also brings a staff that is making their coaching debuts at Western Illinois. In the Missouri Valley Football Conference preseason poll, the Leathernecks were projected to finish 11th in the MVFC.
 
Leathernecks to watch: Running back Ludovick Choquette is the team's leading returning rusher and receiver from last season and also scored the most touchdowns by a returner from last season. Kicker Mason Laramie is back. Laramie went 32-32 on PATs last season and made eight field goals, including a game-winner against Youngstown State. Cornerback JJ Ross is the team's leading returning tackler from a year ago (35) while linebacker Juan De La Cruz is the second-leading tackler from last year (30).
 
Scouting the opponents: UT Martin comes into the game ranked No. 15 in the AFCA Coaches FCS preseason poll and No. 18 in the STATS preseason poll. The Skyhawks were selected as the preseason favorite in the Ohio Valley Conference and are coming off a season that saw the program advance to the second round of the FCS postseason.
John H. Ford was selected as OVC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Ford was joined on the Preseason All-OVC team by running back Zak Wallace, wide receiver Colton Dowell, offensive lineman Matthan Hatchie, guard Gavin Olson, offensive tackle Lamar Logan, cornerback Oshae Baker and safety Deven Sims.
 
What's next: After Thursday night's game at UT Martin, the Leathernecks remain on the road, traveling to Minneapolis to take on Minnesota. The Leathernecks and Gophers meet Saturday, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m.
 
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