MACOMB, Ill. – The Western Illinois University football team kicks off the 2024 season on Saturday afternoon, traveling to DeKalb, Illinois to battle in-state foe, Northern Illinois. The game starts at 2:30 p.m. and will air on ESPN+
The season opener is also the dawning of a new era of Leatherneck football as Joe Davis makes his debut as head coach of the Leathernecks. Davis previously was the offensive coordinator at Eastern Illinois.
Davis is not the lone Leatherneck making his debut as the roster features several newcomers on the field and the coaching staff.
WHO | Western Illinois (0-0, 0-0) at Northern Illinois (0-0, 0-0)
WHEN | Saturday, August 31, 2:30 p.m.
WHERE | Huskie Stadium, DeKalb, Illinois.
ABOUT THE LEATHERNECKS | The Leathernecks come into the game looking to snap a 24-game losing streak. The last Western Illinois victory came on Saturday, October 30, 2021, against Illinois State. The last Leatherneck road win was at Youngstown State on September 25, 2021 … The Leathernecks make their debut in the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Football Association … Western Illinois was projected to finish ninth … Western Illinois returns four of its leading tacklers from last season in Bradyn Smith, Juan DelaCruz, Ryan Crandall, and KJ Coleman.
ABOUT THE HUSKIES | Northern Illinois went 7-6 overall last year and 6-5 in the MAC … NIU ended the 2023 season on a three-game winning streak, ending the year with a 21-19 win over Arkansas State in the Camellia Bowl … NIU also won six of their final eight games … The Huskies have won their last three season openers, winning last season at Boston College 27-24 in overtime … Three of NIU's five 2023 All-MAC selections return this season led by first-team running back Antario Brown, who rushed for 1,296 yards and 10 touchdowns. Cornerback Javaughn Byrd was a second-team selection after making 28 tackles with two interceptions and five pass breakups. Wide Receiver Trayvon Rudolph earned his third career All-MAC honor with a spot on the third team. Rudolph led NIU with 51 receptions for 536 yards while averaging 22.0 yards per kick return.
PRESEASON ACCOLADES | For the Leathernecks, Nathan Lamb (quarterback), Torrance Farmer Jr. (running back), Demari Davis (wide receiver), Brandon Lanier (tight end), Isaiah Foote (offensive line), Tre Henry (defensive line), Juan DelaCruz (linebacker), Willie Jones (defensive back), Christiaan Masucci (placekicker) and Jared Campbell (punter) were named Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Football Association Players to Watch … Western Illinois football team also was recognized by Phil Steele/Draftscout.com with five players named to the 2024 Phil Steele/Draftscout.com Preseason All-Big South-OVC Team. The Leathernecks had a pair of linebackers named second team as Juan DelaCruz and Ryan Crandall were honored. Western Illinois also had a trio of players named third team as wide receiver Demari Davis, offensive lineman Isaiah Foote, and cornerback Willie Jones were listed.
HISTORY | The Huskies lead the all-time series 21-18-1. However, Western Illinois has won four of the last five, including the previous meeting, a 28-23 victory in DeKalb on September 24, 2016.
EXTRA NOTES | Western Illinois is 65-51-4 all-time in season openers. The Leatherneck program began in 1903. The last WIU season-opening win came on August 31, 2017, a 41-14 victory at Tennessee Tech … The game marks the debut of new Leatherneck head coach Joe Davis. New WIU coaches are 14-15-2 in their Western Illinois debut ... The Leathernecks officially begin play in the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Football Association this season. Western Illinois played in the Missouri Valley Football Conference/Gateway Conference from 1985-2023.
WHAT'S NEXT | Western Illinois remains on the road, playing under the Friday Night Lights next week. The Leathernecks travel to Bloomington, Indiana to take on Indiana at 6 p.m. on Friday.
