MACOMB, IL. — The Leathernecks secured a 17-16 road win over Tennessee State on Saturday afternoon at Nissan Stadium, earning its second victory of the season and first in conference play.

The Leathernecks' defense set the tone early, as Malini Ti'a jumped a route late in the first quarter and returned an interception 20 yards for a touchdown to give WIU a 7-3 lead. After the Tigers briefly regained the advantage in the second quarter, Cason Carswell connected with Demari Davis on a 40-yard touchdown strike to push Western Illinois back in front, 14-10.

Tennessee State added a pair of field goals to take a 16-14 edge into the third, but Antonio Chadha drilled a 51-yard field goal late in the period to cap the scoring and secure the win for the Leathernecks.

Defensively, WIU delivered one of its best efforts of the season, tallying five sacks and two interceptions while holding the Tigers to just 16 points. Kevin Washington Jr. led the charge with eight tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks, while Christian Pierce matched his tackle total with eight tackles and four tackles for loss. Don Paul Keith also added an interception of his own in the 4th quarter to help seal the game for the Leathernecks.  

Jalen Riven, Joe Edwards, and Buju Aumua-Tuisavura each added a sack as Western Illinois finished with 14 tackles for loss.

Offensively, Carswell threw for 133 yards and one touchdown, completing passes to six different receivers. Markell Holman paced the ground game with 50 yards on 13 carries.

Luke Droegemueller punted eight times for an average of 43.5 yards, pinning four inside the 20-yard line. 

The Leathernecks (2-7, 1-4 OVC - Big South) will enjoy this win heading into their bye next week before returning home for a matchup against Lindenwood.

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