MACOMB, IL - Western Illinois came up short on the road Saturday, falling 66-20 at Tennessee Tech in OVC–Big South play. The Leathernecks showed flashes offensively and had several strong individual performances, but were unable to slow down an unbeaten Golden Eagles team.

The day marked the first career start for freshman quarterback Cason Carswell, who delivered a promising debut under center. Carswell completed 34-of-48 passes for 343 yards and two touchdowns, spreading the ball around to multiple playmakers and giving the Leatherneck offense one of its top passing outputs of the season. Wide receiver Christian Anaya had a career day with 13 receptions for 132 yards, while Demari Davis added 99 yards and a touchdown on five catches. Tight end Alex Williams also found the end zone, hauling in three passes for 28 yards and a score.

On special teams, Antonio Chadha once again provided consistency. The junior kicker stayed perfect on the afternoon, hitting field goals from 48 and 33 yards and connecting on both extra point attempts. Chadha has now converted seven straight field goals over the last three weeks.

Defensively, linebacker Kevin Washington Jr. anchored the unit with 10 tackles, his third double-digit performance of the season. Freshman Aa'zoriyon Bonner recorded a sack, while Justin Richardson chipped in 6 tackles.

Western Illinois finished with 375 yards of total offense, including over 340 through the air in Carswell's first start. Despite being held to 32 rushing yards, the Leathernecks moved the ball effectively in stretches and showed continued improvement in the passing game.

With the loss, Western Illinois falls to 1-5 overall and 0-2 in OVC–Big South play. The Leathernecks continue on the road next week heading back to Tennessee to face UT Martin. 

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