MACOMB, IL - Western Illinois football dropped to 3-8 on Saturday afternoon in Macomb, IL, falling 22-17 to Southeast Missouri State at Hanson Field. The Leathernecks built a 17-10 halftime lead but were held scoreless after the break, as SEMO used an 80-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter and a fourth-quarter safety to swing momentum.

Western opened strong behind a 53-yard field goal from Antonio Chadha and a 12-yard touchdown pass from Cason Carswell to Markell Holman. Carswell later connected with Demari Davis on a 17-yard strike, giving the Leathernecks a 17-3 cushion before SEMO scored just before halftime.

Holman led Western with 118 rushing yards and added 70 receiving yards, while Davis posted 104 yards receiving. Carswell finished with 287 passing yards. Western outgained SEMO 398-372 and held a slight edge in time of possession.

Defensively, Christian Pierce recorded 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks, and Malini Ti'a added nine tackles. Western's defense generated pressure throughout the afternoon, totaling three sacks and six quarterback hurries, but SEMO's big-play touchdown and late field goal proved to be too much to overcome. 

Western Illinois travels to Gardner Webb for the season finale next week.

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