MACOMB, Ill. - Leatherneck football returns home on Saturday, Oct. 3, opening Ohio Valley Conference play against Tennessee State at 3 p.m. at Hanson Field.
Western Illinois enters the matchup at 2-3 following a 23-20 loss at North Alabama on Sept. 26. The Leathernecks held a 20-16 lead with under two minutes remaining before North Alabama scored with 51 seconds left to take the lead. Western Illinois put together one final drive, moving the ball to the North Alabama 1-yard line before the Lions recorded a sack to secure the victory.
Kennedy McGill threw for two touchdowns in the contest, connecting with David Hargro for scores of nine and five yards. McGill also connected with Ihson Jackson-Anderson for a 62-yard completion, while Jackson-Anderson added a 23-yard rush. Defensively, Christian Garrett intercepted North Alabama quarterback Destin Wade, while LeBron Morgan recovered a fourth-quarter fumble.
Tennessee State enters Saturday's matchup at 1-3 following a 29-26 victory over Florida A&M on Sept. 19. The Tigers scored the game-winning touchdown with 51 seconds remaining when Daylin Lee connected with Brenton Paul for a 20-yard score.
Scouting Tennessee State
The Tigers enter conference play following a comeback victory over Florida A&M. Tennessee State finished with 390 yards of total offense, including 259 passing yards from Lee, who completed 18-of-27 attempts with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Paul was a key contributor for the Tigers, accounting for all three of Tennessee State's offensive touchdowns. He rushed 26 times for 92 yards and a touchdown while adding four receptions for 36 yards and two receiving touchdowns. Cam Bulluck led the receiving corps with four catches for 84 yards, including a 63-yard reception.
Defensively, Matthew Wilson led Tennessee State with seven tackles against Florida A&M. Jalen LaBranche added a 61-yard interception return for a touchdown, while Epoki Fakaosi forced a fourth-quarter fumble that was recovered by Sammy Taylor.
The Tigers also made an impact on special teams, with Rymen Mosley blocking an extra-point attempt before Syncere Safeeullah returned it 97 yards for two points.
Tennessee State won the turnover battle 2-0 against Florida A&M and held the ball for 36:04. The Tigers also limited Florida A&M to 134 rushing yards.
Series History
Saturday's matchup will be the third meeting all-time between Western Illinois and Tennessee State. The two teams have split the first two meetings, with the all-time series tied at 1-1.
Western Illinois will look to take the series lead when the Leathernecks and Tigers meet Saturday at Hanson Field.
Kickoff between the Leathernecks and Tigers is set for 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Hanson Field in Macomb.
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