LEBANON, Ill. – Coming off a win in their home opener against Minnesota State University Moorhead, the Bearcats will play their third road contest in four weeks as they travel to FCS-member, Western Illinois University.
Game Information
- Hanson Field, Macomb, Illinois
- 6:00 p.m. kickoff
Weekly Awards
For the first time this season, the Bearcats have a member of their football team chosen by the GLVC. Redshirt senior Andrew Sherry was named GLVC Defensive Player of the Week for his strong performance on Saturday against MSU-Moorhead.
The New Lenox, Illinois native recorded 11 solo tackles, which tied his career high. He also intercepted a Dragon pass and returned it 30 yards into MSUM territory. Along with the interception, he broke up two passes.
Series History
The Bearcats and Leathernecks have met on the grid iron before, but it's been 89 years since the last meeting in 1935. The game on Saturday will be the sixth meeting between the two with the Bearcats holding the 3-2 edge in the brief series.
Bearcats vs FCS Members
McKendree has a small history against FCS schools as this will be the third contest. Two years ago, McKendree battled Lindenwood University in the Lions first year of Division I competition. Prior to that, back in 2016, the Bearcats traveled to Drake University.
Scouting the Bearcats
The Bearcats are coming off a home opener win over non-conference foe MSU-Moorhead by the score of 22-15 and sport an overall record of 2-1. In the contest, Ty Michael was 20 of 36 for 244 yards and two touchdowns. Redshirt senior Yogi Flager, Jr. went six catches for 119 yards and a touchdown. Eddie Clark was a workhorse in the run game with 24 carries for 102 yards and a score.
The Bearcats were able to keep their offense on the field as they had the ball for almost 38 minutes. They are now averaging over 35 minutes per game, which leads the GLVC and is sixth in the country. Helping that stat is their 3rd down conversion percentage defense in which they are 5th in Division II at 19.4%.
On the defensive side, Keshawn Lyons leads the country is passes defended per game at 2.7. After his 11 tackles in week 3, Sherry is now tied for the team with Nick Bova at 21 total tackles.
Scouting the Leathernecks
The Western Illinois University Leathernecks are new members of the Big South-OVC after being a part of the Missouri Valley Conference. So far this season, they are 0-3 and have run their FCS long losing streak to 27 games, dating back to October of 2021.
Last time out for the Leathernecks was two weeks ago at Illinois State, where they suffered the 51-34 loss. WIU and ISU were tied at 21 late in the 2nd quarter, before the Redbirds outscored WIU 30 to 13 for the remaining of the game.
Quarterback Nathan Lamb was named the Big South-OVC's Co-Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against ISU. After completing his first 11 passes, he went on to be 24 of 33 for 269 yards and a touchdown. On the season, he has completed 61% of his passes for 582 yards and two touchdowns.
Lamb's top target so far this year has been Matthew Henry who has 8 catches for 135 yards. On the ground, Cameren Smith leads the Leathernecks with 43 carries for 146 yards.
