Leatherneck rewind: Western Illinois falls at Southern Utah

Senior linebacker Juan DelaCruz celebrates a sack in Saturday’s game at Southern Utah. (Photo by GoLeathernecks.com)

By Dan Verdun

A season ago, Western Illinois lost a seven-point game late to visiting Southern Utah. A year later, the game’s outcome was in doubt late into the fourth quarter yet produced a similar result.

The Leathernecks (0-4) rallied from a 14-point deficit to forge a 17-17 tie at halftime.

“We gave up some easy plays in the second quarter,” Southern Utah head coach DeLane Fitzgerald said on SUUTbirds.com. “We’re up, got a chance to blow the game out and go up 24-3, and throw an interception.

“We never rebounded, let them drive the field and score a touchdown.”

WIU had a chance to take the lead going into the break after sophomore linebacker Ryan Crandall grabbed an interception. However, Owen Valek missed a 42-field goal attempt with 19 seconds left in the second quarter.

SUU (1-3) claimed a 24-17 lead late in the third quarter when running back Targhee Lambson scored his second touchdown of the game.

The Thunderbirds’ touchdown was set up when WIU quarterback Matt Morrissey was intercepted at the 2:51 mark. SUU began its drive on the Western 21-yard line.

WIU appeared to have scored the tying touchdown early in the fourth quarter when senior running back Ludovick Choquette ran into the end zone from three yards out. A holding penalty, however, nullified the touchdown.

Two plays later, Morrissey was intercepted in the end zone for a touchback.

Later in the quarter, WIU’s Valek missed a 35-yard field goal attempt.

SUU added to its lead when quarterback Justin Miller threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Wooden off a double move.

The Thunderbirds put the game away on a 60-yard interception return for a touchdown by defensive back Cody Coleman. Thus, Southern Utah prevailed, 37-17.

“Hats off to our defense,” Fitzgerald said. “Our defense outscored their offense, 7-0, and their offense is pretty darn good.”

Game changers

5:14, 2nd quarter: Morrissey connected with Jaylin Jackson for a 44-yard touchdown pass. Valek’s extra point cut Southern Utah’s lead to 17-10.

1:23, 2nd quarter: Following a SUU timeout, Morrissey completed a short pass to Choquette, resulting in a 14-yard gain to the Thunderbirds’ 1-yard line.

1:02, 2nd quarter: Choquette ran left for a 1-yard touchdown. Valek’s PAT tied the game at 17-17.

What it means

WIU’s losing streak – which dates back to 2021 – has now reached 17 games, the longest in FCS.

Nifty ‘Necks

Prairie State Pigskin chooses the top three Western Illinois players in the game:

Jackson, WR: The senior led WIU with seven receptions for 94 yards, including his 44-yard touchdown catch.

Juan DelaCruz, LB: The senior registered 10 tackles, including two for loss and one sack.

Bradyn Smith, DB: The senior had eight tackles, an interception and a pass breakup.

What’s next?

The Leathernecks enter their bye week before resuming their Missouri Valley Football Conference schedule with a trip to North Dakota Oct. 7.

Dan Verdun is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin. He has written four books: NIU Huskies Football, EIU Panthers Football, ISU Redbirds Football and SIU Salukis Football.

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