The Western Illinois Leathernecks suffered their 24th straight loss, dating back to 2021. (Photo by GoLeathernecks.com)
By Dan Verdun
Western Illinois’ second consecutive winless season came to an end after losing to nationally ranked South Dakota Saturday at Macomb’s Hanson Field.
South Dakota rolled up 559 yards of total offense as the fifth-ranked Coyotes thumped WIU, 48-6, in the regular season Missouri Valley Football Conference finale for both teams.
South Dakota, coached by former Western head coach Bob Nielson, ended the regular season 9-2 overall and 7-1 in the MVFC. The Coyotes are under consideration for a top-eight FCS playoff seed.
WIU suffered its second straight 0-11 season. The Leathernecks were 0-8 in their final season as a Missouri Valley member.
USD ran for 287 yards and averaged seven yards per carry. Nate Thomas led the Coyotes with 102 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.
Coyote quarterback Aiden Bouman passed for 268 yards and two touchdowns. Carter Bell led USD with seven catches for 142 yards and a TD.
There were no turnovers in the game. WIU was flagged for only one penalty while South Dakota was whistled for seven.
Game changers
4:37, 1st quarter: Matt Morrissey connected with senior tight end Tre Maronic for a 15-yard WIU touchdown. The TD gave the Leathernecks a 6-3 lead.
3:39, 1st quarter: USD quarterback Aiden Bouman completed a 54-yard touchdown pass to Keyondre Jones. The TD and extra point gave the Coyotes the lead for good.
2:44, 1st quarter: Bouman burned WIU again, this time with a 56-yard scoring pass to Carter Bell.
What it means
Western’s school-record losing streak stands at 24 games. The last WIU win came against rival Illinois State in 2021.
Nifty ‘Necks
Prairie State Pigskin chooses the top three Western Illinois players in the game:
Ryan Crandall, LB: The sophomore led WIU with nine tackles.
Garret Steffen, DL: The senior registered three tackles and was credited with two pass breakups.
Jared Campbell, P: The junior forced five USD fair catches, placed three punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line and registered a 54-yard boot.
What’s next?
The Leathernecks open the 2024 football season with an Aug. 31 game at FBS Northern Illinois. WIU is leaving the Missouri Valley Football Conference to join the Ohio Valley Conference next season.
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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