Western Illinois snapped a school-record 27-game losing streak and wound up with four wins in 2024. (Photo by GoLeathernecks.com)
By Dan Verdun
Western Illinois showed promise for the future under first-year head coach Joe Davis.
After shaking off a program-record 27-game losing streak with a late September victory, the Leathernecks won two of their first three games in their inaugural season as members of the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Football Association.
WIU showed a resurgence on offense, including a strong running game at times featuring transfer back Cameren Smith who rushed for 802 yards and seven touchdowns.
However, the Leathernecks struggled mightily on defense and dropped four of their final five games of the season. WIU did end the season on a high note, downing Gardner-Webb, 45-28.
Here’s our look back on Western’s 2024 season:
Head coach: Joe Davis
Conference: Big South-Ohio Valley Football Association
Overall record (conference record): 4-8 (3-5)
Biggest win: The Leathernecks produced both offensively and defensively in a 37-21 victory over Tennessee Tech, a team that would finish in a four-way tie for first place in the Big South-OVC Football Association. The win gave WIU a 2-1 start in its inaugural season in the league.
Most disappointing loss: Three fourth-quarter turnovers and a holding penalty that negated a go-ahead touchdown left WIU reeling from a 49-38 defeat at Lindenwood in a game the Leathernecks led 38-35 early in the final quarter.
Breakout players
Offense: Quarterback Nathan Lamb proved to be the trigger for the Davis-called offense. Lamb passed for 3,331 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also rushed for 342 net yards and eight TDs.
Defense: True freshman Jordan Anderson worked his way into the WIU defensive backfield starting lineup. The Detroit native finished fifth on the team with 45 tackles. Anderson also had an interception and a pass breakup.
All-Conference First Team: WR Matthew Henry
All-Conference Second Team: RB Cameren Smith, OL Isaiah Foote, OL Ryan Merklinger, QB Nathan Lamb
2025 season opener: According to FBSchedules.com, the Leathernecks open Aug. 30 at the University of Illinois.
Up next: Barry Bottino examines 5 Burning Questions facing Western Illinois football.
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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