Western Illinois head coach Joe Davis takes his Leathernecks to Florence. Ala., for a 3 p.m. Saturday non-conference game against North Alabama. (Photo by GoLeathernecks.com)
By Dan Verdun
Whether it’s an NAIA opponent, a Big Ten member or an FCS foe, Western Illinois head coach Joe Davis’ message has been the same.
“We’ve had a little bit of a mentality this fall of ‘Us vs. Us,’ really trying to focus on ourselves when it comes to our discipline, our execution and us being able to bring a positive mental attitude,” Davis said during this week’s Ohio Valley Conference media session.
The Leathernecks have faced all of the above in their non-conference schedule thus far this season: NAIA Northwestern (Iowa) College, Big Ten Wisconsin along with FCS Illinois State and Morehead State.
WIU (2-2) concludes its non-conference slate at 3 p.m. Saturday against North Alabama (2-2) before its OVC opener next weekend.
Both teams head into Saturday off resounding wins. Western steamrolled Morehead State, 59-2, while North Alabama clipped Alcorn State, 38-20.
“We’re still searching for that complete game as a football program,” Davis said. “(We’re) still being plagued a little bit by penalties. Still being plagued a little bit in the special teams return aspect.”
Left tackle Tyler Sulsberger sees Saturday as a measuring stick before WIU hosts Tennessee State in the Oct. 3 conference opener.
“We’ve done some good things and some things we need to build on. This last game should show how well we’ve tied everything together,” Sulsberger said.
QB1 and 1A
The quarterback combination of Kennedy McGill and Cason Carswell has spearheaded the Leatherneck offense this season.
While both are likely to play Saturday, McGill accounted for five touchdowns against Morehead State. The Division II transfer passed for 264 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 81 yards and a touchdown.
McGill was named the OVC Co-Offensive Player of the Week.
“We knew from the jump that we were going to have two really good quarterbacks, starting-caliber quarterbacks,” Davis said. “These last couple games, Kennedy has earned the right to be the starter and play the majority of the snaps.
“But listen, Cason has all the confidence in the world from his teammates and certainly from our coaching staff. Cason is fully capable of going in and having huge numbers and very big production.”
Kickoff: 3 p.m.; TV: BTN; Radio: Q981fm.com
Key matchup to watch
WIU secondary vs. North Alabama WR Xavier Johnson
Johnson earned United Athletic Conference Freshman of the Week honors after racking up 161 all-purpose yards in North Alabama’s win against Alcorn State, which served as the debut for UNA’s Bank Independent Stadium.
Johnson caught five passes for 86 yards to mark his fourth straight game with at least 80 yards receiving. The Fort Worth, Texas, native also broke off a 75-yard touchdown run on a reverse.
Johnson leads the FCS with 472 receiving yards.
What’s at stake
A Western victory would send the Leathernecks into OVC play with a winning record.
Quick hits
Saturday’s game marks the second meeting all-time between Western Illinois and North Alabama. The teams first met on Aug. 29, 2019, with UNA earning a 26-17 victory over the Leathernecks in Florence. … Davis said WIU will take a charter flight from Peoria early Friday afternoon. … McGill leads the team with 285 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Running back Ishon Jackson-Anderson is second with 163 rushing yards and two TDs. … Junior Jacob Kania tops the Leathernecks with 14 receptions for 156 yards. … Linebacker Nick Reinicke leads Western with 30 tackles, including five for loss. The Iowa State transfer has eight QB hurries, two sacks, a forced fumble and a pass breakup. … Junior Ronan Culkin is 6-for-6 on field goal attempts. He is 3-for-3 from both the 20- to 30-yard range and 30-40 yards. Culkin’s longest field goal is 37 yards. … Twelve of Culkin’s 29 kickoffs have gone for touchbacks.
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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