University News

Leatherneck Football Returns to the Playoffs, Travels to Dayton

November 23, 2015

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Courtesy of WIU Athletics

The Western Illinois Fighting Leatherneck football program is returning to the postseason. For the first time since 2010, and 10th time in program history, Western returns to the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs when it travels to Dayton this Saturday (Nov. 28). Kickoff is scheduled for 11 am (CST) and can be seen live on ESPN3.

The winner will face Missouri Valley Football Conference co-champion Illinois State (#2 overall seed) the following Saturday, December 5.

Western closed out the regular season with consecutive overtime wins, most recently a double-overtime home win over then fifth-ranked South Dakota State, 30-24. That victory improved WIU to 6-5 overall and 5-3 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

The win also created a three-way tie for third place in the nation's toughest FCS conference, and Western held a tie-breaker over SDSU and Northern Iowa. In all, the MVFC sent five teams to the postseason.

"I'm really proud… really proud of our guys and really happy for them too. To play the schedule that we did, and battle through the tough games that we did, I certainly thought we were deserving (of making the playoffs). But you never know how these things go and a lot of other people thought we were deserving as well," said head coach Bob Nielson. "We've been in playoff mode and hopefully that can carry over into our preparation this week, with great focus and continuing to improve as a football team. I thought we showed a lot of improvement here over the last two weeks and we need to continue to improve as we head into the playoffs.

Dayton shared the Pioneer League's regular season title, finishing 7-1 in the league and 10-1 overall. The Flyers are coming off a 27-17 loss at Drake to close out the regular season. Western and Dayton do not have any common opponents this year, and will meet for the first time. The Leathernecks are 8-0 all-time against the Pioneer League, last year defeating Valparaiso (45-6) and Drake (38-13).

Western owns a 6-9 record all-time in the playoffs. In 2010, the Leathernecks traveled to Coastal Carolina and defeated the Chanticleers 17-10 before falling at No. 2 seed Appalachian State. WIU will make its fifth appearance since 2000 and eighth dating back to the 1996 season.

Senior running back Nikko Watson leads the offensive attack, rushing for 1,003 yards this year in nine games and 13 touchdowns on the ground. Junior wide receiver Lance Lenoir is approaching 1,000 receiving yards – ending the regular season with 994 yards and five touchdowns on 69 receptions.

Redshirt-freshman quarterback Sean McGuire improved to 2-0 in his first two collegiate starts. He has thrown for 614 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 57 yards and two scores in the last two overtime victories.

Sophomore linebacker Brett Taylor ranks 11th nationally in total tackles (11.2 per game) and 14th in solo tackles (6.1). He leads the defense with 123 total tackles, including 8.5 for a loss. He also recovered three fumbles, forced two and had an interception. Taylor has scored two touchdowns on defense this year.

Five different Leathernecks have recorded at least two interceptions this year, led by redshirt-freshman Timothy Smith with three.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for college-age students and younger. Fans can purchase online or by calling (937) 229-4433. The Dayton ticket office will be closed on Thanksgiving.

For more information on the NCAA Division I playoffs and Western's opening round game, log onto GoLeathernecks.com.

Posted By: WIU Athletics (SID@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing