This one is for many of the marbles. The winner of the Western Illinois-Northern Iowa game has gone to the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs in 13 of the last 18 Gateway Conference seasons.
Leathernecks quarterback Russ Michna has several fine receivers.
In last week’s 37-32 loss to Southern Illinois, he completed 28-of-42 passes for 375 yards. James Norris caught 10 throws for 147 yards. Terrance Hall caught seven more for 141 yards. And all three of Reggie Gray’s catches went for touchdowns. . . .
Northern Iowa had two Gateway players of the week last week. Special teams man Brian Wingert booted four field goals. Benny Sapp scored on defense with a 77-yard interception return and on offense with a 28-yard reception.
– 1:05 p.m. Saturday vs. Northern Iowa
