The Leathernecks took some encouraging steps in Saturday’s 34-24 loss to No. 2-ranked Southern Illinois. For one thing, WIU’s often shaky defense held the Salukis more than two touchdowns below the 49.5-point average they carried into the game. Wyatt Green forced a fumble and freshman defensive back J.D. Jean intercepted a pass to produce sorely needed turnovers.
More defensive improvement will be needed, however, to secure a victory Saturday at Gateway Conference co-leader Youngstown State (5-1, 2-0). Western’s defense still has yielded 38.3 points per game, while the Penguins have averaged 36 points and yielded just 14.7, the best defensive mark in the conference. . . .
Reggie Gray had 10 catches for 85 yards against the Salukis. He is second in career receptions at WIU and needs 15 more, and 142 yards, to become the school leader in those categories.
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Next: Saturday at Youngstown State, 3 p.m.
