FARGO, N.D. – The Western Illinois football team took on North Dakota State in Fargo on Saturday with the Bison coming away with a 52-7 win.
The Bison started quickly, scoring on their first nine possessions. North Dakota State scored touchdowns on the first five of those drives. The Bison added a field goal before half to go up 38-0 at the break.
Western Illinois was able to get on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter as Matt Morrissey connected with AJ Coons for a 43-yard touchdown pass. The score was the first for Coons as a Leathernecks and tied his longest reception of the season.
The Leathernecks ran for a season-high on the ground, rushing for 113. Seth Glatz led the way, rushing for season-high 64 yards on 11 carries.
Morrissey went 8-13 with a touchdown and an interception for 71 yards. Coons had a pair of receptions for 48 yards.
Defensively, Bradyn Smith had a big day, registering 13 tackles, six solo for the Leathernecks. Kaleb Randolph had his first career forced fumble and fumble recovery, the first lost fumble of the season for NDSU. Ryan Crandall added five tackles, one for a loss.
Punter Jared Campbell also had a big day for Western Illinois, punting seven times for an average of 38.6. Campbell had a long of 51 yards and two downed inside the 20. He also ran for 15 yards on a fake punt that picked up a first down.
The Leathernecks return home next Saturday to host Southern Illinois at 3 p.m. for Hall of Fame Weekend.
