The Western Illinois University football team took a loss on the road Friday night, falling to Indiana 77-3 in Bloomington, Indiana.
The meeting was the first ever between the two programs. The Leathernecks are next in action next Saturday, playing at in-state, and former Missouri Valley Football Conference rival Illinois State in Normal, Illinois.
The Hoosiers (2-0) looked every bit the Big 10 team they are, jumping out to a 28-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Indiana would keep up the scoring before Western Illinois (0-2) put together a 12-play, 69-yard drive that ended with Antonio Chadha’s 31-yard field goal.
The make was Chadha’s third field goal this season.
Christian Pierce and Ryan Crandall led Western Illinois’ defense, each making 11 tackles, respectively. Seven of Pierce’s stops were of the solo variety. KJ Coleman added nine tackles and teamed up with Crandall on a tackle for loss. Michael Newman also had a solid night, finishing with eight tackles.
On the offensive side of the ball, wide receivers Christian Anaya and Demari Davis each had strong outings. Anaya hauled in five passes for 56 yards while Davis added four catches for 41 yards.
In his second WIU start at quarterback, Nathan Lamb completed 13 passes for 25 yards. On the ground, Torrance Farmer Jr. had five carries for 20 yards.
Punter Jared Campbell had nine punts, averaging 41.6 yards per boot.