FCS Week 12 MVFC Preview: Western Illinois v. Southern Illinois

FCS Week 12 MVFC Preview

Western Illinois Vs Southern Illinois Preview

By Matt Anzio 

Western Illinois is coming off a 57 – 21 loss to the undefeated Champions North Dakota State Bison. 

Quarterback Connor Sampson had an off day throwing 2 INT’s,while QB Kevin Johnson had a better day with 2 touchdown passes. Their big Junior RB Clint Ratcovich was the recipient of one of those TD receptions as he continues to make an impact for his team weekly. The other  TD’s for the Leathernecks belonged to Wideout Senior George Wahee. 

The Southern Illinois Salukis are on a hot streak, now 6-4 with 4 conference wins in a row. The Salukis coming off a 37 – 14 victory over a lonely Missouri State team. They jumped out to a 30-0 lead by half time, they will look to keep this train rolling. Junior QB Kare Lyles had 4 pass TD’s but was also picked off twice on the day.

One of my favorite young players freshman Running back Javon Williams Jr who had 113 yards running, while also being 2 for 2 for 62 yds & a TD throwing the rock. The 6 foot 1 240 pound multifaceted back is a player to keep an eye on the next 3 years.  

Southern Illinois has had success with a trio of backs this season including Williams Jr, speedster Romier Elliot & dynamic well versed senior in D.J.Davis. On offense they also feature a pair of wideouts inJunior Landon Lenoir & sophomore Avante Cox L, who both had 2 TD catches a piece last week. 

The Leathernecks Defense will need to step up to contain all that fire power the Salukis have on tap. A defense that let up 313 yds & 2 TD’s through the air while allowing 123 yd rusher plus a stampede of other rushers with yardage have a tough task ahead of them.

The Leathernecks need to slow down the Salukis. They will need to get players like savage Edge rusher Junior Kyle Williams going like last week, with the fumble recovery for a WIU  score.

The Salukis would like nothing more than to make it 5 straight Missouri Valley Football Conference wins in a row. The Leathernecks would love to be the ones to soil their wishes. The Salukis should win this one but this year crazier things have happened.  Salukis should handle biz here ,especially at home.