Western Illinois secured a decisive victory against McKendree with a final score of 49-32. The win marked the end of a 27-game losing streak for Western Illinois, a much-needed triumph since their last victory over Illinois State on October 30, 2021. This win also broke their tie with North Carolina A&T for the seventh-longest losing streak in FCS history.
Cameren Smith led the charge for Western Illinois with an impressive performance, rushing for 199 yards and scoring two touchdowns during the game. Nathan Lamb and Demari Davis also played pivotal roles, each contributing two touchdowns to the team’s total.
The game saw several key moments that contributed to Western Illinois’ success. Lamb’s 2-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and a 74-yard catch-and-run connection with Davis helped establish an early lead for Western Illinois. Additionally, a strong defensive effort that forced McKendree to go three-and-out paved the way for a subsequent scoring drive by the Leathernecks.
Kaleb Berry was also a standout player for Western Illinois, contributing to the team’s points with field goals throughout the game. The team’s strong performance continued into the second half, with Avery Knight scoring on a 20-yard run and further widening the point gap.
As the game progressed, Western Illinois maintained their momentum, eventually securing a convincing victory. The team’s resilience and determination were evident throughout the game, showcasing their turnaround after a challenging streak of losses.