If all goes according to plan, plenty of Hoosiers will see the field under the Friday night lights.
The last few years have been rough for Indiana, but they’ve got nothing on FCS program Western Illinois.
The Leathernecks are trying to snap a 25-game losing streak, the longest of any FBS or FCS school. Their last win came Oct. 30, 2021.
WESTERN ILLINOIS (0-1) at INDIANA (1-0)
- Kickoff: 7 p.m. Eastern, Friday
- Location: Bloomington, Ind., Memorial Stadium (52,626; field turf)
- Television: BTN — Lisa Byington (pbp), J Leman (analyst), Melanie Ricks (sideline)
- Stream: Fox Sports
- Radio: IU Football radio network
- Odds: Indiana is a 42.5-point favorite
- Weather at kickoff: 74 degrees, mostly cloudy, wind 11 mph, 9% chance of precipitation.
- Series: First meeting
- The Coaches:
- Curt Cignetti is in his first year as the head coach at IU. He holds a 120-35 record in his 14th season as a college head coach.
- Joe Davis is 0-1 in his first season as a college head coach.
This time tomorrow. Memorial Stadium. See you there. pic.twitter.com/FfbXL9MD5Z
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) September 5, 2024
IU Football Week Two Coverage:
- Curt Cignetti is right to address attendance concerns, but there’s only one fix, and he has the key
- Watch: IU football DL Marcus Burris media Q&A, QB Kurtis Rourke on Under the Hood
- Radio show: Curt Cignetti recaps FIU, preview Western Illinois
- Quarterback Kurtis Rourke looking to develop rhythm for IU football
- IU football’s defensive snap counts and week one grades according to PFF
- Watch: IU football QB Kurtis Rourke media Q&A as Hoosiers prep for Western Illinois
- Three standout performers for IU football against FIU
- Watch: IU football coach Curt Cignetti Monday Q&A — Western Illinois week
- IU football: Cignetti says WR Donaven McCulley is day-to-day after taking hit vs. FIU
- A look at IU football’s offensive snap counts and week one grades according to PFF
- Curt Cignetti’s brand of entertainment is less intentional on gameday, but still quite fun
TALE OF THE TAPE
THE COMPLETE BIG TEN WEEK TWO SLATE
FRIDAY, SEPT. 6
Western Illinois at Indiana 7 p.m. Big Ten Network
Duke at Northwestern 9 p.m. FS1
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7
Akron at Rutgers 12 p.m. Big Ten Network
Bowling Green at Penn State 12 p.m. Big Ten Network
Texas at Michigan 12 p.m. FOX
Rhode Island at Minnesota 12 p.m. Peacock
Eastern Michigan at Washington 3:30 p.m. Big Ten Network
Michigan State at Maryland 3:30 p.m. Big Ten Network
South Dakota at Wisconsin 3:30 p.m. FS1
Iowa State at Iowa 3:30 p.m. CBS
Kansas at Illinois 7 p.m. FS1
Colorado at Nebraska 7:30 p.m. NBC
Western Michigan at Ohio State 7:30 p.m. Big Ten Network
Boise State at Oregon 10 p.m. Peacock
Utah State at USC 11 p.m. Big Ten Network
WESTERN ILLINOIS 2024 RESULTS
The Leathernecks lost their season opener at Northern Illinois, 54-15.
WESTERN ILLINOIS NOTES AND NUMBERS
The Leathernecks fell 54-15 last week to Northern Illinois. They trailed 6-3 after the first period before NIU broke open the game with a 28-0 advantage in the second quarter.
Quarterback Nathan Lamb, getting his first WIU start, went 17-29 for 204 yards and one touchdown.
Cameren Smith carried the ball 14 times for 51 yards.
Tristin Duncan led the wide receiver crew with five catches for 68 yards while Eli Arago and Christian Anaya each added three catches each.
Defensively, Willie Jones led the way with 13 tackles while Ryan Crandall added six stops. Braylen Brooks added four tackles and a fumble recovery.
Punter Jared Campbell had six punts with a 37-yard average and a long of 45. Kicker Antonio Chadha went 2-3 on field goals, making kicks of 46 and 44 yards.
For the Leathernecks, Nathan Lamb (quarterback), Torrance Farmer Jr. (running back), Demari Davis (wide receiver), Brandon Lanier (tight end), Isaiah Foote (offensive line), Tre Henry (defensive line), Juan DelaCruz (linebacker), Willie Jones (defensive back), Christiaan Masucci (placekicker) and Jared Campbell (punter) were named Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Football Association Players to Watch.
PREDICTIONS
It is simply inconceivable this game will be in doubt by halftime. Walk-ons and freshmen should show up ready to play.
TDH PREDICTION: INDIANA 52 WESTERN ILLINOIS 7
ESPN SP+ (Computer): Indiana 45 Western Illinois 3 (100% win probability)
ESPN FPI (Computer): Indiana has an 96.8% chance to win.
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