By Jaylin Short
MACOMB, IL – The WIU Leathernecks are still in search of their first win of this young season this Saturday at home against the University of Northern Iowa Panthers. The Leathernecks are coming off of a down to the wire last week, but they had some great things to build off of to take into this week’s game.
Leatherneck quarterback Clay Bruno is looking to keep his success rolling from last week’s game. He came into the game during the first quarter and took control of the offensive attack. He went 19 for 31, passing for 220 yards and two interceptions. He also had 19 carries on the ground for 84 yards and a touchdown. He was the main source of the Leatherneck offense in that game, being a dual-threat weapon all game. Senior wide receiver Naseim Brantley caught eight passes for 116 yards, averaging fourteen yards after the catch. He has been the best option for the Leathernecks passing game thus far, registering 337 total yards this season. The Leatherneck defensive line had pressure on the quarterback throughout the game, and that led to defensive back J.J. Ross having his second interception of the season,
The University of Northern Iowa Panthers are coming off of a loss as well, against the Sacramento State Hornets, 37-21. The Panthers only managed to get 133 yards on the ground, and 270 total yards passing. The starting quarterback for the Panthers completed 55 percent of his passes during that game, and threw one interception. The Hornets ground game was on point, rushing for a total of 170 yards and three touchdowns. They didn’t receive any penalty flags, playing a very disciplined game overall. The Panthers didn’t score in two out of the four quarters in that game, and that is what ultimately decided the game.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday at Hanson Field.
