The last matchup between the Western Illinois Fighting Leathernecks and the Illini resulted in a resounding 44-0 victory for Illinois on September 12, 2015. Simply put, a similar result must occur again in 2018.
Western Illinois had a solid season last year, as they finished 8-4 (5-3), which was good for 4th place in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The Leathernecks are currently ranked #12 in the FCS Coaches Poll from January 9, 2018.
On offense, Western Illinois returns their two top leading rushers and established quarterback Sean McGuire. However, they will lose their leading receiver, Jaelon Acklin, to graduation next season.