WESTERN ILLINOIS LEATHERNECKS (1-0)

at PURDUE BOILERMAKERS (0-1)

Saturday, September 11  •  11 a.m. Central  •  West Lafayette, Ind.

Ross-Ade Stadium (Bermuda Tift/62,500 capacity)

All-Time Series: First Meeting

THE GAME: This is the first meeting between Western Illinois and Purdue... The Leathernecks are 0-3 against the Big Ten since 1986, two losses to Wisconsin and one to Illinois... Since 1993 Western has played at least one game each year against a Football Bowl Subdivision team. In 2000 and 2003 Western played two games, and would split in both years each time defeating a Mid-American Conference member... Western owns six wins over FBS teams since 1986, but none since 2003.

THE RANKINGS: Western received 13 votes (45th place) in The Sports Network 'Top 25 poll. Purdue is not ranked.

THE SCHEMES: Western Illinois will line up in a multiple formation on offense and 3-4 alignment on defense... Purdue runs a spread offense and 4-3 defense.

THE COACHES: Mark Hendrickson begins his 12th year in the Leatherneck Football program, first as the head coach. He owns a 1-0 record this season, 6-10 record in three years (parts of two years as acting head coach... Danny Hope is 5-8 in his second year at Purdue and 40-30 overall in seven years as a head coach.

NEARING 500: Leatherneck Football is nearing another milestone in the storied program. Western is standing with 499 wins all-time, now one shy of 500. The .546 winning percentage (499-412-36 dating back to 1903) is the highest winning percentage of all the Division I programs in the state of Illinois.

ALL-TIME SERIES: This is the first meeting between Western Illinois and Purdue... The Leathernecks are 0-3 all-time against teams in the Big 10 Conference, losing to Wisconsin (1991, 2006) and Illinois (2007).

SCOUTING THE BOILERMAKERS: Purdue suffered a 23-12 loss at Notre Dame to start the season... Robert Marve completed 31-of-42 passes for 220 yards but he did throw two interceptions... Keith Smith was on the receiving end most of the day, finishing with 12 catches totaling 80 yards... Dan Dierking rushed for a team-high 56 yards and caught five passes for 28 yards... All-American Ryan Kerrigan made seven tackles, including 2.5 for a loss, and forced a fumble... Jason Werner shared in the team lead making seven stops. He had 1.5 TFL... Charleton Williams made seven stops as well... Two of Kawann Short's four tackles went for a loss... Carson Wiggs averaged 42 yards on six punts, including a long of 51 yards, and put two inside the 20-yard line... The total offense was close with Notre Dame out-gaining the Boilermakers 358-322... Purdue had only five penalties called but ND had just two... Purdue dominated the time of possession, holding onto the ball more than 10 minutes longer than Notre Dame... Purdue was 5-of-17 on third down and 2-of-4 on fourth down. The Fighting Irish converted 50 percent on third down, and sacked Marve four times... Smith enters the week third nationally with his 12 catches, one off the national lead... This game against Western begins a stretch of three straight at Ross-Ade Stadium before Big Ten Conference play begins at Northwestern.

WESTERN AGAINST THE FBS: Since 1986, Western Illinois has racked up six wins over teams from the Football Bowl Subdivision. The most recent came in 2003 against the Mid-American Conference... Two years Western played two FBS foes (2000 and 2003), the Fighting Leathernecks earned a split.

Aug. 30, 1986  at Kansas State  L  7-35

Nov. 7, 1986  at Northern Illinois  W  10-0

Sept. 9, 1987  at Fresno State  L  17-20

Nov. 7, 1987  at Northern Illinois  L  14-29

Nov. 5, 1988  at Northern Illinois  L  6-16

Sept. 30, 1989  at Northern Illinois  L  27-34

Sept. 8, 1990  at Kansas State  L  6-27

Sept. 14, 1991  at Wisconsin  L  13-31

Sept. 18, 1993  at Eastern Michigan  L  14-16

Sept. 10, 1994  at Western Michigan  L  7-43

Sept. 9, 1995  at Ball State  L  7-20

Sept. 7, 1996  at Northern Illinois  W  17-0

Sept. 20, 1997  at Marshall  L  7-48

Sept. 12, 1998  at Central Michigan  L  14-35

Sept. 2, 1999  at Northern Illinois  W  27-21

Sept. 2, 2000  at Missouri  L  20-50

Sept. 9, 2000  at Ball State  W  24-14

Nov. 10, 2001  at South Florida  L  17-48

Sept. 21, 2002  at Northern Illinois  W  29-26

Sept. 4, 2003  at Eastern Michigan  W  34-12

Sept. 13, 2003  at #11 LSU  L  7-35

Sept. 4, 2004  at Nebraksa  L  17-56

Sept. 1, 2005  at Toledo  L  14-62

Sept. 9, 2006  at Wisconsin  L  10-34

Sept. 8, 2007  at Illinois  L  0-21

Aug. 30, 2008  at Arkansas  L  24-28

Sept. 12, 2009  at Northern Illinois  L  7-41

WHAT IS A LEATHERNECK?: Western Illinois holds the distinction of being the only non-military institution to officially have its nickname derived from a branch of the military service. The school began use of the Marine Corps' official nickname, "The Fighting Leathernecks," in 1927 when then-athletic director and head baseball, basketball and football coach Ray "Rock" Hanson was granted permission by the U.S. Navy, based on his status as a Marine hero, to use the Marine's official seal, bulldog mascot and nickname.

ONCE A LEATHERNECK, ALWAYS A LEATHERNECK: Two members with the Football program know what it takes to serve as  a Leatherneck. Sophomore fullback Mike Harmon is a 24-year old who spent four years and three months of active duty in the Marine Corps. The Peoria, Ill., native served three tours in Iraq in Infantry and was the Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year in 2008... Head strength and conditioning coach Chris Anderson served from 1997-2000 in the Corps. He joined the Leatherneck Athletic Department in May 2006... Western also welcomed a walk-on to the program, defensive back Josh Shibler. The Odessa, Texas, native recently completed four years in the Marines (2006-2010).

107th DEFENSE BATTLE FLAG: The 2010 Western Illinois defense is known as the "107th" since it is the 107th defense to ever play football at Western Illinois University.  Being as Western Illinois is the Leathernecks, the defense developed a "battle flag" that represents them as a unit. The motto that was selected for the 107th is a Latin phrase that translates "It is Ours."... The 107th Defense is divided up by class from the Generals (seniors), the Colonels (juniors), the Majors (sophomores), the Captains (redshirt-freshmen), down to the Lieutenants (freshman)... The 107th is different than any previous or future battle flag, just as this year's defense is different from any past or future defensive units.  It will be proudly carried and defended into each and every battle this season.

THREE SELECTED PRESEASON ALL-MVFC: Preseason All-Americans Kyle Glazier (Geneseo/Geneseo), Lito Senatus (Miami, FL/Southwest) and Todd Speight (Bradenton, FL/Southeast) represented Western on the preseason squad. Glazier was one of four linebackers selected, Senatus was one of three wide receivers and Speight was the lone return specialist.

Southern Illinois received 30 of the 36 first-place votes, totaling 312 points in the preseason poll. South Dakota State (2 first-place votes, 252 points), Illinois State (3 first-place votes, 249 points) and Northern Iowa (1 vote, 244 points) were a close second, third and fourth, respectively... Missouri State (164 points), North Dakota State (151) and Youngstown State (130) were picked ahead of Western (70) with Indiana State (47) picked ninth.

LEATHERNECK TEAM CAPTAINS ANNOUNCED: Four seniors were voted on by their teammates as captains for the 2010 season... Quarterback Matt Barr (Belvidere/Belvidere) and linebacker Kyle Glazier (Geneseo/Geneseo) were repeat selections from 2009... Wide receiver Lito Senatus (Miami, FL/Southwest) and defensive lineman Mike Stieren (Springfield/Sacred Heart-Griffin) also represent the offense and defense, respectively.

SEASON-OPENING SUCCESS AGAINST FCS: The Leathernecks now own a 7-game winning streak in season-opening games against Football Championship Subdivision opponents. The last time Western dropped a season-opening game against a FCS program was 1993, a 29-16 loss to Montana State.

2010: 45-0 vs. Valparaiso

2009: 35-28 at Sam Houston State

2007: 29-26 OT win vs. #20 South Dakota State

2006: 31-6 vs. Morehead State

2002: 64-7 vs. Drake

2001: 17-13 vs. #3 Western Kentucky

1997: 41-0 vs. #6 Eastern Illinois

Since 2000 the Leathernecks have defeated Division II Wayne State (35-3 in 2003) and lost to Football Bowl Subdivision teams Missouri (50-20 in 2000), Nebraska (56-17 in 2004), Toledo (62-14 in 2005) and Arkansas (28-24 in 2008).

RETURNING ALL-MVFC: Western Illinois returns several All-Missouri Valley Football Conference performers in 2010... Todd Speight earned First Team accolades last year as a return specialist...  Despite leading the Valley in tackles last year (and Western the past two seasons) Kyle Glazier was only a Second Team selection in 2009 and Honorable Mention his sophomore year... Fullback Josh Gabelmann and wide receiver Lito Senatus were selected Honorable Mention... Senior defensive lineman Victor Visoky earned Second Team honors his freshman year, and was a Honorable Mention selection in 2008.

PAST MVFC ALL-NEWCOMERS: Western has had representation in recent years on the MVFC All-Newcomer Teams... In 2007, Victor Visoky and starting quarterback Matt Barr were honored. In 2008 defensive back Tim Franken, linebacker Kevin Palermo and Lito Senatus were selected and return.

BALANCED RUSHING ATTACK: Known for its rushing attack, Western Illinois kept that trend going against Valparaiso. Three running backs rushed for at least 80 yards - Bryce Flowers 121 (21 carries), Caulton Ray 86 (16 carries) and Lamor Hickman 80 (12 carries) in the win... Add Josh Gabelmann's 4-yard touchdown, the ground game accounted for 339 yards and four rushing TDs.

FLOWERS WINS NEWCOMER AWARD: Freshman running back Bryce Flowers had an impressive first game as a Western Illinois Leatherneck. The January transfer from Army Prep rushed for a game-high 128 yards on 21 carries and scored twice in the fourth quarter against Valparaiso... He was named Missouri Valley Football Conference 'Newcomer of the Week' for his performance.

BATTLING THE ELEMENTS: Western Illinois had to battle the elements against Valparaiso, as rain started nearly three hours before kickoff and rarely let up through the game. Valparaiso fumbled five times and lost three to the Leatherneck defense... Western did not commit a turnover or fumble at all in the win.

HIGH SCHOOL/JUCO TEAMMATES: Western Illinois has numerous Leathernecks currently in fall camp who were former high school or junior college teammates... Quincy Notre Dame HS produced offensive linemen Max Dancer and Jimmy Holtschlag, along with kicker/safety Pat Smith... Charles Chestnut, Kieron James, Enock Presendieu and Todd Speight are Southeast HS graduates in Bradenton, Florida... Tim Franken and Kevin Palermo were teammates at Driscoll Catholic... Larry Patterson, Jr. and Albert Yemitan both attended The Principia in St. Louis... Carter Ridenour and Josh Gabelmann are both Bettendorf (Iowa) graduates... Jamal Keaton and Antonio Poindexter both came to Western from King Prep... Keith Enderlein, Raynard Pamilton and Ryan Carleton all starred on defense at Delta College... Darryl Hughes and Brent Turner Darryl Johnson (Cerritos), Ryan Davis (American River), Alex Martinez (L.A. Pierce) and Kyle Caldwell (Saddleback) weren't on the same team, however, they played in the California Community College league as did the other five... Even though they officially graduated from different high schools Andrew Robiskie and his younger brother Kyle enter their second year as teammates at Western. attended Chabot College...

SPEIGHT TIES RECORD: Senior return specialist Todd Speight wasted no time tying the Western Illinois career kickoff return record. In the season-opener against Valparaiso, Speight returned the opening kick of the second half 17 yards. His 69th career kickoff return tied him with Reggie Gray for the all-time record... Speight remains 211 yards behind Gray for that career kickoff return mark.

BARR CRACKS TOP 10 AGAIN: Senior quarterback Matt Barr added his name again to the Western Illinois 'Top 10' passing record book. With 230 yards against Valparaiso, Barr now has 3,796 yards through the air, good for 10th place all-time... He also ranks among the 'Top 10' in: completions (288/7th), attempts (536/7th), percentage (.537/7th), yards per game (146.0/8th) and touchdowns (20/9th)... His passing yards against Valparaiso marked the seventh time in his career he has thrown for 200-plus yards. HIs two touchdown passes marked his fifth career multi-TD throwing game.

CAREER 200-YARD PASSING GAMES

437 - at Sam Houston State (2009)

284 - at South Dakota State (2008)

276 - Youngstown State (2007)

270 - Stephen F. Austin (2009)

247 - at Stephen F. Austin (2008)

230 - Valparaiso (2010)

208 - Southern Illinois (2007)

TOP COMPLETIONS

27 - at South Dakota State (2008)

20 - Stephen F. Austin (2009)

18 - South Dakota State (2007)

18 - North Dakota State (2007)

18 - at Sam Houston State (2009)

MULTI-TOUCHDOWN GAMES

3 - at Sam Houston State (2009)

2 - on four occasions

GLAZIER HITS DOUBLE-DIGITS AGAIN: Senior linebacker Kyle Glazier led the defense once again, making 10 tackles in the win over Valparaiso. That marked the 12th time in his career he reached double-digits for tackles... Glazier had four games in 2008, seven last year and one so far this season.

TOP TACKLE PERFORMANCES

16 - at Indiana State (2009)

15 - Northern Iowa (2008)

13 - Stephen F. Austin (2009)

13 - at Illinois State (2009)

12 - at Northern Illinois (2009)

12 - at Northern Iowa (2009)

12 - South Dakota State (2009)