WIU’s ball-hawking start against Minnesota fades in lopsided loss to Big Ten opponent

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — If Western Illinois University defensive coordinator Todd Drury could script the start to every game, he’d pencil in the result of the opening series Saturday against Minnesota.

Force a fumble, recover it and put the Leathernecks’ offense in prime position.

That’s how it went against the Golden Gophers.

After a 2-yard reception by Minnesota’s Michael Brown-Stephens, WIU defensive lineman Tre Henry forced a fumble and defensive back Bryan Cross recovered it at the Gophers’ 45-yard line.

The ensuing offensive possession went nowhere as the Leathernecks turned the ball over on downs when a pass play on fourth and 3 went for just 2 yards. With it went all of WIU’s momentum. Minnesota scored on its next 10 possessions and posted a 62-10 victory at Huntington Bank Stadium.

The Leathernecks trailed the Big Ten Conference foe 14-0 before going on a nine-play, 60-yard drive that ended with Mason Laramie’s 47-yard field goal.

WIU’s lone touchdown came in the fourth quarter when Nick Davenport connected with Naseim Brantley on a 33-yard touchdown pass. It was the fourth time in two games the two connected for a touchdown.

Davenport finished 8 of 15 for 125 yards, while Henry Ogala, who started under center, went 8 of 17 for 34 yards with one interception. Ogala also rushed for 17 yards. WIU rushed for just 35 yards as a team.

T.J. Limehouse led the defense with eight tackles while J.J. Ross had seven stops and a pair of pass breakups. Juan De La Cruz also had seven tackles and one tackle for loss.

The Leathernecks (0-2) return to FCS competition when they play their home opener at 3 p.m. next Saturday at Hanson Field against Southern Utah. The Thunderbirds (1-1) lost 73-7 to No. 13 Utah on Saturday.