We asked Burlington (Iowa) Hawk Eye reporter John Bohnenkamp for his take on the Leathernecks ahead of Saturday’s showdown at Memorial Stadium:
Western Illinois is moving in the right direction, definitely. Bob Nielson didn’t go for a quick fix when he built the program. It has been a process that has served him well at his past jobs, and he has put together a solid foundation. There is a greater depth of talent than there was when he got there. He’s not afraid to play young players if they’re ready; he’s also not afraid of redshirting them to get better.