Western Courier| August 28th, 2019

Sports: Leatherneck football gets ready for North Alabama.

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Opinions: Illinois' new tobbacco law is outrageous.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019 - Vol. 120 Issue 5

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Carthage Veterinary Service hosts annual conference

By Marc Ramirez news editor

The Carthage Veterinary Service, Ltd. presented the 29th annual Carthage Veterinary Service Swine Conference Tuesday on Western Illinois University’s campus.

According to hogvet.com, the Carthage Veterinary Service and their ten veterinarians provide outstanding service in their efforts of combining with health and production while upholding a commitment to continuous improvement. Their staff has over 150 years of experience and remain active in the livestock industry. They also have clients that have consistently worked with the company for over 25 years.

The event started at 6:30 a.m. with a hot breakfast, registration and trade show.

However, the event officially kicked off at 8 a.m. with a welcome from Aaron Lower, DVM, “Secure Pork Supply” presented by Maryn Ptaschinski and Patrick Webb, DVM. After the 30 minute presentation, Bret Marsh, DVM spoke about the state

response to minimize spread and promote business continuity. The speech was followed by awards and another general session about overcoming ABF challenges for optimum performance put on by Ben Woolley.

Following the open session, attendees had the opportunity to attend several different break out sessions. The event had 43 sponsors and 65 exhibitors.

The event featured three keynote speakers, Ben Wooley, Dallas Hockman and Keith Erlandson. Wooley discussed Sunterra Ltd’s system’s ability to overcome production challenges associated with Antibiotic Free Production. Hockman, Vice President of Industry Relations for National Pork Producers Council talked about alternative proteins including plant and lab based meats. Erlandson, Director of Veterinary Services for Charoen Pokphand Group’s China Operations shared his thoughts on the future of the Chinese pork industry and how African Swine Fever will impact it.

DEVON GREENE/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Carthage Verterinarian Conference attendees gathered in the Grand Ballroom to kick off their annual event.

Sports: Breaking down college football's top 25 teams.

DEVON GREENE/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

2

NEWS

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

WesternCourier.com

Get involved at the Student Activities Fair today

wiu.edu

Students gather all across the campus mall as they attended last years Student Activities Fair put on by the Office of Student Activities.

By Marc Ramirez news editor Students are often told to get involved in activites during their time at college but sometimes find it difficult to get in touch with an organization president or a person of contact. This is why the Office of Student Activities at Western Illinois University will be hosting their annual Student Activities Fair from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. today.

During the Summer Orientation and Registration programs held in June, students were able to attend a resource fair where the OSA explained to students the

WC Located on the third floor of the Heating Plant Annex on the south end of campus across from Sherman Hall.

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importance of getting involved in college, especially when you don’t live in town or constantly visit home.

The Student Activities Fair will be taking place on the campus mall, you can’t miss it. According to Nick Katz, associate director of the Office of Student Activities, there are 183 student groups and organizations registered to table at the event. Organization presidents and members typically staff these tables as a primary recruitment tool to gain more members.

This not only gives students the opportunity to get involved in an organization, but teaches them how to network with leaders on campus and make friends with other students in attendance.

STAFF MEMBERS editor-in-chief Devon Greene DJ-Greene@wiu.edu

proofreader Jacinda Martinez

news editor Marc Ramirez

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opinions editor Allison Young

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assistant photo editor Sara Remar

sports editor Bradley Piros

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production manager Jimmy Pierson

assistant sports editor Chris Bean

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edge editor Rachel Greene

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NEWS 3

4

OPINIONS

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

WesternCourier.com

JIMMY PIERSON/PRODUCTION MANAGER

How do you feel about the new tobacco law in Illinois?

Personally, I think it is a smart way to prevent young people from getting addicted to nicotine. However, I also see some flawed aspects that could have been different.

I am someone who took advantage of the 18+ law and frequently bought tobacco products. When the law changed to 21, I was no longer able to buy anything tobacco-related. The

problem I see with this is that they did not institute a grandfather law, and this takes away the choice from grown adults.

It seems like another freedom taken from us.

While it may be over-dramatic to say our freedoms are slowly being taken, I feel like it could be happening. I find it ridiculous that our state could not put in a grandfather law to allow people over 18 when the law was changed, to be

exempt. These are the things that cause people like me to become angry. It just does not make sense; if I am able to buy something for years, it should not be suddenly illegal for me to make that same purchase.

With this in mind, I also highly disagree with 21 being the age to buy tobacco and alcohol.

I would argue with the ageold, “if you are old enough to vote and enlist in the military, you should be able to drink and smoke.”

When you turn 18, you are expected to act like an adult, but to what extent? We have to take care of ourselves and make our own decisions, but we can not make the decision to drink or smoke? It seems

silly to me. If you expect someone to be an adult, you should not take away adultlike activities such as drinking and smoking. On the other hand, I do not think this law is going to change much because there are always others willing to buy for minors.

I think that instead of changing the age to 21, they should have eased up on the laws.

If we eased up on drinking and smoking laws, younger people would have a better grasp on what it does to your body. They would be able to try drinking in their home with their parents, instead of alone or with friends. This would prevent over-drinking for younger adults and allow

time for the individual to discover their boundaries. Other countries often allow 18 year olds to drink, and I think that it is a better law for the situation. These countries’ relaxed laws are the reason they do not have as much of a problem with alcohol abuse.

I find it very interesting that our government ignores the laws that work in other places in the world. I think for Illinois and America as a whole to prosper, we need to take note of what other countries are doing and what is working elsewhere. If we continue to go in the direction we are headed, this country is bound to become dull and irreversibly awful.

so reliant on reaching you that he has now called the police and sent out a search party. Or something even more common: misinterpretation. You can say a phrase with 10 different voice inflections and it will mean 10 different things. We are looking at our phones constantly, and if we aren’t looking at them, we are checking them for notifications. Notifications, likes, retweets, they have all become pieces we use to build our self-esteem. Social media has become a great platform for expressing ourselves and communicating efficiently, but it has also opened a platform for anonymous bullying.

Because of our judgmental world, people find themselves posting what they think others will enjoy, rather than

what they find enjoyable. It has become so easy to send out a hateful tweet complaining about a teacher, an unhappy customer we served or even a best friend that made a simple mistake. All these things seem to make us feel better, but only for a second.

When used correctly, it can create groups of friends from around the world, unite distant family members and update close friends. We can also access good news instantly, as well as share it. I think everyone should make it a personal mission, that when you want to text or call someone, to sit down with them and have a real face-to-face conversation.

This would save miscommunication, misinterpretation and further develop our social skills.

Almost everyone has a cell phone at their fingertips.

When did cell phones start running our lives?

ANDRE WHITLEY courier staff

We have lost all control of our lives, and have placed it in our hands instead, appearing in the form of a cell phone.

This has come to my attention not just while walking around campus, but even while sitting at family dinners. It is rare to find someone willing to hold conversation for extended periods of time.

Even though we have found more personal ways to communicate through phones, like FaceTime or Snapchat, it can still become easy to hide emotions. This has caused a

major decrease in face-to-face conversation. It is almost as if people are afraid. Phones have encouraged people to be much bolder when they speak. It is much easier to say something while hiding behind a screen than to say something to the person sitting next to you. People have found comfort behind their phones. Besides the obvious problems this causes, it also creates issues of miscommunication. For example, if you were supposed to text back your boyfriend, but your phone died, he has become

Pixabay.com

OPINIONS 5

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

@WesternCourier

Who even watches cable anymore?

Has streaming caught up with television? I believe so, and I also believe that it can be a better way of enjoying your media than traditional television.

As of right now, our most used devices are our portable devices. This means that we cannot plug up a satellite to our portable devices and have a box with “endless” channels to choose from. We have gained streaming with our portable devices, which is the ability to watch exactly what we want, when we want, which is something cable just

can’t do.

The reason for this is that traditional cable sends out both audio and video to your cable box from an antenna and these antennae already have predetermined shows on each channel. This is why the invention of the DVR was so important.

With the DVR came the ability to record something you would have missed. Streaming does not need DVR because you can access it whenever and, in some cases, pick up where you left off.

For starters, streaming uses an Internet connection, so you

can stay connected at reasonably high speeds with no interruptions. Plus, depending on the streaming website you are using, you may not pay any extra fees, and if you do you will not have to listen to advertisements!

Cable companies have fought back, though, by bundling their cable with the Internet service that they know everyone wants. This way, they can technically charge extra for the Internet and just claim that it is the cable making it more expensive, even though everyone is at an understanding that the cable is rarely being used.

To make matters even worse for cable companies, streaming companies have gotten smart and decided to stream sports, which used to be a

big benefit to having cable, at an increased price. Now that streaming companies can stream not just sports, but live sports, cable has become obsolete.

Now that streaming has given consumers the ability to stream literally anything they want, cable companies are scrambling to get their customers back by offering Internet-only plans to suit the public’s needs.

This all means better products for the consumer because when competition erupts, better products and better prices erupt for the battle to get the consumer’s business. As it stands now, I personally pay for a plan that only has Internet and I use the leftover money to pay for different subscriptions that I may want.

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This type of diversification is good for business to avoid having any type of monopolies. As the Internet becomes faster and more accessible to people in all regions, we can expect even more radical changes to happen in this market.

Another benefit of streaming is that it gives exposure to more diverse types of media. For example, Netflix, which has done a great job with their streaming service, is now buying up more licenses for anime and gaming media.

So, people that normally would never see these types of shows are automatically going to be exposed to them on a streaming site through the built-in algorithms on the websites. In short, streaming is quite literally endless and is here to stay.

Contact Allison Young

AN-Young@wiu.edu Editorial Policy

The editorial views of the Western Courier shall be confined to this editorial and are to be separate from news coverage otherwise noted. The editorial presented is based on the ideas and views of the WC editorial board.Columns are the opinions of the columnists alone and should not be construed as the opinions and beliefs of the WC staff as a whole.

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Letters should not be more than 350 words in length. The author’s name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Failure to include such information will lead to the letter being discarded. The WC staff will edit letters in cases of timeliness, obscenity length and grammer, and we do not guarantee publication of all letters.

2019 Fall Semester Editorial Board

Edge Editor - Marc Ramirez Editor-in-Chief - Devon Greene Opinions Editor - Allison Young

6

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

SPORTS

WesternCourier.com

Predicting the Bears top defensive players' stats josh purnell courier staff

The 2019 NFL season is around the corner, and there is no other way to start off NFL’s 100th season than with a classic rival between the Chicago Bears and Greenbay Packers at Soldier Field, on Thursday, Sept. 5.

One of the best defenses in the league vs Aaron Rodgers, whom Stephen A. Smith refers to as the "baddest man on the planet."

Now, that’s must see television.

Everyone’s eyes will be glued to the TV screen to see who will come out on top in the first game of the season.

The Bears shocked the world with a phenomenal season last year, finishing the season 12-4 and No. 1 in the NFC North.

The Bears were ranked the number one defense in the league, eight players went to the Pro Bowl and head coach Matt Nagy was awarded AP NFL Coach of the Year. Let’s be honest, this wouldn't be possible without the greatest trade in Bears history. When Khalil Mack was traded to the Bears, the football world was shocked and Bears fans were excited. Mack had an immediate impact on the team and players on the defensive side of the ball performed on a level that no one could’ve imagined.

There have been minor changes within the team, but most of the players are back for another magical season.

Defensive Coordinator, Vic

Fangio, is now head coach for the Denver Broncos. Slot corner Bryce Callahan went to Denver as well. Former head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, Chuck Pagano, is now the new defensive coordinator for the Monsters of the Midway.

Key players on the defense are all returning athletes. I’m going to pick who I think are the top defensive players on the team and predict what I think will be their stats for this upcoming season.

1. Khalil Mack Mack is of the league’s most dominating players; he knows how to get to the quarterback and has a nose for the ball creating turnovers. He has been to the Pro Bowl four consecutive times and has had 10 sacks or more over the past four seasons. With a career total of 53 sacks going into his sixth season, Mack is climbing the record book.

2019 Stats Prediction: 51 tackles, 15 sacks and 4 forced fumbles.

2. Akiem Hicks Hicks was ranked 39th on “NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2019” list. Defensive tackle of the Detroit Lions, Mike Daniel, gave the greatest description of Hicks, “He looks like a Bear.”

Daniel is absolutely right about that. Hicks is the biggest and loudest player on the field. No one takes more pride in being

a Bears player than Hicks does.

The best run-stopper on the team has three consecutive double digit tackles for loss. Also, he posted seven sacks or more these past three seasons. I guarantee Hicks is going to have another dominating season.

2019 Stats Prediction: 54 tackles, 8 sacks and 13 tackles for loss.

3. Eddie Jackson Jackson is one of the best safeties in the league, if not the best.

The amount of time he spends in the film room shows on the field. He is a complete ballhawk, always around the ball.

Jackson finished the 2018 season with six interceptions, two of those interceptions returned for a touchdown. Jackson’s five defensive touchdowns are the highest count in the NFL since he entered the league. Eddie is a stud and quarterbacks will be making sure they know where he is on the field at all times.

2019 Stats Prediction: 55 tackles, 5 interceptions and 3 defensive touchdowns.

4. Roquan Smith The Bears drafted Roquan Smith with the eighth pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Smith finished the 2018 season leading the team in tackles with a count of 122. He also had five sacks and eight tackles for loss. Smith was snubbed from the Pro Bowl last season, but he has the potential to make it this year. Smith is a young linebacker who has a bright future ahead of him.

2019 Stats Prediction: 120 tackles, 5 sacks and 2 interceptions.

Honorary Players: Kyle Fuller, HaHa Clinton-Dix and Danny Trevathan and Leornard Floyd.

CLASSIFIEDS

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For Rent

Spacious 2-5 bedroom homes for rent. 10 month lease available. Great locations, close to bus stops, plenty off street parking, all new windows, AC, energy efficient furnace, hardwood and ceramic tile floors, free washer/dryer. Well maintained (24 hrs.) by local landlord.

Call 309-255-1233.

LARGE STUDENT RENTALS 5 and 6 Bedroom Homes are still available!! Ask for our $1000.00 Discount program! Firsrt come first serve for the last large homes that are open for the fall.

Available now: Close to campus, clean studio apartments, excellent condition, reasonable rent, and partly furnished.

Ceiling fans and a/c. Professionally maintained. No pets.

Semester leases offered. Call 309 837 4369 and leave your phone number if not there. Email: MandKhousing@gmail.com

Submit a classifieds ad to Micour@wiu.edu

Houses for Rent 2016/2017: A&D Real Estate has several 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses for rent, all with at least 2 bathrooms, recently rennovated and located close to campus. Call for a tour or visit our website at www.wiucollegerentals.com. Local landlord with a focus on clean and updated housing with personal service for your college housing needs. 309-313-1122.

FALL INTO SAVINGS with Charleston Boulevard Apartments! Now offering SPECIAL RATES through Dec. 2017! Call for specific details 309-833-4545!.

NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2016-2017 Our houses have hard wood floors, ceramic tile, central air, washer and dryer and are close to campus with plenty of parking. We offer a ten month lease so you don’t pay for the months you aren’t here. Please call 309-255-1959 for a showing.

Now showing for 2017 & 2018 year 2, 3, and 5 bedrooms homes all close to campus. Call 309-331-4565.

Westen Investments has only two 4-Bedroom brich houses available. Call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule a showing! We will show to 2-3 person groups as well!

STC Investments now leasing for the 18/19 school year. We have 1-6 bedroom apartments/houses ready for you to call home! Check out our selection at www.stcinvestments.com.

You can also find us on Facebook to see daily posts!

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NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2017-2018 Our houses have wood floors, ceramic tile, W/D, central air, and are close to campus with plentry of parking. We offer low rent and a 10 month lease to save you money! Call 309-255-1959 for a showing.

Small 1BR apt near campus and downtown. All utilities included. (Electric, Water, DISH, Garbage) $500/month, $300 deposit. Available immediately. Also have 2BR, you pay electric. $600/month, $350 deposit available September 1st. Please contact 309-255-4367 for a showing.

Timbercrest Apartments 1587 Riverview Drive Now showing 1 & 2 Bedroom Units. Very clean, close to WIU campus with bus stop in front of building. Washer/dryer available in most units, all other appliances included, FREE INTERNET, ceiling fans in every room, pet friendly. All units have off street parking and private decks overlooking campus. Both 10- and 12-month leases are available. Openings for Summer 2017 and school year 2017/2018. Deposit required. Phone (309)833-3192 and leave message.

Westen Investments has just one 3-Bedroom ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED (Water, Sewer, Trash, Gas, Electric, and Internet) Apartment left! That’s right you just pay for rent, and the rest of it is on us! Call our office at 309-833-5995 to check it out.

The nicer apartments are going fast, excellent service- 24 hour emergency maintenance. Reasonable prices. Studio, 1-3 bedrooms, locations on/off campus available ‘18-’19 school year. Check us out at rentcollegepads.com. If interested, please call F & H Rentals 309/837-1705.

RATES $5.50 per issue (open rate) $4.00 per issue (campus rate)

ALL APARTMENTS - ALL INCLUSIVE Get control of your budget. Know exactly what you are spending each month. Each apartment includes free a/c, free heat, free electricity, free water, free cable tv, free hi speed internet, and free off street parking. Laundry on site.

No noise policy. Bus stop across the street. Close to campus. Well maintained. Studios are $460/mo, One bedrooms are $620/mo. Call Doug at 309-255-8179 for an appointment.

For Rent: Little Swan Lake, 30 min from campus. 2br, 2bth, heated double car garage with work area. $600 per mo.

(309) 335-2206 after 6:00 pm, may leave message anytime.

Spacious 3 Bedroom Upper in Duplex close to campus and Jackson St. All utilities furnished and appliances Includes cable and internet 18/19 school year $375.00 per Br Ph 309 255 8086 Please leave message Still have some nice large locations available at reasonable prices. Excellent service- 24 hour emergency maintenance. 1-8 bedrooms, locations on/off campus available ‘18-’19 school year. Pets at some locations. Check us out at rentcollegepads.com. If interested, please call F & H Rentals 309/837-1705.

Sports 7

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

@WesternCourier

Breaking down the preseason top 25

No. 1 Clemson Tigers: The defending National Champions return essentially their entire offense, including Heisman favorite Trevor Lawrence. The Tigers did lose a lot of defensive talent, but defensive coordinator Brent Venables is among the best in the game, and Clemson recruits at such a high level that everything should be okay by the time December rolls around.

No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide: Don’t let last season’s blowout loss in the National Title game fool you. This team is still extremely talented and has the best wide receiving core in the country led by Jerry Jeudy. On defense, the Tide lose three starters up front, but the Nick Saban recruiting machine has plenty of five stars ready to step in.

No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs: If not for two collapses against Alabama in the last two seasons, Kirby Smart and staff would be talked about more. The Saban Disciple has turned Georgia into a powerhouse in the recruiting game and on the field. Quarterback Jake Fromm is back as is running back D’Andre Swift. That pair behind what may be the best offensive line in the country will lead a potent offense. On defense, the concern is at corner, where the Bulldogs lose Deandre Baker. However, the defensive line and linebacking core are among the most talented in the country.

No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners: In comes another transfer dual threat quarterback for Lincoln Riley to put up points with. Jalen Hurts (previously at Alabama) hopes to replicate the success of Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray.

Hurts has plenty of weapons to go around and the offense should not take a noticeable step back.

The defense returns nine starters and new defensive coordinator Alex Grinch was a home run hire. The defense will determine whether the Sooners return to the playoffs.

No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes: New

Ian Book looks downfiled.

head coach Ryan Day and transfer quarterback Justin Fields (previously at Georgia) hope to continue Ohio State's dominant run started by Urban Meyer. JK Dobbins returns to anchor the backfield and the offense should be fine. The defense, which finished seventh in the Big Ten in points per game allowed, will look to make a step forward as they return most of their starters.

No. 6 Michigan Wolverines: This feels like a huge year for Jim Harbough. Gone is Urban Meyer and the Big Ten is for the taking.

Shea Patterson returns at QB as do most of the skill position players. The defense has a lot of work to do as they lose a lot of production. The schedule is daunting with trips to Wisconsin and Penn State on the horizon as well as the yearly games with Michigan State and Ohio State.

No. 7 LSU Tigers: A lot of talk has been coming from Baton Rouge about LSU’s new offense that will look to be more of a spread offense. Joe Burrow is back to orchestrate this new scheme as his number one target in Justin Jefferson. Dave Aranda is back to lead a top notch defense despite losing Greedy Williams and Devin White. Tough games at Alabama and Texas will decide how this season is viewed by the Tiger faithful.

No. 8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish: The Irish were dynamic on offense when Ian Book took over for Brendon Wimbush, and this year should be no different. Three of Book’s top five receivers are back as are four starters on the offensive line. The Irish on defense, however, took on heavy losses and returning to the playoffs will be tough. Games at Michigan and Georgia loom large for this team.

No. 9. Texas A&M Aggies: Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies showed a lot of improvement last season. Kellen Mond seemed to have finally put all of his skillset together and could be among the best quarterbacks in

IMTONLINE.COM

the SEC. A&M lost a lot at the skill positions but has always recruited well there. To take that next step, the secondary has to improve after finishing 12th in the SEC in pass efficiency. What should give most a pause on the Aggie hype train is an extremely difficult schedule with trips to Clemson, Georgia LSU as well home games against Alabama and Auburn.

No. 10 Washington Huskies: Georgia transfer Jacob Eason will take over for four year starter Jake Browning. Huskie fans hope that Eason’s arm will lead to a more vertical passing attack. The dynamic defense only returns a couple starters, but coach Chris Peterson has recruited well and the cupboard isn’t devoid of talent. The Pac 12 North should run through Seattle.

11. Texas Longhorns: After last year's massive bowl win over Georgia, Texas appears to be back under Tom Herman. Sam Ehlinger amassed 41 total touchdowns as the quarterback last year and has put himself in the Heisman conversation. He returns four of his favorite targets, though losing Lil’Jordan Humphrey. The Longhorns only return two starters on defense, which will make things tough for coordinator Todd Orlando.

No. 12 Utah Utes: This is another team led by defense that returns plenty of starters. Kyle Wittingham has always done a fantastic job coaching up the defense and they should be an electric unit once again. On offense, new coordinator Andy Ludwig has work to do with Tyler Huntley, as the quarterback is coming off an injury. If this offense can get turned around and the defense remains elite, this could be a playoff team.

No. 13 Florida Gators: This season for the Gators was going to come down to Feliepe Franks, and during his first test in Week 0 against Miami, he looked shaky, throwing for 254 yards but also throwing two brutal interceptions.

He came up big as the Gators won the game, but coach Dan Mullen can’t be feeling good about his offense. The defense however should be nasty if the pass rush that showed up against Miami continues.

No. 14 Missouri Tigers: Gone is

Drew Lock and in comes transfer Kelly Bryant (previously at Clemson). The offense will have to tweak to run heavy under Derek Dooley to complement Bryant and standout running back Larry Rountree. A talented receiving core is led by preseason All-American Albert Okwuegbunam. The defense returns plenty of talent and took a massive step forward last year. The schedule is easy early on, and don’t be shocked if this team is undefeated and in the top ten before a trip to Georgia in November.

No. 15 Oregon Ducks: Potential number one overall pick Justin Herbert is back and ready to make a run at the Pac 12 title. He will need to find chemistry with some new wide receivers, but the offense should be in decent shape.

Top recruit Kayvon Thibodeaux will look to improve what was a mediocre defense.

No. 16 Iowa Hawkeyes: Senior quarterback Nate Stanley will have to navigate a tough schedule for Iowa to win the Big 10 West. Even though the Hawkeyes lost two NFL tight ends, there is talent in the receiving core and the offensive line should be outstanding. The defensive line should be solid led

by A.J. Epenesa but there are holes to fill at other spots.

No. 17 Wisconsin Badgers: Gone is polarizing quarterback Alex Hornibrook and Jack Coan will step in. Jonathon Taylor returns after a 2,000 yard season but will run behind an offensive line that has to reload. The defense will be strong as it always seems to be and the season will come down to the quarterback position and the ability to make sure defenses can’t key in on Taylor.

No. 18 Auburn Tigers: Freshman Bo Nix has been named the starter at quarterback and Gus Malzahn’s job may depend on how he does.

The defensive line is stellar though as are the safeties. With all the new starters on offense it is hard to get a read on Auburn.

No. 19 Penn State Nittany Lions: The Nittany Lions will take a step back this season but James Franklin has had a couple of tremendous recruiting classes. Sean Clifford will take over for Trace McSorely. A tough schedule will hurt the Nittany Lions but 2020 has a chance to

HOST.MADISON.COM

Jonathan Taylor runs through Nebraska's front 7.

be special.

No. 20 Iowa State Cyclones: The Cyclones have really turned a corner under Matt Campbell. They lose David Montgomery and Hakeem Butler on offense but Brock Purdy is good enough to overcome that as the quarterback and all five starters return on the offensive line. The defense will be anchored by a superb front seven.

No. 21 Syracuse Orange: Dino Babers and staff are looking to build off last years 10-3 season.

New starter Tommy DeVito has plenty of weapons to go around.

Two starters who combined for 20 sacks return on the defensive line as does the entire secondary. There has not been this much hype for Syracuse since Donavon McNabb was slinging it around.

No. 22 UCF Knights: The non power five darlings haven’t lost a regular season game in two years.

McKenzie Milton is out for the season but Notre Dame transfer Brandon Wimbush should be able to hold down the fort. The secondary is the best part of the defense and Randy Shannon has some talent in the front seven.

No. 23 Michigan State Spartans: Last year; a dominating defense wasn’t enough to overcome mediocre offense and the Spartans only managed seven wins. Eight starters return from that defense but it will be up to quarterback Brian Lewerke and the offense to see if Michigan State can become a contender in the Big 10.

No. 24 Virginia Cavaliers: Quarterback Bryce Perkins is the best player in the country that most people have never heard of. The standout threw for over 2,600 yards and added almost a thousand on the ground. The defense finished in the top 25 in the country and returns seven starters. Virginia should win the ACC Coastal and play in the ACC Championship.

No. 25 Army Black Knights: Under Jeff Monken Army has won 29 games over the last three years including back to back 10 win seasons. A culture has been established and look for that to continue with a lot of players coming back and a manageable schedule.

Under Consideration: Nebraska, Washington State, Stanford, Northwestern and Mississippi State.

Sean Clifford looks for his open receiver.

FLIPBORAD.COM

Leathernecks look to neutralize North Alabama

Conor Sampson gets set to catch the snap.

By Sebastian Gamboa courier staff Our very own Western Illinois University Fighting Leathernecks will kick off the 2019 season tomorrow night at Braley Stadium in Florence, Alabama against the University of North Alabama Lions at 7pm.

This will be Western’s first encounter with the Lions who are coming off a 7-3 finish last season as an independent team. This year will actually be the first season for the Lions in their new conference, The Big South Conference (Division I). Our Fighting Leathernecks are coming off a 5-6 season with high hopes to make a playoff run, which was last accomplished only two seasons ago in 2017.

One point of excitement for all Leatherneck fans is junior QB Conor Sampson. In his first year on the

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Eric Carrera gets set to make a play.

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captain squad, Sampson will be the first new quarterback at the helm of the Leatherneck offense since Sean McGuire began his reign in 2015.

Sampson has a career 10 games with a 50 percent completion rate for 132 yards with a touchdown and only one interception. Sampson will be accompanied on offense by former Ohio State University Transfer RB Jared Drake and award-winning fullback Clint Ratkovich. Last year, Ratkovich racked up 616 receiving yards and reached the end zone 3 times for a triplet of touchdowns.

The capable Leatherneck offense will be accompanied by a battle-hardened defense led by captains senior defensive back Eric Carrera and senior linebacker Tom Rehfeld. Carrera is the team leader in career tackles and interceptions with 114 and 4 repectively.

That career performance combined

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Tom Rehfeld makes a block mid-game.

Clint Ratkovich stands at the line of scrimmage. with Rehfeld’s 12 career tackles are emblematic of the force to be reckoned with that the Leatherneck defense will be to opposing offenses this week and the entire season.

This week, the competition is tough.

The Lions' offense is led by senior QB Christian Lopez, who completed 60 percent of hill passes last season with an average of 218 yards per game.

Lopez also had a touchdown to interception ratio of 5:2. UNA also has a talented trifecta of backs in the backfield with veterans Terence Humphrey and Ja’won Howell with a new addition in the frontrunner junior RB, Ron Thompson.

The Lions’ defense will be led by Junior Linebacker Will Evans, who had a career-leading performance last year with 22 solo tackles, 8 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks and cost his opponents a total of 42 yards. In the secondary,

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Jared Drake tackles the ball carrier.

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the Lions have at their disposal junior DB K.J. Smith. Smith accrued 30 solo tackles last year in his first season with the Lions along with 3 interceptions costing opponents 79 yards.

As we look ahead, following the Yellow Brick Road (the regular season) into the Emerald City (the post season) will be a journey marred with struggle and challenge, but if there is one thing that we know about our Fighting Leathernecks it is that their hard work, blood, sweat and tears set them apart from any and all competitors and put them in a position where they are poised to overcome any and all obstacles which obstruct their path to success. The Lions will be a great first test and a chance to make adjustments before our Leathernecks head to Fort Collins, Co. to face Colorado State in Week Two. Twitter: @yaboisebbyg

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Tony Tate looks towards the sideline.