WIU looks to move past dismal last season

MACOMB -- Mark Hendrickson takes over the reins of Western Illinois after the longtime assistant served as acting head coach for 15 games over the past two seasons.

And he's looking to put the Leathernecks' season of a year ago behind them.

Western won their opener last year but lost their remaining 10 games. Five of the losses were by a combined 31 points.

They're now picked to finish second to last in the Missouri Valley.

Key returnees for the Leathernecks include linebacker Kyle Glazier, who was the league's leading tackler last season, averaging 10 per game. Also back are two fellow preseason all-conference picks in wide receiver Lito Senatus and return specialist Todd Speight.