MACOMB, Ill. (Interstat) — Tennessee State will look to build on its most recent victory when it visits Western Illinois on Saturday in an NCAA Football Championship Division game at Hanson Field.

The Tigers (1-3) snapped a three-game skid with a 29-26 win at Florida A&M in their most recent outing. Quarterback Daylin Lee completed 18 of 27 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns and added 12 carries for 10 yards. He also threw for 62 yards on 11-of-19 passing at Georgia earlier this season. Brenton Paul ran 26 times for 92 yards and caught four passes for 36 yards with two touchdowns in the Florida A&M win, while Trevor Pearson contributed on defense and special teams. Tennessee State has dropped games to Jackson State, Georgia and Alabama A&M. The Tigers will rely on Lee to spark an offense that has shown flashes.

Western Illinois (2-3) returns home after a 23-20 loss at North Alabama. Kennedy McGill has been central to the Leathernecks’ attack. In the North Alabama game, McGill completed 15 of 28 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns, ran 27 times for 24 yards and punted once for 43 yards. Against Morehead State, he completed 25 of 31 passes for 264 yards and four touchdowns and ran 15 times for 81 yards and another score. Earlier against Illinois State, McGill completed 14 of 22 passes for 123 yards, ran 12 times for 18 yards and recorded a tackle. Ihson Jackson-Anderson also was productive against North Alabama, running 12 times for 34 yards and catching five passes for 117 yards while returning three kickoffs for 62 yards.

The Leathernecks have scored at least 59 points in two wins this season, beating Morehead State 59-2 and Northwestern (IA) 65-14. Their losses came against Illinois State, Wisconsin and North Alabama. Western Illinois will aim to control the game with McGill’s dual-threat ability and a balanced ground attack.

Tennessee State’s defense will need to contain McGill and limit explosive plays. The Tigers have struggled against ranked and higher-level opponents, including a 63-3 loss at Georgia and a 30-3 loss at Alabama A&M. Their win over Florida A&M showed improved offense and enough defense to close a tight game. A fast start on Saturday could help Tennessee State stay within range on the road.

Western Illinois is seeking consistency after alternating wins and losses. The Leathernecks opened with a 65-14 win over Northwestern (IA), fell to Illinois State 41-10, lost at Wisconsin 36-9, beat Morehead State 59-2 and then dropped a three-point decision at North Alabama. A victory Saturday would move Western Illinois above .500 and give it momentum before its upcoming schedule.

Interstat’s game simulator projects Western Illinois 46, Tennessee State 19.