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MURRAY, Ky. – Eastern Illinois needed some big plays from special teams and defense as the No. 19 Panthers improved to 7-2, 5-1 in the OVC with a hard fought 16-10 win at Murray State on Saturday. The Racers fell to 2-6, 1-4 in the OVC.
The defense limited Murray State to just 168 yards of total offense and 41 yards rushing while kicker Austin Signor converted on all three field goal opportunities. EIU will have an off week next Saturday before hosting UT Martin on Nov. 14 at O'Brien Field.
Eastern Illinois mishandled the opening kickoff forcing them to start inside the 15 yard line. Murray State forced a 3-and-out and then started its first possession at the EIU 14-yard line after a big punt return by Ja-Vonta Trotter. Charlie Jordan would score a few plays later to put the Racers up 7-0 with 12:43 to go in the first quarter.
EIU tied the game in the second quarter on a big defensive play as Rashad Haynes stepped in front of a Murray State receiver and picked off the pass returning its 34 yards for a touchdown. Signor made the extra point to tie the game at 7-7 with 8:19 to go in the second quarter. The interception moved Haynes into a tie for 7th on the Panthers career interception list with 10.
The Panthers took their first lead of the game with 28 seconds left in the first half as Signor knocked home a 37-yard field goal to put EIU up 10-7 at the half.
Murray State's defense forced a crucial turnover near the end of the third quarter recovering a fumble at the EIU 28 yard line with 12 seconds left. The Racers Tamar Butler forced the fumble with Lamar Theus recovering. Kienan Cullen would knock home a 29 yard field goal with 13:03 left in the game to tie it at 10-10.
Eastern Illinois answered with a scoring drive of its own as Jake Christensen hit Lorence Ricks for two big pass receptions to move the ball into Racer territory. Jimmy Potempa pulled in a reception to put the ball inside the 20 but EIU had to settle for a Signor 37-yard field goal to go up 13-10 with 8:58 left in the game. The field goal moved Signor into a tie for sixth on the EIU single season field goal list.
Signor moved into sole possession of sixth place on the field goal list with his 13th make of the season as he converted a 36-yard attempt with 6:02 left in the game to give the Panthers a 16-10 lead. EIU gained possession of the ball as Murray State fumbled a punt attempt that Greg Mahan recovered inside the Murray State 30-yard line.
EIU was able to ice the game in the fourth quarter following a Trevor Frericks sack. Mon Williams converted the Panthers first third down conversion of the game with 3:08 left in the game and Chevon Walker broke loose for a second conversion with 1:38 left as EIU was able to take a knee and run out the clock. EIU was only 2-of-12 on third down conversions.
Frericks finished with seven tackles including 2.5 tackles for loss while Nick Nasti and Gordy Kickels each added eight tackles. Walker led the Panthers rushing attack with 55 yards while Williams added 46 and Potempa 41.
Jordan was the Racers top rusher with 38 yards while Erik Fennell led the defense with 12 tackles.
