Eastern Illinois opened the season with a 27-0 win at Indiana State on Thursday night marking the first time EIU has opened a season with a win since 2017. 

Eastern Illinois defense was on-point in the opener forcing six turnovers with four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. 

Pierce Holley made his first start at quarterback for Eastern Illinois on Thursday as the graduate transfer from Georgetown passed for 244 yards with two touchdowns. He was 19-of-30.

Kevin Daniels carried most of the rushing load for the Panthers offense on Thursday night as the Northern Arizona transfer finished with 57 yards on 13 carries. 

Wide receiver Eli Mirza was a versatile weapon for the Panthers offense on Thursday at Indiana State. The junior college transfer was second on the team in rushing yards with 27 on an end-around play. He also led the Panthers in receiving yards with 82 including 42 yards after catch on his four receptions. 

Game time is 1 pm on Saturday afternoon. Hear EIU football on WHOW with pregame at 12:30 pm.