Eastern Illinois and Tennessee State meet on Saturday at O'Brien Field with both teams still eying a possible at-large bid to the FCS playoffs at the end of the month. EIU clinched its first winning season since the 2017 campaign with a road win at Lindenwood last Saturday improving to 6-3 on the season, 2-2 in the Big South-OVC.
Eastern Illinois defense came up with three turnovers gained on Saturday as the Panthers are once again tied for the national lead in takeaways this season with 23 - tied with Richmond. EIU had three interceptions in the game marking the third time this season that they have three or more picks in a game with a season high of four in the opener at Indiana State.
Pierce Holley passed for more than 240 yards for the fifth consecutive game and the eighth time this season as the Panthers picked up a 16-10 road win at Lindenwood. Holley was 18-of-34 for 245 yards including one touchdown pass.
Tennessee State had its four-game win streak snapped with a road loss at Charleston Southern as the Tigers fell to 6-3 overall, 2-2 in the Big South-OVC. Both teams enter the week receiving votes in the two major FCS Top 25 polls.
Game time is noon Saturday in Charleston. Hear all the action starting with the pregame at 11:30 am on WHOW.
