Eastern Illinois and Indiana State will both be looking to get off to a 2-0 start to the season when the programs meet on Saturday in Terre Haute.

EIU beat Dayton 24-14 in its 2025 season opener while Indiana State beat McKendree 41-24.  EIU's last 2-0 start to a season was in 2013.  

Quarterback Cole LaCrue made a memorable debut for the Panthers as the Wisconsin transfer rushed for 193 yards and three touchdowns leading EIU to a season opening win over Dayton.  The 193 yards on the ground set an EIU single season rushing record by a quarterback (previously set by Jalen Whitlow with 142 in 2015). 

LaCrue added 129 yards passing through the air going 9-of-17 with one interception. 

Transfer running back Charles Kellom rushed for 133 yards on 30 carries for the Panthers as Eastern Illinois churned out 336 total yards on the ground.  It was the second career 100-yard rushing game for the Akron transfer after he had 104 yards and a touchdown last season against Kent State.  

LaCrue and Charles Kellom both went over the 100-yard rushing mark in the season opening win over Dayton. 

Game time is noon on Saturday. Hear the game, starting with the 11:30 am pregame, on WHOW.