Know Your Opponent: Eastern Illinois Panthers

Image: Eastern Illinois Athletics

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

 Head Coach: Adam Cushing 1st Year at EIU

Overall: 0-1 (.000) 1st year

At EIU 0-1 (0-0)

Playoff Appearances at EIU: 0

2019 Record: 0-1 Last Game: Lost to Chattanooga 24-10

Playoff Appearances Since 2000: 10

Mascot: Roary the Panther

Colors: Blue and Gold

Outfitter: adidas                                                            

National Titles: 1

Conference Titles: 19

Talking Points

1. Which Quarterback Will Play

The Panthers played two quarterbacks in the opener against Chattanooga. Jonathan Brantley, the more mobile of the two quarterbacks, played the most during the first three quarters. He completed 13-of-25 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. He also added 29 yards on the ground. Harry Woodberry, who played late in the game completed 13-of-22 passes for 121 yards, but did throw an interception. Between both quarterbacks there was only one sack.

Expect EIU to play both quarterbacks again as they try and prepare for the FCS season and find a good consistent play heading into the rest of their FCS season.

2. Offense Lacking an Identity

The Panthers only put up 10 points in a loss last week, but did win the total yards (370-350) and first down (23-14) battles. However, they lack an identity. EIU only averaged 3.6 yards rushing and 5.1 yards per pass attempt.

Six different players rushed the football for the Panthers in week one and they were led by Jaelin Hayes-Benefield who carried the ball just six times for 49 yards. Quarterback Jonathan Bentley led the team in attempts with 12.

The receivers were led by Xander Richards who hauled in five passes for 67 yards. Three other receivers made four catches each and 10 Panthers caught passes in total.

3.  No Pressure Defense

Defensively, the Panthers did not record a sack and only made five tackles for a loss. The Hoosiers did not surrender a sack last week against Ball State and this should be an opportunity to continue that streak and allow this offensive line to build confidence. Indiana should also be able to fix the run game.

The defense was led by linebacker Joe Caputo who made eight tackles including 1.5 coming for a loss. Defensive backs Bryce Dewberry and Raymo Crittenden each had an interception as well.

4. Opportunity to take Down a Power Five School

While the score was not in their favor the Panthers did some good things against Chattanooga. The defense forced two interceptions and broke up two more passes, while the offense only turned the ball over once and allowed one sack. Eastern Illinois is looking at this matchup as an opportunity to take down a Power Five foe and give the FCS another skin on the wall. Indiana has Ohio State next week and could be caught looking forward, although the Hoosiers have their own improvements to make before then.