Eastern Illinois recaptured the Mid-America Classic traveling trophy with a 14-13 win against Illinois State. (Photo by EIUPanthers.com)
By Dan Verdun
Eastern Illinois experienced one of the biggest turnaround seasons in FCS, quadrupling its win total from a year ago.
After winning just two games in 2022, the Panthers posted an 8-3 overall record and earned a No. 24 ranking in the final FCS Coaches Top 25 poll.
EIU finished 4-2 in the Big South-OVC Association.
The Panthers led the FCS in turnover margin, according to NCAA.com statistics. EIU gained 25 turnovers while losing just 10 for a margin of +15.
Here’s our look back on EIU’s 2023 season:
Head coach: Chris Wilkerson
Most disappointing loss: A failed two-point conversion attempt left Eastern Illinois one point short in a 28-27 overtime loss to No. 18 UT Martin on Homecoming.
Biggest win: A week after the overtime defeat to UT Martin, the Panthers reversed their fortunes. Quarterback Pierce Holley – with a helpful push from his teammates – scored on a two-point attempt lifting EIU to a 25-24 overtime win.
All-Big South/OVC Honors:
Coach of the Year: Chris Wilkerson
Offensive Freshman of the Year: M.J. Flowers, RB, who was also finished as the runner-up for the Jerry Rice Award, the national honor for top frosh
First Team: Flowers, RB; Eli Mirza, WR; Chad Strickland, OL; Elijawah Tolbert, LB; Blake Ruffin, S; Russell Dandy, DB
Second Team: Holley, QB; Justin Thomas, WR; Sebastian Pares, OL; Joel Barrows, DL
Breakout players:
Offense – Holley, a transfer from FCS Georgetown, proved to be quite an upgrade in leading the EIU offense. Holley displayed composure in the pocket despite being sacked 35 times. The Colorado native completed nearly 61 percent of his passes for 2,741 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was intercepted seven times. Holley added four rushing touchdowns.
Defense – Ruffin overcame a series of previous injuries to become EIU’s second-leading tackler with 63 stops. The redshirt sophomore grabbed four interceptions, including victory-preserving picks against Illinois State and Lindenwood. Ruffin also had four tackles for loss and four pass breakups.
Ruffin announced last week that he was entering the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining.
Players EIU will most miss:
Offense – Thomas, a former Division III All-American who transferred to EIU in 2022, used his redshirt season to return to Charleston after an injury cut short last fall. Thomas caught 38 passes for 475 yards and five touchdowns, including the game-winner against Illinois State.
Defense – Tolbert, a two-time all-conference pick, announced shortly after the season ended that he was entering the transfer portal. Tolbert led EIU with 87 tackles, including seven for loss. He added two forced fumbles and an interception.
2024 season opener: Eastern Illinois opens at the University of Illinois Aug. 24.
Next up: Barry Bottino examines 5 Burning Questions facing Eastern Illinois football.
Dan Verdun is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin. He has written four books: NIU Huskies Football, EIU Panthers Football, ISU Redbirds Football and SIU Salukis Football.
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