Eastern Illinois linebacker Ja’Wuan Nickson (5) and the Panther defense allowed just 235 yards of total offense in Saturday’s 31-7 win against Tennessee State at O’Brien Field. (Photo by Sandy King, EIUPanthers.com)
By Dan Verdun
CHARLESTON – If two heads are better than one, what do you say about two quarterbacks?
Eastern Illinois parlayed its two-QB system and a solid defensive effort to trounce Tennessee State, 31-7, Saturday at O’Brien Field.
The Panthers (3-2 overall, 2-0 in OVC-Big South) started redshirt freshman QB Connor Wolf for the third straight game and sprinkled in redshirt sophomore Cole LaCrue. The duo combined for 201 yards of offense and four touchdowns.
“We’ve said all along that they’re both phenomenal athletes, they’re both competitive and they’re winners,” EIU head coach Chris Wilkerson said. “I can’t say enough about the way they’ve handled this situation as we’ve gone forward.”
To further illustrate his point, Wilkerson spoke to the pair’s unselfishness.
“In the second half, Connor came over and said, ‘Hey, if we need the extra hat with the quarterback in the run game, go with Cole.’”
Wolf completed 13 of 20 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. LaCrue ran for 22 yards on eight carries and scored two rushing TDs. He also completed 2 of 3 throws for 34 yards.
“It’s been working well,” Wolf said. “I think we compliment each other well with some things I do well and some things he does well. It really keeps the defense guessing.”
Tight end Joe McNab caught not only his first career pass but also his first career touchdown in the waning seconds before halftime. His 1-yard reception boosted the Panthers to a 21-0 halftime lead.
“It was a great feeling celebrating with the guys. It was great to see the offense come together and go down the field and score,” McNab said of the 8-play, 54-yard drive that culminated with his TD 26 seconds before halftime.
Defensive deliveries
Meanwhile, EIU also produced on defense and special teams in stymying Tennessee State (1-4, 0-2).
“I was very proud of their efforts as a group and the way we played complimentary football,” Wilkerson said.
The Panthers lost their chance at a shutout when TSU quarterback Byron McNair found receiver Snap Reed for a 28-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter.
“We should have held them to a shutout. Those 15-yard penalties shot us in the foot,” said EIU linebacker Ja’Wuan Nickson in reference to a pass interference flag and a personal foul for a late hit out of bounds on the Tiger touchdown drive.
Yet, Eastern held Tennessee State to 30 net rushing yards on 20 attempts. Running back Kendric Rhymes, who entered the game as the OVC-Big South’s leading rusher, finished with 19 yards on seven carries.
“He’s very dangerous, and we were very aware of where he was. I was proud, probably the most, of the defensive line’s ability to neutralize their offensive line,” Wilkerson said.
Eastern held TSU to 235 yards of total offense.
Wolf said this was the best game Eastern has played in all three phases this season.
“This is something to build on and try to keep it rolling,” he said.
Game changers
5:34, 1st quarter: LaCrue scored on a 3-yard run up the middle to get EIU on the scoreboard.
0:26, 2nd quarter: Wolf found McNab for a 1-yard touchdown, the redshirt senior’s first career reception and first career TD.
13:30, 3rd quarter: The special teams combination of redshirt sophomore Christopher Sharp (forced fumble) and redshirt freshman Max Loveall (fumble recovery) made a big play on a TSU punt return, setting EIU up at the Tiger 28.
The turnover led to a LaCrue 1-yard TD plunge on 4th-and-goal, boosting the Panthers to a 24-0 lead.
Prime Time Panthers
Prairie State Pigskin chooses the the top three Eastern Illinois players in the game:
Wolf, QB: The Michigan native passed for 134 yards and two touchdowns. He did not throw any interceptions.
Nickson, LB: The junior college transfer led EIU with seven tackles, including one for loss.
Trevon Piggee, DL: The redshirt sophomore recorded four tackles, 1.5 for loss and collected a sack.
What it means
Eastern Illinois is 2-0 in conference action for the first time since 2017.
What’s next
Eastern Illinois hosts Gardner-Webb at 2 p.m. Oct. 11 at O’Brien Field. The game is EIU’s homecoming.
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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