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JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – No. 22 Eastern Illinois returned a kick off for a touchdown and interception for a touchdown as the Panthers (7-3, 6-1 OVC) picked up a tough road win 37-23 at Jacksonville State (6-4, 5-2 OVC).
With the win Eastern Illinois remains in the NCAA playoff hunt as the Panthers will host Samford next Saturday at 1:30 p.m. for senior day.
Quinten Ponius helped the Panthers create a little excitement to open the second half as he returned a kick off 96 yards to score a touchdown to become the first EIU player since Andre Raymond did it in 2002.
Michael Torres sealed the game for EIU as the senior defensive end tipped a pass to himself and returned the interception 40-yards to put EIU up 37-23.
Ke'Andre Sams picked off a Cedric Johnson pass on the next drive to let EIU run out the clock.
EIU opened the game taking advantage of a fumble by JSU on the game's first offensive play.
Pierre Walters recovered the fumble.
Ademola Adeniji scored three plays later for his first touchdown of the day. Adeniji would finish with 158 yards to crack the 1,000 yard mark for the season and 2,000 yard mark for his career. Adeniji added another touchdown with 10:18 to go in the second quarter.
Jacksonville State was able to stay in the game behind the versatile play of quarterback Cedric Johnson. He accounted for two touchdown passes to Derrick Harris and Taureen Rhetta. Johnson also scored a third touchdown with a 13-yard run on the option.
Donald Thomas led EIU with 10 tackles while
Matt Westrick had eight including three for loss. Alexander Henderson was JSU's top tackler with 11 tackles.
