CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois showed balance on offense and defense and seems to be ahead of last year's preseason pace according to head coach Bob Spoo as the Panthers completed their first fall scrimmage on Saturday night at O'Brien Field.

“We are so far ahead of last year,” said Spoo following the scrimmage. “Our attitude and team chemistry have been great. It has been a pleasure to work with this team.”

EIU's offense seemed to click on the first possession of the scrimmage as returning starting quarterback Bodie Reeder drove the Panthers into scoring range on the first drive. He hit Michigan transfer Jimmy Potempa on a big catch and the drive was capped by a 43-yard Austin Signor field goal after the drive began on the EIU 20.

The Panthers defense stepped up on the next three possessions ending one drive with back-to-back sacks of Jake Christensen and another one on a three-and-out. The third drive was ended on a pass break-up by Jonathan Ridgner and a tipped ball at the line.

The ensuing series of downs started from the EIU 40 with the defense setting the tone the first possession. Spyros Bazigos made a big stop in the backfield and the drive ended on a fumble on the next play.

The offense would tack on a pair of field goals on their next two sets of downs with Christensen guiding the offense. Jason Baker connected on a 34 yard field goal for one score while Signor was good from 40 yards out.

Freshman Artavious Dowdell made a sack to end the next EIU drive as the Panthers failed to convert on a fourth down attempt. Dowdell would make a big stop on the next drive after the Panthers placed the ball inside the 10 yard line on a run by Mon Williams. The drive would end on downs.

Desmin Ward found the end zone from 20 yards out for the first to two offensive touchdowns with drives beginning in the red zone. Mon Williams powered in for the other TD after Kenny Whittaker's nice catch set the offense up at the four yard line.

The final two drives of the night were owned by the defense as Randolph Tribble had an interception in the end zone and EIU had two straight tackles for loss to end the next drive.

“I think our program has advanced and gotten better at various positions,” added Spoo. “We are improved at the wide receiver position and deeper at offensive line. With that said, we still have areas to work and evaluate. I was pleased with the tempo of play that I saw from our team tonight.”

EIU will take Sunday off and return to practice on Monday. The Panthers will hold a situational scrimmage at 3 p.m. on Wednesday followed by their second full scrimmage next Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. That night will also be a fan appreciation event for season ticket holders and EIU Panther Club members.