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CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Eastern Illinois jumped out to a 21-0 lead and held off a feisty Austin Peay squad as the Panthers improved to 4-0 with a 30-20 victory over the Governors on Saturday night in Clarksville. EIU opened the season for 4-0 for the first time since the 1996 season.
The No. 24 ranked Panthers improved to 4-0 overall, 2-0 in the OVC. APSU fell to 1-3, 0-1 OVC.
CJ James set the tone on the Panthers first defensive possession as he blocked an Austin Peay punt that the Panthers recovered at the Governors nine yard line. Jake Christensen hit Danny Vehovic from two yards out as EIU opened with a 7-0 lead.
The Governors would stay close scoring a touchdown in both the third and fourth quarters while EIU placed two field goals by Austin Signor on the board.
Following a Signor 28 yard field goal with 1:12 left in the game which put EIU up 30-14, Austin Peay made it interesting scoring with 35 seconds left on a Gary Orr three yard pass to Scott Thomas. EIU's
Cory Leman made a tackle on the two-point conversion to prevent APSU from pulling to within one score. EIU covered the onside kick attempt and ran the clock out.
Special teams also plagued Austin Peay on their second possession as Ryan Key's punt took an EIU bounce and rolled back to finish as only a ten yard punt. EIU took over at the APSU 29-yard line and scored four plays later as Christensen hit Kenny Whittaker from four yards out to put the Panthers up 14-0 with 7:28 left in the first quarter.
Eastern Illinois drove 63 yards on their next drive with a Mon Williams touchdown capping the drive four minutes into the second half. A fourth first half touchdown was missed as the Panthers were held on a fourth goal at the APSU one yard line.
The Governors finally landed on the board with four minutes left in the first half as Terrence Holt scored from 13 yards out on a run. Holt was Austin Peay's top offensive threat finishing with 224 all purpose yards but did fumble the ball twice.
EIU's defense ended the first half much the same way they started the game as Gordy Kickels forced a Governors fumble on the APSU 15 yard line. Austin Signor put EIU up 24-7 at the break with a 34 yard field goal.
The Panthers were not sharp on offense account for only 243 total yards. EIU was limited to only 51 yards rushing while Christensen was 21-of-36 for 192 yards and two touchdowns. Mon Williams was held to only 45 yards rushing.
Eastern Illinois will host Eastern Kentucky next weekend at O'Brien Field for a 1:30 p.m. kick off. Tickets are on sale for the Family Weekend game at www.eiupanthers.com or by calling (217) 581-2106.
