CHARLESTON, Ill. - Eastern Illinois coaches saw balance on both sides of the ball on Saturday evening as the Panthers concluded their second scrimmage of the fall season. EIU will begin classes for the fall semester on Monday as the team begins preparation for its season opener in two weeks at Iowa.

The Panther offense looked sharp on the opening drive of the night as Brandon Large guided the team 80 yards on 13 plays for an opening score. Large was a perfect 8-of-8 on the drive for 61 yards hitting Erik Lora for an 18-yard strike to score. Large would finish the scrimmage an effective 13-of-16 for 103 yards working three long series with the first team offense.

"If definitely felt good to get out there and move the ball down the field," Large said following the scrimmage. "We were taking what the defense gave us and slowly moving the ball down the field."

Following the opening drive EIU's defense put together three straight stands including a pair of three-and-outs by the offense. The defense held quarterback Jimmy Garrapolo to just 2-of-8 for 21 yards in three series as the freshman appears to be working himself into the No. 2 spot. James Cooper and Randolph Tribble both had pass break-ups to end one of the drives.

The defense continued to apply pressure on the next three drives before Large was again able to drive the offense into a scoring opportunity. The special teams unit was able to block a Kevin Cook 29-yard field goal attempt to end that drive. Perry Maynard had a couple of big plays on the drive with a sack and pass break-up.



EIU's offensive unit would not score again until they began their final drives in the red zone. Cam White scored a touchdown on a 3-yard run while Jimmy Lera added another score on a 10-yard scamper. White, Lera and #A.J. Woodson all split carries on the day as the Panthers rested Mon Williams and Jimmy Potempa# during the scrimmage due some injuries suffered earlier this week. White had 27 yards on 9 carries while hauling in three passes for 30 yards. Lera had 31 yards on 9 carries.

"I think both sides of the ball played pretty well out there today," said EIU head coach Bob Spoo. "I think we have showed improvement during camp but there are still some things we need to work on in the coming weeks."

Senior linebacker Nick Nasti added "I think the defense played well after the first series. I hope can continue to generate three-and-outs and work on creating turnovers." Nasti had a good day for the defense with a sack, a tackle for loss and five tackles.

The lone turnover of the scrimmage occurred on the final play of day as the defense forced a fumble and Cory Leman made a big return.

Garrapolo finished the day 2-of-10 for 21 yards while Shadonta Travis was 5-of-6 for 40 yards. Those two will continue to battle for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart. Taylor Duncan the fourth quarterback on the roster may be heading to a redshirt season but was 2-of-3 for 27 yards and a touchdown pass during the scrimmage.

EIU will begin its game week routine on Sunday as they put in two weeks of game planning for Iowa. The Panthers home opener is Sept. 11 against Central Arkansas. Season and single game tickets are now on sale by calling 217-581-2106 or online at www.eiupanthertickets.com  A limited number of tickets remain for the EIU season opener at Iowa, those tickets may be purchased by EIU fans by calling 217-581-2106. The deadline to order those tickets is Noon on Wednesday.