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No. 22/23 (FCS) Eastern Illinois vs. Central Arkansas
O'Brien Field (10,000) • Charleston, Ill.
September 11, 2010 • 1:30 pm • TV: WEIU

THE GAME
Eastern Illinois will open its 2010 home season on Saturday hosting Central Arkansas from the Southland Conference. EIU is coming off a 37-7 loss to No. 9 Iowa while Central Arkansas is entering on the heels of a 47-20 win over Elizabeth City State. The Panthers will retire former EIU quarterback Sean Payton's No. 18 at halftime of the game with Payton and former EIU coach Al Molde set to be on hand. 

EIU lost its season opener at Iowa falling to 14-9 all-time in openers under head coach Bob Spoo. The Panthers have had better numbers in home openers as EIU has won four straight home openers at O'Brien Field. The last loss was 27-6 to Illinois State in 2005. EIU has won eight home openers since 2000. 

Central Arkansas is off to a 1-0 start following a home win against NCAA Division II member Elizabeth City State. UCA posted a 5-7 record last year finishing at 2-5 in the Southland Conference. The Bears are now done with their NCAA transition phase and are eligible for the NCAA playoffs this season.

THE SERIES
This will mark the first meeting between Eastern Illinois and Central Arkansas. The Panthers will return the home-and-home series to Conway, Ark., during the 2012 season. EIU and UCA are both affiliate members of the Missouri Valley Conference in men's soccer with EIU holding a 2-0 series lead. 

EIU has previously played three schools from the Southland Conference with a 2-4 record. The last meeting was Nov. 25, 1995 when Eastern Illinois lost 34-29 to Stephen F. Austin in the opening round of the NCAA FCS playoffs in Nacogdoches, Texas.