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CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Kentucky started eight offensive drives in Eastern Illinois territory as the Colonels beat the Panthers 33-6 during a rain-soaked homecoming game on Saturday afternoon at O'Brien Field.
 
EIU fell to 0-9 on the season, 0-5 in the OVC.   EKU improved to 5-3 overall, 3-1 in the OVC.
 
Eastern Illinois defense stepped up on the first drive of the game as Dytarious Johnson intercepted a Parker McKinney pass.  EIU would go three-and-out on their first offensive possession.
 
The Colonels shifted gears offensively the remainder of the afternoon playing to the conditions that had heavy rain falling during the contest.  EKU would run the ball 58 times for 265 yards while completing only two passes for 14 yards.
 
Alonzo Booth scored the Colonels first touchdown with 8:18 to play in the first quarter.  EKU would lead 14-0 at the half as McKinney had a 17-yard scamper in the second quarter.
 
In the second half, EKU started five of its first six possessions in EIU territory.  The Panthers defense was up to the task in terms of holding the Colonels out of the end zone.  Sean Williams had a team-high 11 tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss.  Linebackers Joe Caputo and Jason Johnson added eight and six tackles respectively.
 
EKU would settle for four field goals from Sam Hayworth coming from 35, 28, 25 and 23 yards.  The Colonels final score would come on a 1-yard run by Ellis Cain with 4:56 left in the game as EKU took over at the one-yard line following a loss-of-down penalty EIU was assessed on fourth down.
 
Joseph Sayles and Corey Glass each finished with four tackles to lead a balanced EKU defense.  Glass and Andrew Dziuk each had fumble recoveries for EKU as each team finished with two turnovers gained.  D'Mitri George had the Panthers other turnover gained with a fumble recovery. 
 
The Panthers would crack the scoreboard with 57 seconds left in the game as Harry Woodbery found Isaiah Hill for the 10-yard touchdown.  EIU failed on the two-point conversion.  EIU was held to 89 yards of offense on the day with 69 coming on the final drive.
 
EIU heads into its bye week and will return to action on November 9 at Tennessee State.