TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Eastern Illinois found the end zone in the third quarter and was driving for a potential game tying score in the fourth quarter when the fourth Panthers turnover of the day stalled the drive.  Indiana State would turn that turnover into an insurance field goal to beat EIU 16-6 on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium.

EIU falls to 0-4 on the season while ISU improved to 2-2.

After not turning the ball over in the last two games, Eastern Illinois had a turnover on its opening possession – one of four Panthers turnovers on the day.

The EIU defense was up to the task as they held Indiana State to a 23-yard Jerry Nunez field goal after giving the Sycamores the ball on the 38-yard line.   It was one of three times on the day that EIU's defense limited Nunez to a short field goal following a turnover.

One of the biggest turnovers of the game came early in the fourth quarter as Denzel Bonner's interception ended a potential game tying drive by EIU. Bonner picked off the pass at the ISU 40 and returned it to the EIU 29.  Indiana State would score six plays later to go up 16-6 on a 21-yard field goal by Nunez.

EIU's defense was able to force turnovers of its own.  JJ Ross ended an ISU drive in the first quarter with an interception.  In the second quarter Anthony Shockey forced a fumble which was recovered by Terrell Greer.   Austin Johnson (13 tackles), Dytarious Johnson (10 tackles) and Antonio Crosby (10 tackles) would lead the Panthers in tackles as the defense was active on the afternoon.

The Sycamores big play in the first half came late in the first quarter as back-up quarterback Kurt Wilderman hit Rontrez Morgan for a pass down the near sideline for 69 yards which put ISU up 10-0 at the time.  Indiana State would hold a 13-0 lead at the halftime.    Wilderman was 14-of-22 for 186 yards while rushing for a team high 50 yards.

In the third quarter Harry Woodbery was able to move the Panthers down the field as they cashed in for their first touchdown since the second quarter of the season opener at Chattanooga.  Woodbery scrambled for a 4-yard touchdown on 4th and goal with 1:10 left in the quarter.  EIU was within one score at 13-6 after missing the extra point.

EIU's potential game tying drive would end on the fourth turnover of the day for the Panthers.  Woodbery finished the day 8-of-22 for 63 yards with two interceptions.  Chris Walker rushed for 49 yards on ten carries. 

Indiana State had one additional chance to add to the lead in the fourth quarter but a Kylan Cole sack on third down pushed Nunez back for a long field goal attempt which sailed left with 1:28 left in the game.