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Preseason All-OVC, Order Of Finish

Eastern Illinois Jason Johnson and Matt Judd both were named to the preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference football team as the league held its media day activities virtually on Monday (July 19) announcing the league's preseason All-OVC teams and predicted order of finish for the upcoming season
 
Johnson was a preseason All-OVC selection at linebacker after earning first team All-OVC honors last season.  In the spring season Johnson led the OVC in tackles with 66 including six tackles for loss.   His 11 tackles per game ranked ninth in the FCS as he posted double figure tackles in each of the Panthers last four games.  He was named a Sophomore All-American following the season by Hero Sports.
 
Judd was a preseason All-OVC selection at kick returner after earning second team All-OVC honors last season.  In the spring he averaged 24.8 yards per return with a long return of 53 yards at UT Martin.  Judd ranked 13th in the FCS in kick return average for the year.  He was also a starter at wide receiver making eight catches for 109 yards with a touchdown.
 
EIU was selected to finish seventh in the OVC preseason poll with Murray State selected as the league favorite.  EIU will play Murray State twice during the regular season with a non-conference game at Murray State on Oct. 2 and the final OVC game of the year on Nov. 20 at O'Brien Field.  The Panthers OVC opener will be on Sept. 25 at Tennessee Tech.
 
The Panthers will open the season on Aug. 28 with a 5 p.m. Week Zero Game at Indiana State.   EIU's home opener will be on Sept. 18 when the Panthers host Illinois State in the Mid-America Classic at 6 p.m.