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Eastern Illinois stopped Illinois on its opening drive of the game. The Panthers then drove deep into Illinois territory before the first of three first half turnovers were forced by the Illini eventually leading to a 45-0 win over EIU.
Last season EIU led the FCS in turnover margin and allowed just 17 points off turnover for the entire 11 game season.
On Thursday night, Illinois was able to convert three first half turnover into 17 points leading 31-0 at the half.
Luke Altmyer passed for four first half touchdowns finishing the game with 213 yards through the air. Altymer hit Pat Bryant for two of the scores including the first of the game with 4:15 to play after Illinois forced the first turnover of the game in the opening quarter. Altmyer connected with Bryant with 4:13 to play in the first half converting another EIU turnover into a touchdown.
EIU was held in check with 196 yards of total offense.Â
Pierce Holley passed for 147 yards with
DeAirious Smith his top target with five catches for 63 yards.Â
EIU's defense stood strong for portions of the game playing with a short field several times.Â
Elijawah Tolbert and
Anthony Shockey led the Panthers in tackles from the linebacker position.  Tolbert had 12 stops and Shockey finished with nine tackles.
EIU's offensive line was able to protect Holley on the day allowing just one sack and three tackles for loss by the Illini defense.
This was the first of two games against Big Ten opponents this season for EIU as the Panthers play on Sept. 14 at Northwestern.  EIU hosts Indiana State for its home opener next week with a 6 p.m. start at O'Brien Field.Â
