Eastern Illinois Panthers
Overall Rank: #25
#1 OVC
2023 Record: 8-3, 4-2
2023 Postseason: None
Coach: Chris Wilkerson
Offensive Coordinator: Kyle Derickson
Defensive Coordinator: Collin Geier
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: MJ Flowers, RB, 852 yards
Passing: Pierce Holley, QB, 2,723 yards
Receiving: Eli Mirza, WR, 680 yards
Tackles: Elijawah Tolbert, LB, 87
Sacks: Drake Van Hyfte, DL, 5.0
Interceptions: NiJhay Burt, S, 3
Other Key Returnees: WR DeAirious Smith, OL Sebastian Pares, LB Anthony Shockey, DB Mark Aitken, DL Nicholas Oliveira-Chace, LB Phoenix Porter, DL Joel Barrows, DB Nick Coates, S Kaelin Drakeford, DL Jaron Hacha, DB Ira Armstead II, DL Colby Smith
Key Losses: WR Justin Thomas, WR Justin Bowick, OL Chad Strickland, S Blake Ruffin, DB Russell Dandy, DB Tyris Harvey, LB Alex Oyawale, DL Bryalon Willis
Projected Postseason: FCS Playoffs
2023 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 123.8 (84th in nation, 6th in conference)
Passing Offense: 249.2 (23, 2)
Total Offense: 373.0 (46, 3)
Scoring Offense: 23.6 (76, 5)
Rushing Defense: 124.6 (30, 4)
Pass Defense: 217.1 (69, 5)
Total Defense: 341.7 (42, 4)
Scoring Defense: 19.7 (16, 1)
Turnover Margin: 1.36 (1, 1)
Sacks: 2.09 (49, 7)
Sacks Allowed: 3.18 (111, 9)
