NORMAL — A 45-yard pass to Alexander Hollins to the Illinois State 12-yard line was the first real sign of life from the Eastern Illinois offense Saturday at Hancock Stadium.
The Panthers moved to the ISU 4-yard line and faced third-and-2 when the Redbird defenders decided they would be backed no closer to their own end zone.
First, linebacker Zack Mathews and safety Chrisitian Uphoff stacked up Robert Columbus for no gain. Then, on fourth down, linebacker Zeke Vandenburgh and tackle Jake Powell held Columbus to 1 yard and short of the first down to take over possession on downs.