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Eastern Illinois at Tennessee Tech
Tucker Stadium (8,500) • Cookeville, Tenn.
November 23, 2024 • 12 pm • TV: ESPN+
GAME INFORMATION
EIU Game Notes | TTU Notes | Listen Panther Radio Network | Live Stats | Watch ESPN+
NOTES TO KNOW
• Eastern Illinois wraps up the 2024 regular season on Saturday with a Noon kickoff at Tennessee Tech. The Panthers improved to 3-8 overall, 2-5 in the Big South OVC, following a thrilling 16-13 overtime victory against Charleston Southern, celebrating the accomplishments of 27 seniors in their final home game at O’Brien Field.
• Tennessee Tech enters the final regular season game as the hottest team in the conference, having won four consecutive games, including a significant victory at nationally ranked UT Martin to secure this year’s prestigious Sgt. York trophy. A victory and favorable outcomes in other games could set the Golden Eagles up as co-champions of the Big South OVC, granting them the league’s automatic bid to the FCS playoffs.
• Julian Patino made history with an 18-yard field goal on Eastern Illinois’ first overtime possession after a pivotal defensive stand against Charleston Southern. This kick marked Patino’s remarkable achievement as the first game-winning field goal for EIU since September 2022, when Stone Galloway executed a remarkable 50-plus yard field goal to clinch the win over McNeese. The triumph also highlights the Chris Wilkerson era, marking EIU’s fourth overtime game, bringing their all-time record to 11-9 in such high-pressure situations.
• Special teams shone brightly for Eastern Illinois, recording two impressive blocked kicks during the win over Charleston Southern. Cody Silzer initiated the excitement with a blocked punt in the first half, setting up EIU’s second touchdown just before halftime. Meanwhile, Zay Gentry’s crucial block of a long field goal attempt further displayed the Panthers’ tenacity. Silzer’s block marked the first for EIU since NiJhay Burt’s against Tennessee State last season, while Gentry’s block contributed to an impressive tally for the season, bringing EIU’s blocked kicks total to four—the most since 2017.
• Eastern Illinois exhibited a defensive masterclass, achieving their best effort of the season against Charleston Southern. The Panthers’ defense made two critical red zone stops, holding the opposition to just 210 total yards—85 in the air and 125 on the ground. This remarkable feat marked the fewest passing yards allowed by the Panthers since an impressive 59-yard performance against Murray State on Nov. 20, 2021. The last occasion EIU held an opponent under 200 total yards was back on October 28, 2017, against UT Martin, who managed only 192 total yards.
How might Tennessee Tech’s recent winning streak impact their chances in the game against Eastern Illinois?
**Interview with Sports Analyst Mike Thompson on the Upcoming Match between Eastern Illinois and Tennessee Tech**
**Host**: Welcome to our sports segment! Today we have with us Mike Thompson, a seasoned sports analyst, to discuss the upcoming college football game between Eastern Illinois Panthers and Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles happening on November 23, 2024. Mike, thanks for joining us!
**Mike Thompson**: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting matchup, especially with so much riding on this game for both teams.
**Host**: Absolutely! Eastern Illinois is wrapping up their 2024 regular season. They recently celebrated a thrilling overtime victory against Charleston Southern. How do you see that momentum affecting their performance this Saturday?
**Mike Thompson**: That win certainly gives them a much-needed boost. Ending the season on a high note with a win, particularly one that was an emotional send-off for 27 seniors, can invigorate the whole team. However, at 3-8, they’ll need to channel that energy into a strong performance against a formidable opponent like Tennessee Tech.
**Host**: Speaking of Tennessee Tech, they are coming in hot, having won four consecutive games. What do you think has been the key to their recent success?
**Mike Thompson**: Tennessee Tech’s rise can largely be attributed to their recent victories against strong competitors, culminating in their notable win over nationally ranked UT Martin. Their defense has been exceptional, and with the momentum they’re carrying, they appear to be a serious contender for the Big South OVC title. A victory here could position them as co-champions, which adds another layer of motivation.
**Host**: Interesting point! You mentioned the potential for them to secure a trip to the FCS playoffs if they win. How significant would that be for their program?
**Mike Thompson**: It would be monumental! Securing an automatic bid to the playoffs would not only elevate their status within the conference but also build a strong foundation for future seasons. It reflects growth and the capability of the program to compete at higher levels.
**Host**: And what about players to watch in this matchup?
**Mike Thompson**: Keep an eye on Julian Patino from Tennessee Tech. He made headlines recently with an impressive 18-yard field goal that added to their momentum. For Eastern Illinois, they’ll need strong performances from their senior leaders to step up in this critical showdown.
**Host**: This matchup definitely has all the makings of an exciting game. Thank you, Mike, for sharing your insights with us today!
**Mike Thompson**: Thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds on the field.
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For viewers, the game will take place at Tucker Stadium in Cookeville, Tennessee, with kickoff at noon, and it will be available for viewing on ESPN+ [[1](https://africa.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/401634011/e-illinois-tennessee-tech)].