EIU Has Second Scrimmage, Panther Club BBQ Thursday

CHARLESTON -- Safety Jourdan Wickliffe lived up to the Eastern Illinois defense’s mantra of “Run To The Ball” as the junior had three interceptions on Saturday morning including two returned for touchdowns as the Panthers wrapped up their second scrimmage of fall camp.

Wickliffe found himself in the right place at the right time on the first series of the game as Timotheus Granger tipped a Jimmy Garoppolo pass at the line that landed in Wickliffe’s hands as he raced 24 yards for a score. Wickliffe’s other two interceptions came in action against the second team offensive unit. He had one returned for 26 yards and another that he returned 45 yards for a score.

Anthony Goodman added a third defensive touchdown as he picked off a pass and raced 61 yards for a touchdown. Marquez White had the fifth interception of the day for the defense as he picked off a batted pass at the line.

Following the interception on the first series, Garoppolo answered driving the offense the length of the field for a touchdown. He connected with Erik Lora for a four-yard touchdown.  Garoppolo finished the day 13-of-18 for 149 yards and two touchdowns as the second and third team units saw extended time in a battle for back-up positions.

“I was really excited about the way our first teams on offense and defense performed not only today but through fall camp,” said head coach Dino Babers. “I love that our defense had a couple of Pick 6’s. Our focus today was to see the number 2’s and number 3’s perform so we can evaluate those players and see which ones can help us on the depth chart.”

Adam Drake had the big receiving day for the offense catching four passes for 113 yards.  Granger was solid on defense with two pass break-ups and a sack to his credit.

EIU opens the season in two weeks at San Diego State on August 31. The home opener for the Panthers is Sept. 14 against Illinois State in the Mid-America Classic. Season and single game tickets are now on sale by calling 217-581-2106 or online at www.eiupanthertickets.com

Thursday, August 22, EIU will have a Panther Club Member Benefit Pick-Up BBQ at O’Brien Field beginning at 6 p.m. with the football team scheduled to practice under the lights at 7 p.m. This event is free for Panther Club members and Go Blue Level members and they are encouraged to attend to pick-up their benefits for the 2013-14 school year.