Quarterback

Illinois State’s Luke Drone managed the Redbirds’ offense with efficiency and poise. Drone threw for 267 yards and two touchdowns. Although Drone was intercepted twice, he managed to make the big play when needed-including two passes over the middle to tight end Kedric Meredith to extend drives. Eastern backup Bodie Reeder took over the Panthers’ offense late in the third quarter and engineered one scoring drive and another that put Eastern in prime position to tie or win the game. A fumble on a snap ruined Eastern’s scoring chances.

Edge: ISU

Running backs

It took three games, but Eastern’s offense finally established its ground game against ISU. Travorus Bess rushed for 99 yards on 21 carries, and Chip Keys and Ademola Adeniji both found the end zone. Eastern’s trio of Bess, Adeniji and Keys covered the entire spectrum-ground speed and bruising power. ISU’s Rafael Rice rushed for 74 yards and one touchdown, but the Redbirds’ ground game never found much momentum as Eastern’s defense closed the gaps.