Based on the way the game was going this weekend, 28-9 in the fourth quarter, nobody would’ve guessed that such little mistakes on special teams would cost the Panthers on their last drive.

However, it just so happens that some of the small things the common fan or reporter might overlook were actually the most crucial mistakes of the game.

It all started on Eastern’s second scoring drive. Freshman kicker Cameron Berra connected on a field goal earlier, to make the game 3-0, but he choked when Eastern scored a touchdown on the next drive.

On the extra point, Berra kicked the ball off of the right field goal post. The game was 9-0. could’ve been 10-0.

If you aren’t already, keep track of this with me.

At halftime, No. 4 Jacksonville State had come back and padded the scoreboard. The Gamecocks led at halftime, 21-9.

To start the second half, Eastern got the ball and did what all the Panther fans wanted to see. The Panther offense drove the ball 61 yards down the field and gave Berra a chance to make a 29-yard field goal.

He missed it wide left. So, if he would’ve made it, the game could’ve been 21-12. But if he made the extra point in the first quarter, the game would be 21-13. Instead, it was still 21-9.

In the fourth quarter, JSU struck first. The Gamecocks scored to make the game 28-9.

Then, the craziness began.

Brandon Large enters the game for Jimmy Garoppolo and drives Eastern down the field. Touchdown. Then Large connects with Lorence Ricks for a two-point conversion.

Score: 28-17.

Could’ve been: 28-21

On Eastern’s next drive, Large drove 98 yards for a touchdown. With the score 28-23, they had to go for a two-point conversion.

But if the game would’ve been 28-21 – meaning the field goal and extra point would’ve been made – then Berra could’ve kicked an extra point to tie the game.

Instead, Eastern had to go for two. This time, they don’t get it.

Score: 28-23

Could’ve been: 28-28, guessing that Berra makes the extra point.

Now, pardon my tangent, we have to go back because JSU made mistakes, too.

Gamecock kicker James Esco missed two field goals over 40 yards during the game. So, that’s six points right there.

Score: 34-28, Eastern trails.

But for the sake of my argument, let’s say Esco only makes one of the 40-yard field goals because field goals of that length are difficult.

After Eastern gets the onside kick, they only trail 31-28 and can kick a field goal once they march down the field.

I suppose this is just proof that things could’ve been different. And after the game, Spoo said the team could’ve had different options at the end if they take advantage of a couple more things.

But the loss doesn’t go only on Berra and the special teams.

Sure, everybody played their hearts out and that was great to see, but the offense stalled for two quarters and JSU running back Jamal Young ran all over Eastern.

Still, Saturday’s game was a great lesson to everyone to why special teams can change a game from good to bad, or the other way around.

Alex McNamee can be reached at 581-7944 or admcnamee@eiu.edu.