In what would be head coach Bob Spoo’s final game at O’Brien Field, the Eastern football team was unable to hold on to its fourth quarter lead, falling to Tennessee State 18-17. The Panthers will now travel south for their final game of the season against Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

Call to take points off board ‘poor decision’

Spoo took full responsibility for the Panthers’ decision to accept an offsides penalty on the Tigers, negating a 34 yard field goal by sophomore kicker Cameron Berra.

“It actually took points off the board, which would have won us a football game, which was a critical, critical poor decision on my part,” Spoo said.

Three plays following the penalty, sophomore Jimmy Garoppolo would be sacked by Antonio Harper, and would then fumble, giving the Tigers possession.

“Let our team down and we lost,” Spoo said.

Saluki defensive back’s status still unknown

for Saturday

Saluki junior defensive back James McFadden’s status is still doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Panthers. McFadden did not travel with the team for last week’s game against South Dakota State. Defensive coordinator Bubba Schweigert said in a press conference that he didn’t know if he would be available.

“At this point we aren’t counting on having him,” he said.

McFadden has fifteen total tackles and one interception so far this season. McFadden is no stranger to injury, as he missed the entire 2010 season with a knee injury.

Junior defensive back LaVarus Williams made the start for the Saluki’s in place of McFadden last week.

The Panthers and the Salukis will square off at 2 p.m. Saturday in Carbondale for what will be Spoo’s final game of his career.

Around the OVC

Eastern Kentucky junior quarterback T.J. Pryor was named the OVC Offensive Player of the Week, following his performance in the Colonels’ 52-48 win over No. 18 Jacksonville State last weekend. Pryor helped the Colonels rally to win from a 24-point fourth quarter deficit to throw for a school record five touchdowns. Pryor completed 16 of 26 passes for a season-high 282 yards.

Eastern’s red-shirt junior running back Jake Walker was also nominated for the award.

Red-shirt sophomore defensive end Antonio Harper of Tennessee State was named OVC Defensive Player of the Week following his eight tackle, one sack and forced fumble performance in the Tigers’ win over Eastern last weekend. Harper’s forced fumble on Eastern quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo would turn the tide in favor of the Tigers after the Panthers decided to take three points off the scoreboard after a Tennessee State penalty. This marks the second time this season Harper has earned the honor of OVC Defensive Player of the Week. Eastern’s senior linebacker Gordy Kickels was also nominated for the award.

Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-7942 or dcrenzetti@eiu.edu.