Eastern and Illinois State are set to meet for the 101st game of the Mid-America Classic. The Panthers enter the game with a record of 1-1, and the Redbirds enter the game ranked No. 15 in the FCS Top 25 polls with a record of 2-0.

Both Eastern and Illinois State are coming off games where both played FBS opponents. The Panthers faced off against Western Michigan, losing 52-21. The Redbirds fared better than the Panthers, knocking off Eastern Michigan 31-14.

“The 15th ranked team at our level just came off a Division-I win against Eastern Michigan,” head coach Dino Babers said. “You are talking about the best team we play this year. It’s a rivalry game, and you’re talking about a coach who has ties to Eastern. It’s going to be a huge test on Saturday, and we are looking forward to it.”

The Redbirds bring an offense to the field led by senior running back Darrelynn Dunn. He ranks sixth in the FCS in rushing yards per game, averaging 128 yards. He has rushed for five touchdowns so far this season.

“I think our defense has a big task,” Babers said. “There’s no doubt they want to run the football. They are a run the football, play action type of team.”

The Redbirds also have quarterback Matt Brown to keep their offense balanced. Brown is averaging 173.5 yards per game, and has thrown for four touchdowns and just one interception this season.

Former Illinois State player and current Eastern defensive lineman Pat Wertz is familiar with the players Illinois State has, but said that Eastern will hold its own against the Illinois State offense this weekend.

“Right now, we have four returning starters on our defensive line, and we are pretty solid up front,” Wertz said. “Last week, we took on Western Michigan and they didn’t blow us off the ball, so I don’t see Illinois State doing that either.”

Along with having quality players at running back and quarterback, Illinois State ranks first in the FCS in time of possession per game. The Redbirds rely heavily on the rushing attack as they average 38 minutes and 14 seconds of offensive possession per game.

“We want to be disciplined and find a way to shut down their run game and not give up big plays in the passing game,” Babers said. “If we do those things we can get them off the field, and if we can get them off the field, then we have a chance for our offense to get extra possessions.”

For Eastern, on offense, it will be led by junior quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. He has thrown for 594 yards and six touchdowns this season. His 297 yards per game and his six touchdown passes rank second in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Red-shirt senior Erik Lora has proven to be Garoppolo’s favorite target, catching 18 passes for 266 yards. His 133 yards per game leads the team, and his two touchdown receptions rank second.

Senior wide receiver Chris Wright has also been a factor in the passing game, recording 118 yards and three touchdown receptions. His 118 yards rank third on the team, and his three touchdown receptions rank first.

Although the preparation for the rivalry game has not been any different than any other game, the players want to send a message and leave Bloomington with a convincing win.

“We treat it like every other week,” Lora said. “We work hard and come to practice and get better, but there’s just this sting in your stomach. We just want to beat the,” his voice trailed off, “out of ISU.”

The 101st Mid-America Classic is set to kick off at 1 p.m. at Hancock Stadium in Bloomington.

Jordan Pottorff can be reached at 581-2812 or jbpottorff@eiu.edu