It was a slow start to the game between Eastern Illinois and Minnesota, but the fireworks came late as the Gophers defeated Eastern Illinois 42-20.
Minnesota was plagued by turnovers and sloppy play in the first quarter. Quarterback Mitch Leidner fumbled the ball inside his own territory, which Eastern Illinois recovered. However, the Panthers' Nick Bruno missed a 41 yard field goal midway through the first quarter to keep the game scoreless.
A fumble by the Panthers inside their own 5 yard line was recovered by Minnesota's Alex Keith. On 3rd and goal from the 2, Mitch Leidner dropped back to pass, but ran the ball into the end zone after the left side of the defense vacated the area. It would be nearly a full quarter before Minnesota got back on the board.
A slow, methodical 90 yard drive by the Gophers culminated with a 35 yard touchdown pass by Leidner to Donovahn Jones.
The second half started well for Minnesota as Logan Hutton returned a blocked punt for a touchdown to give them a 21-0 lead. Eastern Illinois worked the ball into the red zone later in the quarter, but Alex Keith forced and recovered the fumble to end the threat. Antonio Johnson added an interception later in the quarter to end another threat.
Leidner ran for his second touchdown early in the 4th quarter, as Minnesota stretched their lead to 28-0. With the game well in hand, Minnesota's Berkley Edwards added two touchdown runs while Eastern Illinois' Andrew Manley accounted for three touchdowns to get the final score of 42-20.
Leidner was solid, completing 9 of his 17 passes for 144 yards and 1 touchdown. He also had 15 yards and 2 touchdowns rushing. David Cobb ran for 71 yards on 14 carries. Berkley Edwards had 60 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 4 carries. The rushing attack featured five different players to have at least 4 carries. Overall, the team had 182 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns.
Maxx Williams had 2 catches for 57 yards and Donovahn Jones added 57 yards and 1 touchdown on 3 catches for Minnesota.
Despite losing by 22 points, Eastern actually outgained Minnesota 409 yards to 338. Jalen Whitlow got the start, finishing with 110 yards passing and 1 interception on 14 of 23 passing. Whitlow also showed some wheels by running for 77 yards on 19 carries. Andrew Manley went 18 of 34 for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns. Shepard Little was shut down by the Minnesota defense, gaining only 16 yards rushing on 3 carries.
Adam Drake caught 11 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown while Stephen Bravo-Brown had 6 catches for 66 yards.
Eastern Illinois will face Southern Illinois next Saturday, September 6. They should have some confidence after a decent performance against Minnesota.
On the other hand, there is some concern for Minnesota. They started slow and gave up a lot of yards to the Panthers. Next week, they will face Middle Tennessee at home, which will give them a chance to correct their problems.