The Eastern offense turned the ball over four times, but the Panthers’ high-scoring unit did more than enough to overcome its mistakes, beating Tennessee Tech 41-10, at Tucker Stadium in Cookeville, Tenn., Saturday afternoon.

Charleston native Adam Drake caught three touchdowns, leading Eastern to its third consecutive Ohio Valley Conference win. The Panthers are now 4-1 in the OVC, while Tennessee Tech dropped to 2-4 in league play.

Eastern quarterback Jalen Whitlow threw four touchdown passes and also scored a one-yard rushing touchdown. The junior quarterback has thrown for and rushed for at least one touchdown, respectively, in each of the Panthers’ five conference games this season.

Beginning the second half with a 24-3 lead, the Panthers defense forced a quick three and out, as Tennessee Tech struggled all afternoon to move the ball. Eastern began its first drive of the third quarter at its own 13-yard line.

Following a loss of three yards on first down, Whitlow threw a pass to Drake off of play action. Drake went up in the air to grab the jump ball, snagging the catch away from a Tennessee Tech defender. The Golden Eagle lost his footing and Drake raced away for a 90-yard touchdown that extended the Panthers’ lead to 31-10.

Meanwhile, the Golden Eagles had a few chances in the second half to capitalize on Eastern turnovers. Unfortunately for Tennessee Tech coach Watson Brown, the Golden Eagles did not take advantage of three second-half turnovers.

The Panthers’ defense held Tennessee Tech to 239 yards of offense. Although Eastern did not record any sacks, coach Kim Dameron saw the defense make quarterback Darian Stone uncomfortable, rarely giving him time to plant his feet in the pocket.

Stone finished 9-of-17, for 85 yards and threw an interception to Kamu Grugier-Hill in the fourth quarter. Eastern was also able to contain Stone’s running ability, as the quarterback gained 34 yards on 24 carries.

The Panthers began with a balanced first half on offense, coming out with 16 first downs in the first two quarters, eight through the air and eight on the ground. Whitlow threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Powell to cap off a 14-play, 83-yard opening drive.

Drake caught his first touchdown pass on a fade pattern in the corner of the end zone, with 2:58 left in the second quarter, putting Eastern ahead 24-3.

Drake led all receivers with six catches for 153 yards, as his third touchdown reception came from Whitlow, who squeezed the pass between three Golden Eagles from the eight-yard line in the third quarter.

Whitlow ended 19-of-24, for 297 yards and four touchdown passes, before Andrew Manley came in to play in the fourth quarter, when Eastern built a 38-10 lead.

Eastern did not have anyone rush for more than 100 yards, but Shepard Little led the Panthers’ running attack with 92 yards on 19 carries. Overall, Eastern outrushed Tennessee Tech 301-150, as Taylor Duncan and Whitlow added 72 and 45 yards, respectively.

Even Nick Bruno, who made both of his field goal attempts, pitched in running the ball. A little past midway through the fourth quarter, Eastern lined up to punt, but Bruno faked the punt, tucked the football and ran for 63 yards down the sideline. That helped set up his 23-yard field goal that made it 41-10.

Ladarius Vanlier had the only touchdown for Tennessee Tech, scoring on a 37-yard run, with 5:46 left in the fourth quarter.

Eastern has allowed 26 points in its current three-game winning streak. The Panthers will host Murray State at noon on Nov. 8, at O’Brien Field.

The Racers lost 62-38 at home against Tennessee-Martin on Saturday afternoon.

Aldo Soto can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].