Eastern Illinois (2–2, 1–0 OVC) will host Tennessee State (1-3, 0-1 OVC) in both teams’ second conference game.

The Panthers are coming off a hard-fought 31-23 road win against Western Illinois, a result that helped them gain momentum entering conference play.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Connor Wolf has thrown for 613 yards on 83 attempts and guided the team through multiple game plans. 

Although the passing attack remains a work in progress, the run game, highlighted by redshirt freshman Jacarre Fleming’s breakout performance, has become an increasingly reliable option.

Defensively, the Panthers have allowed nine sacks through four games but continues to show improvement in run support and situational stops. 

After the win over Western Illinois, Wolf emphasized that the team’s offensive identity is rooted in doing whatever it takes to win, regardless of the stat sheet.

“Our goal every week is to score one more point than our opponent,” Wolf said. “We had to run the ball a little bit more and the guys up front did a good job. Our [running] backs did a good job finding the right hole and being explosive.”

Heading into the matchup against TSU, Wolf is focused on taking care of the football, and improving his reads. 

“Decision-making, being quicker with where I’ve got to go with the ball, getting the ball out, and being smarter in the run game, those are things I’m focusing on,” Wolf said. “Taking care of the football is definitely a big thing. We’ve had some struggles with that, and I’ve had some personally, so just trying to clean that up and play cleaner games to help our defense out.”

Fleming, who was named OVC Freshman of the Week after a standout performance, said the success of the run game starts with the bond among the offensive line, quarterbacks, and fellow running backs.

“There’s a bond between us, the linemen and quarterbacks,” Fleming said. “We protect them and they protect us. We’re like brothers.” 

He added that recognition motivates him to keep improving, and with God’s plan he hopes for more. 

“It’s a blessing and part of God’s plan, but I want to go get more. I trust my O-line every time; they tell me to follow them, and I do,” Fleming said. “We’re doing everything better, hitting the holes, being explosive, making moves. We’ve grown a lot.”

Graduate wide receiver Cooper Willman said the offense’s versatility will be key as the season progresses. 

“Some games we pass more, some games we run more,” Willman said. “The ability to do both is going to help us through conference play. We’re confident in both.”

Defensively, the Panthers are focused on maintaining physicality and avoiding the big plays that have hurt them in earlier games. 

Head coach Chris Wilkerson said the unit took a step forward last week. 

“Defensively, we were able to eliminate the explosive or chunk plays that have kind of been our nemesis all season,” Wilkerson said. “That’s got to continue. The effort has to be consistent, and we also must be the more disciplined football team.”

Senior linebacker Tylan Foster said the defense’s communication has improved, particularly among linebackers who act as the “quarterbacks” of the unit. 

“If we know everybody’s job, we can get them on the same page,” Foster said. “That communication has been the biggest difference since the start of the season.” 

Foster also said defensively they want to force more turnovers. 

Junior safety Saipeti Maiava said the defense is focused on continuing its aggressive, physical style. 

“We just want to keep getting to the ball and finding ways to get it back to the offense,” Maiava Jr. said. “We loved how physical we played last week. Now we just want to build on that and pound this next team.” 

Wilkerson said the team’s overall identity is still developing, but he sees progress each week. 

“We’ve shown grit,” Wilkerson said. “We’re trying to improve every day. The players have done a great job creating a culture of accountability and respect.”

For Eastern Illinois, the keys against Tennessee State will be limiting turnovers, controlling the tempo with the run game, and continuing to reduce explosive plays defensively. 

Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at O’Brien Field. 

Payton Liggins can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].