EIU football looking to bounce back with road game at Illinois State

· Yahoo Sports

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) -- After nearly overcoming a 28-point second half deficit in a home loss to Indiana State, Eastern Illinois football faces another tough road test at Illinois State.

Hancock Stadium is sold out for the annual Mid-America Classic, with the Redbirds coming off an FBS win over Northern Illinois last week, and a FCS national runner-up finish last season.

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The Panthers are focused on having a better start to this week's game despite facing a hostile road crowd.

"That's not something that really we'll worry about," head coach Chris Wilkerson said. "We're really more worried about can we execute, and continue to maintain our poise, and continue to improve."

EIU starting QB Cole LaCrue is excited for his first matchup with the Redbirds.

"I didn't play against these guys last year, so I'm looking for the first time against these guys," LaCrue said. "They're a great organization... they're a great team... they've got a great defense." "A lot of stars all over the field, so, for us, we got nothing to lose." "Let's go out there, let's play our best ball and put our best foot forward."

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