Austin Peay State University football takes to the road for the final time in 2018 when it travels to Eastern Illinois to take on the Panthers, 1 p.m., Saturday.
The Governors (4-5, 2-4 OVC) play their first road game since travelling to Southeast Missouri, Oct. 13. The Govs opened the season with five of their first seven games on the road, but are coming off the only back-to-back home games on the schedule this year.
The Govs feature the top rushing attack in the Ohio Valley Conference, led by Kentel Williams’ 684 yards and six touchdowns. He ranks first in the country, averaging 8.88 yards per carry, and he’s second in the OVC in rushing yards per game (97.7).
Defensively, the Panthers (2-7, 2-4 OVC) are allowing 42.9 points and 518.2 yards of total offense per game, including 225.6 yards per game on the ground.
The Govs pass defense – which ranks second in the OVC – will be tested against an EIU squad that likes to air it out. Quarterbacks Johnathan Brantley and Harry Woodbery have combined for nearly 2,900 yards and 22 touchdowns. Their go-to receiver has been Alexander Hollins, who leads the OVC with 71 catches for 911 yards, and is second with 13 receiving touchdowns.
The Governors have been opportunistic on defense, forcing 15 turnovers this season, including nine interceptions. The secondary picked off two passes last weekend against EKU, with Malik Davis recording his team-leading third interception and Kordell Jackson picking off his second pass of the year.
Head coach Will Healy said the defense will have to bring its a-game to slow down the talented EIU offense.
“I’ve been around (EIU head coach) Kim (Dameron) long enough to know those kids will be prepared, ready to play and they’ll be well-coached,” Healy said. “I think offensively, they’re extremely dynamic: you’ve seen them put up points all year long. They’re using tempo to their advantage and they’re able to spread the field and make you defend all of it.”
Courtesy of APSU Athletics