RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University football team faces its toughest test of the season thus far on Saturday at undefeated Eastern Illinois. Kick-off is set for 2:30 p.m. ET.

No. 18 Eastern Kentucky (2-1, 2-0 OVC) has held its first two OVC opponents to an average of 10 points per game. On the other hand, No. 23 Eastern Illinois (4-0, 2-0 OVC) has scored at least 30 points in three of its four games, including a 30-20 win at Austin Peay last weekend. The Colonels will need to stop the EIU running attack, which averages 179 yards per game, to be successful this weekend.

EKU still plans to use both junior Cody Watts and redshirt freshman #T.J. Pryor# at quarterback. Pryor threw for a season-high 174 yards last Saturday at Murray State. Watts played the first three series at quarterback before moving out to wide receiver and finished with two receptions for 32 yards.

The last time two OVC ranked teams squared off against each other was on Oct. 28, 2006 when No. 12 UT Martin hosted No. 14 Eastern Illinois. UT Martin went on win, 15-9.

Since Eastern Illinois joined the OVC in 1996, the Colonels are 6-7 against the Panthers, but have won the last two meetings. The Colonels held the Panthers to their lowest point total of the season in 2008 – seven points.

Following Saturday’s game, Eastern Kentucky returns home on Oct. 10 to face the Tennessee State Tigers.

GAMEDAY INFORMATION

Game Notes
--Click here for game notes!

Television
--None

Video Streaming
--Saturday’s game can be seen on the web as part of OVCSports.tv. The cost is $5.95. Click here for live video stream!

Live Audio
--Saturday’s game can be heard locally on WCYO 100.7 FM. Click here for live radio broadcast!

Live Stats
--Click here for live stats!

Tickets
-- Tickets are available by calling the Eastern Illinois ticket office at (217) 581-2106 or going on-line at www.EIUpanthertickets.com.

Directions
--Click here for directions to Eastern Illinois University.

Weather
--Saturday’s forecast in Charleston calls for cloudy skies and a 30 percent chance of showers with a high of 59 degrees.

Storylines
-- EKU’s offense is just 25 percent (9-of-36) on third-down conversions this year while Eastern Illinois’ offense ranks third nationally at 52.9 percent (27-of-51).

-- The Colonels lead the league with six interceptions this season. Sophomore Jeremy Caldwell and redshirt freshman Justin Bell lead the team with two interceptions apiece. EKU has scored 24 points off seven turnovers in three games.

-- EKU has won 21 of its last 22 conference games dating back to 2006.