Eastern Illinois holds off Tennessee Tech 24-23

Oct 8, 2017, 03:38 am

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Bud Martin connected with Alexander Hollins for three touchdowns, including the go-ahead score midway through the fourth quarter, and Eastern Illinois held off winless Tennessee Tech for a 24-23 victory Saturday night.

Eastern Illinois (4-2, 3-0 Ohio Valley Conference) trailed most of the game but took the lead with Hollins' third TD grab to make it 24-20 with 10:47 left to play. Tennessee Tech (0-6, 0-3) then drove 63 yards to set up a 33-yard field goal by Nick Madonia to make it a one-point game.

The Panthers dug in, getting a key interception by Mark Williams at their own 40 to stall a Tennessee Tech drive but then went three-and-out, giving the Golden Eagles another chance with 24 seconds left. Tennessee Tech drove 38 yards with two passes from Andre Sale to Dontez Byrd to reach the Eastern Illinois 31 but Madonia missed the 48-yard field goal and the Panthers ran out the clock to seal it.

Hollins finished with five catches for 125 yards and Dennis Turner had 103 yards with four catches. Martin was 10-for-14 passing. Matt Severino had a 30-yard field goal.

Eastern Illinois got rushing touchdowns from Yeedee Thaenrat and Adam Browner. Andrew Goldsmith had 121 yards with 16 carries.

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