TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WAND) - Eastern Illinois Football has started year two of the Chris Wilkerson era on the right foot.

The Panthers opened the 2023 season with a win over Indiana State.

The EIU defense was on a mission Thursday night. The panthers came up with two pick-6's en route to a 27-0 win.

Quarterback Pierce Holley had a solid debut for EIU going 19 of 30 for 244 yards.  

Thursday's win was the Panthers' first shutout since November 19, 2016, when they won 24-0 at Eastern Kentucky.

EIU will be back in action a week from Saturday when the Panthers head to Bowling Green.

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