First Look '09: Eastern Illinois Panthers

When Penn State hosts Eastern Illinois this season, it will be the third FCS (formerly I-AA) opponent since 2006. Many upset fans have pointed to this game as a major reason Penn State's non-conference schedule has been mocked by everyone in the main stream media. But the game is here to stay, so we can only hope Penn State uses it wisely to fine-tune its attack and rest up during the thick of the Big Ten slate.

The problem with FCS opponents is that they are not covered in any substance by the ESPNs or SIs of the world. There's not a whole lot of in-depth information floating around; so you have to go by stats and records. To top it all off, FCS teams rarely have a blog dedicated to them. As we dive into Eastern Illinois, let's see what we can find out about Penn State's most enigmatic 2009 opponent.

Two decades of consistency - Head coach Bob Spoo has shown he can win at Eastern Illinois, with a 140-114-1 record since taking over in 1987. Spoo has led his team to 12 winning seasons and nine playoff appearances. His EIU teams have always displayed a remarkable capability to put out a balanced attack, even during down seasons. In 2008, a 5-7 year, the Panthers still put out a 143/160 rush/pass ratio, and holding opponents to 189/173 ratio. Two seasons ago, an 8-4 playoff-bound team, EIU had a 191/191 rush/pass ratio, holding opponents to a 143/210 ratio. Spoo's Panthers might not win in flashy blowouts, but he's proven that winning is the ultimate goal, flashy or not. Sounds like a coach we all know in State College.

Lost, but not irreplaceable - The Panthers lose some key players from 2008, but all is not lost, as several younger athletes should step up and play well. Running back Travorus Bess is gone after rushing for 1,086 yards, but backups Chevon Walker and Desmin Ward have every chance to make up for the loss of Bess. Ward scored a team-high 11 touchdowns, but rushed for only 322 yards, which indicates that he's most likely the go-to guy at the goal line, ala Michigan State's Jehuu Caulcrick a few years back. In the pass game, quarterback Bodie Reeder returns with his top target, Charles Graves. If the air attack can keep opponents from crowding the line, it should give Ward and Walker some space in the run game.

On defense, two of the top four tacklers, including the tackle leader from '08, are gone, but all is not lost. Defensive backs, Seymour Loftman and Rashad Haynes both return after combining for 130 tackles last year and seven interceptions. What could prove to be the biggest issue for the Panthers is the loss of two stars on in the front seven. Donovan Johnson and Pierre Walters combined for 30 TFL and 10.5 sacks last season, with no one else coming close to their production. If the front wall cannot fill those holes, then the back seven could be in deep trouble.

Tough road ahead - Eastern Illinois has to travel to six of its 11 games this season, including the sure-loss in Happy Valley on Oct. 10. The Panthers are coming off their first losing season since 2004, having gone 9-3, 8-5 and 8-4 prior to 2008's 5-7. With such a tough schedule in 2009, things might not get any better. After hosting Illinois State in the opener, the Panthers must play three consecutive away games, then two home games sandwiching the Penn State trip. The good news is that the Panthers could end on a nice note, with two home games to end the year. I wouldn't count on a playoff appearance this year, but Spoo is a clever guy who knows how to get the most out of his teams.

For more on Eastern Illinois:

EIU 2009 Schedule
Full Team Roster
Spring Game Review

More from First Look '09:

Illinois Fighting Illini
Iowa Hawkeyes
Temple Owls
Syracuse Orange
Akron Zips