Illinois football opens up against an FCS program, but we can’t take Eastern Illinois lightly.
The Panthers have a talented offense that has a ton of experience. The Illini defense is going to need to be on their toes to make sure we go unscathed in week one of the 2024 season.
Here is the Eastern Illinois starting offensive depth chart vs Illinois football
QB Pierce Holley (GR)
- 11 starts in 2023
- 2,723 yards, 17 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
- 2nd Team All-Big South/OVC
RB MJ Flowers (SO)
- 11 starts in 2023
- 159 carries, 852 yards, 8 touchdowns, 5.4 yards per carry
- 1st Team All-Big South/OVC, 1st Team Freshman All-American
WR Eli Mirza (SR)
- 10 starts in 2023
- 54 receptions (led EIU), 680 yards (led EIU), 3 touchdowns
WR DeAirious Smith (SR)
- 2 starts in 2023
- 27 receptions, 477 yards, 2 touchdowns
WR Cooper Willman (SR)
- 1 start in 2023 (injury)
- 6 receptions, 69 yards
TE Anthony Manaves (SR)
- 10 starts in 2023
- 14 receptions, 106 yards, 1 touchdown
OT Nic DiSanto (SO)
- 9 starts in 2023
- 4th Team Freshman All-American
- #117 out of 626 on PFF
OG Sebastian Pares (SR)
- 10 starts in 2023
- 2nd Team All-Big South/OVC
- #42 out of 628 on PFF
C Drew Wilder (JR)
- 11 starts in 2023
- #91 out of 295 on PFF
OG Jack Valente (SR)
- 7 starts in 2023
- 2nd Team All-Big South/OVC
OT Johnathan Arellano (JR)
- 0 starts in 2023
- Played in 9 games as a backup
Takeaways
Eastern Illinois is going to do some damage in the FCS this season. They are laced with experience on the offensive side of the ball from top to bottom.
Even in the places they are weakest, the Panthers were able to go out and get an additional offensive lineman to help bolster the front five.
The area to attack is to rush the right side of the offensive line. Arellano has the least amount of experience, and this might be a point of emphasis for the Illinois defense. If we can get some pressure on that side, it should help us gain a huge advantage on defense.
Illinois’ defense better be ready to take on a pretty decent Eastern Illinois offense. This team has been together for a while too. They have chemistry.