Austin Peay defensive back Johnathon Edwards had three of the Governors’ six interceptions Saturday in a 42-26 victory against Eastern Illinois. (Photo by LetsGoPeay.com)

Just over 20 minutes into Saturday’s Ohio Valley Conference game at Austin Peay, the Eastern Illinois Panthers had a six-point lead and loads of confidence.

In the following 40 minutes, EIU gave up 28 points and wilted under constant pressure from the Governors’ defense in a 42-26 loss in Clarksville, Tenn.

The Panthers (1-9 overall, 1-4 OVC) lost for the fifth consecutive game despite posting their second-highest point total of the season behind freshman quarterback Zach Weir, who was making his first career start in place of injured starter Otto Kuhns.

“It was a game-day decision with Otto being banged up,” EIU head coach Adam Cushing said. “Zach did a good job as he had to prepare himself with No. 1 reps all week. I’m proud of what he did in his first start.”

Weir threw for 296 yards and a touchdown, but also had four interceptions and was sacked four times by APSU (4-5, 2-2).

“We had some turnovers, but those are not all on him,” Cushing said.

Kuhns came on in relief but threw two additional interceptions, giving the Governors six picks for the day.

Austin Peay produced 21 points off the turnovers – which included three interceptions by defensive back Johnathon Edwards.

Here are three things Prairie State Pigskin learned about the Eastern Illinois loss:

Fast start for naught

Eastern got off to a 10-0 lead thanks to two big plays by its defense.

On APSU’s first play of the game, safety Jordan Vincent stripped the ball from Governors running back Ahmaad Tanner, and it was recovered by defensive lineman Cameron Leach. The play resulted in kicker Stone Galloway’s 26-yard field goal at the 12:14 mark of the first quarter.

Seventeen seconds later, cornerback Tyris Harvey grabbed an interception for the Panthers and returned it 29 yards for a score. The pick was Harvey’s first of the season.

2. Offense shows flashes

The Panthers compiled 20 first downs and threw for 303 yards. The highlight was a 10-reception, 140-yard day for junior wide receiver Isaiah Hill.

Four EIU players had at least four receptions as the Panthers involved seven different receivers in the offense.

3. Big plays do big damage

Austin Peay had four different scoring plays of at least 32 yards against the Eastern defense, including touchdown passes of 33, 43 and 59 yards from Governors QB Draylen Ellis.

APSU freshman wide receiver Drae McCray caught six passes for 137 yards, including two scores.

News and notes

Linebacker Colin Bohanek had a team-high eight tackles for Eastern. He also had a sack and forced a fumble. … Eastern’s defense collected eight tackles for loss by eight different players. … Linebacker Jason Johnson also had one of the Panthers’ three forced fumbles. … Senior Logen Neidhardt punted four times for the Panthers, and all four kicks were downed inside the APSU 20-yard line. … Jalen Benefield led Eastern rushers with 61 yards on six carries.

What’s next?

The Panthers have next weekend off before finishing the regular season with a Senior Day game at noon on Saturday, Nov. 20 in Charleston against Murray State.