Lofton and Lord power Illinois State over Eastern Illinois 49-13 in 114th Mid-America Classic

Tyler Lofton and Dylan Lord led Illinois State to a 49-13 victory over Eastern Illinois in the 114th Mid-America Classic on Saturday. Lofton contributed significantly by scoring two touchdowns and returning a punt for another touchdown. Lord added 77 yards and a score on six catches. The Redbirds (4-0), the fifth-ranked team in the Stats Perform poll, have dominated Eastern Illinois (1-3) in recent history, winning eight of the last nine matchups and four straight at home.

Roy Gage and Beckham Pellant combined for 276 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Lord, Mar’Quan Gary, and Alex Herrera each contributed a catch. Illinois State took an early lead, scoring 21 points in the second quarter. They continued their dominance, scoring 28 straight points late in the second and early in the fourth, with Lord's 79-yard punt return being a highlight.

Cole LaCrue led the Panthers with 150 passing yards and an Eastern Illinois touchdown. Eastern Illinois will face South Dakota State next Saturday, while Illinois State takes on Northern Iowa next Saturday.