CHARLESTON,
IL (9-21-2002) — Missed opportunities spelled disaster for Indiana State,
as it outgained #13 Eastern Illinois in total yardage, 459 to 389, but came up
short on the scoreboard, dropping a 26-19 decision in Charleston, IL.
Pushing inside the Panthers' five-yard line on each of their first two
possessions, the Sycamores came away with zero points, missing a 21-yard field
goal attempt and fumbling the ball on fourth-and-one at the one yard line.
A breakdown in the Sycamores' punting game saw EIU block a Pat Jordan punt, but the Sycamores' dodged the bullet when safety Jamie Dishroom intercepted Tony Romo pass at the ISU 16 yard line. Romo would throw for three TDs and the Panthers would also score via a 90-yard kickoff return. Nonetheless, Indiana State had the ball and were marching downfield when time expired.
For the Sycamores' QB Julian Reese totalled 396 yards in total offense, rushing for 115 yards and one TD and passing for an additional 281 yards and one TD. Tailback Soso Dede accounted for 27 rushing yards and 79 receiving yards, including a long reception of 45 yards and a 15-yard TD catch.