Football: Panthers wrap up season on the road
Defense has to be aware of TTU's 'ball security issues'
Scott Richey/ Sports Editor
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Sports
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Eastern head coach Bob Spoo does not take as much credence in the effect the final game of a season has on the next season.
"I don't think that if you win the game to that extent you're going to have a great season the next fall," Spoo said. "Nor do I believe if you lose the last game you're not going to be successful the next year. Too much is made of that last game. The point is you want to win it."
The Panthers (4-7, 2-5 Ohio Valley Conference) will have their chance to win their final game when they travel to Cookeville, Tenn., to play Tennessee Tech (3-8, 1-6 OVC) at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Tucker Stadium.
Spoo said a big deal could not be made about the results of the final game of a season. Once the next semester starts, so does the next season.
"People will have gotten by that by that time," Spoo said.
Senior cornerback Adrian Arrington said the Panthers' game plan would not change just because the game against the Golden Eagles is the last of the season.
"Even though it's the last game, we're going to play just like it was the first game or the national championship."
And Arrington said he plans to be on the field against Tennessee Tech.
The Bloomington native played at the beginning of Saturday's loss to Austin Peay but was taken out of the game with memory loss problems.
"I had some memory loss and a little confusion going into the game," Arrington said although he does not know what caused it. "I had an MRI and a CAT scan this week to make sure I was OK."
The Panthers' defense could need Arrington, as red-shirt sophomore cornerback Bobson Mercier and sophomore cornerback C.J. James will miss the game.
The depth Arrington adds could be a necessity for a Golden Eagles' team that throws the ball away frequently.
Junior quarterbacks Lee Sweeeney and Josh Lowery have combined to throw 17 interceptions compared to 15 touchdowns this season.
Eastern defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni said the Panthers' coaches point out which opposing players are more prone to turning the ball over.
He said red-shirt sophomore cornerback Rashad Haynes caused two fumbles the Panthers did not recover against Austin Peay.
"When he had the opportunity he ripped (the ball) out," Bellantoni said. "I think that's from listening to (defensive backs coach Bobby Babich) during the week that there's a couple guys that carry the ball loose."
Bellantoni said Tennessee Tech has similar ball control problems.
"We call it ball security issues," he said. "They tend to be a little careless throwing it. They have fumbled quite a bit. There's certain guys that carry the ball a little looser than others. It's definitely something we point out."
Arrington said that is something Eastern's players are aware of as well.
"With us being the top-passing defense so far in the conference, we take pride in making big plays and getting turnovers. That's something Coach Roc stresses every week."
Sweeney and Lowery also provide two different styles for the Panthers' defense to handle.
Sweeney is more of a drop-back passer, and Lowery is used when the Golden Eagles' go into their spread formations.
Spoo said the Panthers have struggled this season when teams spread the field on them and use more of a quarterback option offense - something Lowery can do.
Bellantoni said Tennessee Tech's passing game does not change much when the quarterback is changed, but Lowery adds another dimension to the Golden Eagles' offense.
He agreed with Spoo that Eastern has struggled to stop running quarterbacks.
"I think more than anything it's the talent of the guys running the ball," Bellantoni said. "Juice Williams, Ryan Perrilloux, Antonio Heffner…those guys are gifted runners. Every once in a while, a gifted quarterback is going to make one of our guys miss, and we're going to give up some yards. It's not acceptable, but it's realistic."
Scott Richey can be reached at 581-7944 or at srrichey@eiu.edu.
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