Ricks’ 87-yard kick return leads Eastern Illinois to 28-20 win over Jacksonville State

Eastern Illinois beats Jacksonville State 28-20

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — Lorence Ricks had three big special teams plays to lead Eastern Illinois to a 28-20 win over Jacksonville State on Saturday.

Ricks returned a kickoff 87 yards late in the third quarter to give the Panthers a 28-13 lead. He also blocked a punt early in the second quarter and forced a fumble on a Gamecocks’ punt return in the fourth.

Ricks finished with 124 yards on two kick returns, became the first to score on a kickoff return against Jacksonville State since Eastern Illinois’ Quentin Ponius on Nov. 10, 2007. He also returned a punt 26 yards.

Jake Christensen was 16 of 29 with 190 yards and two touchdowns for the Panthers (6-2, 4-1 Ohio Valley Conference).

The Gamecocks (4-3, 2-1) were led by Ryan Perrilloux, who threw for 236 yards on 16-of-26 passing.

James Wilkerson caught Perrilloux’s only touchdown pass and finished with 96 yards on five catches.