Illinois State beats Eastern Illinois 54-51 in OT

Matt Brown accounted for seven touchdowns, and his fifth scoring pass of the game, a 25-yarder to Tyrone Walker in the second overtime period, capped a career-high 473-yard performance and gave Illinois State a wild 54-51 victory Saturday over Eastern Illinois.

Eastern Illinois had taken the lead on a 40-yard field goal by Cameron Berra, whose 20-yarder at the end of regulation sent the game to overtime.

Brown, who added two rushing touchdowns, also hit Donovan Harden for two scores and Lechein Neblett and Cameron Hunt for one apiece. The five touchdowns, on 42-of-57 passing, tied Brown’s career high. Walker led all receivers with 11 catches for 142 yards.

The teams combined for 1,042 yards of total offense. The Redbirds (3-0) won despite being penalized 22 times for 178 yards.

Taylor Duncan rushed for three touchdowns and Jimmy Garoppolo had 387 yards passing and two scores for the Panthers (1-2).