How to watch Eastern Illinois vs Minnesota: TV, live stream, preview for Thursday's game
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The Eastern Illinois Panthers take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers this Thursday night on NBCSN and Peacock.
Thursday's game marks the second all-time meeting between the two schools. Minnesota won the last matchup 42-20 in 2014.
Live coverage begins at 8:00 PM ET. See below to find out how to live stream the Eastern Illinois vs Minnesota game, as well as additional information on how to watch college football on Peacock.
Eastern Illinois vs Minnesota Game Preview:
Eastern Illinois looks to open up its season 2-0 for the first time since 2013, after last week's 28-14 win against Murray State.
Redshirt senior RB Charles Kellom helped power the Panthers to victory, setting career highs in rush yards (171) and touchdown runs (3) on 19 carries.
Redshirt junior QB Cole LaCrue went 11-for-18 with 101 pass yards and a touchdown pass.
The Broomfield, Colorado native transferred to Eastern Illinois last season after two seasons at Wisconsin (2023-2024).
LaCrue started 7 of 11 games played last season, finishing the year with 851 pass yards, 4 touchdown passes, and 7 interceptions.
Eastern Illinois, led by fifth-year head coach Chris Wilkerson, has not finished a season with more than three wins since 2023. The Panthers are 6-42 all-time against FBS opponents.
After finishing each of the last two seasons 8-5, Minnesota enters 2026 looking to break through as a Big Ten contender.
The Golden Gophers are the only team in the conference to return their head coach, starting quarterback, and both offensive and defensive coordinators from last season.
Junior QB Drake Lindsey returns for his second year as Minnesota's starter with experience under his belt.
“I think your first year, you're trying to figure some things out. You're just trying to make sure you can get yourself through, you know, game week and make sure you can execute for your teammates. This year, I'm obviously comfortable within the offense with my teammates, [I’m] growing a lot as a leader, ” Lindsey said during Big Ten Media Day.
The Fayetteville, Arkansas native started all 13 games last season, throwing for 2,382 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions
P.J. Fleck enters his tenth year as Minnesota's head coach and is the second-longest tenured active coach in the Big Ten. Fleck is 66-44 overall at Minnesota.
How to watch Eastern Illinois vs Minnesota:
- When: Thursday, September 3
- Where: Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: NBCSN
- Live Stream:Peacock
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