Eastern Illinois University
How eastern illinois university used gorout to gain national recognition
The Eastern Illinois University football program went from 2-9 in 2022 to 8-3 in 2023. Learn how they've used GoRout Scout to enhance their practices and crack the FCS Top-25.
RESULTS OF FIRST SEASON WITH GOROUT
4x
WIN TOTAL FROM 2022 TO 2023
546%
INCREASE IN WIN PERCENTAGE
4,492
SCOUT REPS IN THE 2023 SEASON
the Challenge
From 2016 to 2021, the Eastern Illinois University football team hit a skid, finishing just one season in the top half of the Ohio Valley Conference. The team’s last appearance in the FCS Top-25 poll was in 2015. After seven conference titles from 2001-2013, this stretch of losing was extremely uncharacteristic of Panthers football.
This six-year lull inspired a change that aimed to revive the program.
the solution
When Head Coach Chris Wilkerson, a Panthers football alum as both a player (’91-’94) and coach (’95-’01), took over the program in January 2022, he set his sights on restoring the program to its former glory. While the 2022 campaign came with some growing pains, Coach Wilkerson’s philosophy was cemented, and a new culture was established.
In the offseason ahead of his second year at the helm, Wilkerson began looking for ways to optimize the team’s practices. To move away from traditional practice planning — which involved wasted time flipping through binders and cards — Coach Wilkerson turned to GoRout.
By streamlining preparation and optimizing communication on the field, the Eastern Illinois University football team was able to 3X their daily practice reps in 2023.
the outcome
After finishing in the bottom third of the Ohio Valley Conference for five consecutive seasons, the Eastern Illinois University Panthers went 8-3 in 2023 and finished the season ranked 24th overall in the FCS.
By updating their communications, EIU was able to optimize preparation, maximize execution, and unlock ultimate efficiency in practice. The Panthers dramatically improved in total offense and total defense, and entered the national rankings for the first time in nine years.
Statistics & Highlights
• Total Offense: Improved from averaging 280 yards per game in 2022 to 400 yards per game in 2023.
• Total Defense: Reduced opponent scoring from 30 points per game in 2022 to 20 points per game in 2023.
• National Rankings: Entered the FCS Top-25 for the first time since 2015, finishing the season at 24th overall.
By leveraging GoRout Scout, Eastern Illinois University transformed their football program, leading to a remarkable turnaround and national recognition.
