Garoppolo throws 4 touchdowns to lead Eastern Illinois in 56-21 victory over Tennessee Tech

Jimmy Garoppolo threw four touchdowns on 399 yards passing, guiding Eastern Illinois to a 56-21 win over Tennessee Tech on Saturday.

The Panthers (8-1, 5-0 Ohio Valley Conference) maintained sole possession of first place in the conference, handing Tennessee Tech (3-7, 0-6) its fifth loss in a row.

Garoppolo had four touchdown passes for the sixth time this season, including two first-quarter touchdown passes to Erik Lora. The Panthers built a 28-7 halftime advantage before adding four more touchdowns in the second half.

Lora caught 12 passes for 119 yards and three touchdowns in the game.

The special teams unit also produced offense for Eastern Illinois, as Shepard Little returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. Lora added a punt return touchdown of 80 yards in the third quarter.

Jared Davis threw three touchdowns on 183 yards passing to lead the Golden Eagles.