Eastern Football Players In Pursuit of Walter Payton Award

Oct 3, 2013 7:20 AM

Eastern Illinois' hot start has landed two of its players on the midseason watch list for this year's Walter Payton Award. The Panthers are the only team in the country with two candidates.

The Sports Network said Tuesday that both quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and wide receiver Erik Lora are on the list. The Payton Award goes to the top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision annually.

Garoppolo leads the FCS in passing yards, passing touchdowns and total offense. His 88 career touchdown passes broke former EIU quarterback Tony Romo's school record. Romo won the 2002 Payton award.

Lora leads the FCS in receptions with 52, a year after setting a FCS record for receptions in a season.

The Panthers (4-1) are coming off a 42-7 win over Eastern Kentucky.