Thursday night’s cold and rainy game against the rival Appalachian State Mountaineers was extremely important in more ways than one.
It was the first time a nationally ranked top 25 FBS team made a trip to Paulson Stadium with App State being ranked #25 for the first time in its school’s history. It was also important for the Eastern division of the SunBelt Conference rankings. There was also normal rivalry game importance.
With all that was on the line, the Georgia Southern Eagles got the job done beating the Mountaineers 34-14 for the first time since 2014.
The Eagles offense was hot and tough to stop while totaling for 334 yards. Quarterback Shai Werts threw for 57 yards and rushed for 129 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown run. The 57-yard touchdown pass from Werts to receiver Darion Anderson was the only pass completion of the day for the Eagles.
The rushing attack was prominent once again as running back Wesley Fields ran for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns.
This Eagle’s defense has been a force to be reckoned with this season as they remain first in the rankings for FBS teams in the turnover margin with +19. App State came into the game Thursday with only 6 turnovers all season. They turned the ball over 5 times against the Eagles. Cornerback Kindle Vildor (2) and safeties Kenderick Duncan Jr. (1), and Darrell Baker Jr. (1) each recorded interceptions Thursday night. The fifth turnover was a fumble recovered by linebacker Tre’ Allen.
Georgia Southern fans stormed the field after the huge and exciting win. This team is super fun to watch and should be for a while. Head coach Chad Lunsford has this team steam rolling in a good direction and I can’t wait to see what else these guys have in store.
The Eagles travel to Louisiana next week to take on the University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks in another conference battle.
GAMECHANGERS:
- Shai Werts: 129 rush yds, 57 pass yds, 2 tds
- Eagles’ defense: 5 forced turnovers