The Georgia Southern Eagles went on the road Thursday night to face the Texas State Bobcats, in hopes of staying undefeated in conference play and looking to improve to 5-1 on the season.
This game got off to a rough start for both offenses and neither team ever really seemed to find their rhythm, hence the score being only 15-13.
Even though running back Wesley Fields led the team in rushing with 93 yards, the Eagles’ run game couldn’t seem to fully get going against the Texas State defense. Quarterback Shai Werts didn’t seem to be completely in sync either with only 18 rushing yards and 51 passing yards.
The Texas State defense was very patient and that’s always a killer to the triple option offense that the Eagles run.
The offense only scored 15 points in this game which is the lowest amount scored in a Georgia Southern win since 2011.
However, the Eagle’s defense was stellar against the struggling Bobcat offense. The Bobcats were held scoreless up until the middle of the 3rd quarter. The Georgia Southern defense recorded nine tackles for loss, including four sacks, while also recording a safety and an interception by safety Joshua Moon to lead the way.
Defensive end Raymond Johnson lll and linebacker Lane Ecton combined for the safety which would later prove to be the deciding two points in this game.
Linebacker Randy Wade Jr. had seven tackles and linebacker Chris Harris Jr. had six, including 1.5 for loss and a sack.
The injury bug tried to creep in on the Eagles late in this game with injuries to key players such as starting cornerback Sean Freeman, Shai Werts, and Wesley Fields. Luckily, all of these guys are okay and good to go for next week.
It’s important to remember that around this time last year, the team was 0-6. They are now 5-1 on the season and 3-0 in conference play. These guys just need one more win and they are bowl game eligible.
Georgia Southern looks to improve to 6-1 and become bowl eligible next Saturday as they take another road trip to face New Mexico State.
GAMECHANGERS
- Georgia Southern Defense: 9 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 safety, 1 int