After almost 250 days of anticipation, the moment everyone has been waiting for has finally arrived; the start of college football, more specifically Georgia Southern football. After leaving the FCS and entering the FBS, the main concern for the Eagles was whether or not the team would be able to handle the switch. The premiere game for Georgia Southern not only denounced this theory, but proved that the Eagles are more than ready to take on the challenges of this season.
On Saturday, August 31, the Eagles went head-to-head with the Savannah State Tigers. The Eagles controlled the game from the start with Quarterback Jerick McKinnon rushing 66 yards for the first touchdown. The Eagles’ offense performed exceptionally well in both total offense and rushing offense Saturday night, with 651 total yards of offense on 79 plays and 576 yards of rushing on 68 carries. Showing no sign of slowing down, the Eagles acquired three more touchdowns in the second quarter, leading the Tigers 28-0 going into the half.
The second half of the game showed more progress by the Eagles with three more touchdowns in the third quarter and four touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The Tigers gained most of their offensive plays off of kick off returns and errors made by the Eagles. After almost three quarters, the Tigers’ Kris Drummmond scored their first touchdown of the game. However, their progress was short-lived.
During the game fans cheered in support of their fellow Eagles. “Whose house, Our house,” rang throughout the stadium and filled the streets of Statesboro. Georgia Southern is also currently in the process of adding on to their stadium, but the renovations did not hinder the attendance for the Eagles’ season opener.
After a well-deserved victory, 77-9 over the SSU Tigers, the all-night celebration began in Eagle Nation and will continue well into the holiday weekend.
Devin Scott (#28), BJ Johnson (#81), Kentrellis Showers (#80) celebrating another GSU touchdown.
