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Team Information
| Ground | Allen E. Paulson Stadium |
| City | Statesboro, Georgia |
| Conference | Sun Belt, East Division |
| Nickname | Eagles |
Georgia Southern Eagles Football Bio
The Georgia Southern Eagles Football program represents a proud tradition of gridiron excellence in the heart of the South. With a history of passion and success, this collegiate football team commands attention on and off the field. Founded in 1982, the program has soared to remarkable heights, consistently competing at the NCAA Division I level and capturing the hearts of fans nationwide.
Known for their unique triple-option offense and tenacious defense, the Georgia Southern Eagles have claimed multiple conference championships and made their mark in the world of college football. Hailing from Statesboro, Georgia, their iconic blue and white colors symbolize a commitment to excellence and a determination to dominate their rivals.
The Eagles' legacy is defined not only by their victories but also by the unwavering spirit of their dedicated fan base. As they continue to rise and redefine success, the Georgia Southern Eagles Football program remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of collegiate athletics.
| Name of Team | Georgia Southern Eagles Football |
| First season | 1982 |
| Athletic director | Jared Benko |
| Head coach | Clay Helton |
| Stadium | Paulson Stadium |
| Location | Statesboro, Georgia |
| Conference | Sun Belt Conference |
| Division | East Division |
| Field surface | Natural grass |
| Conference titles | 6 |
| Division titles | 2 |
| Fight song | "Southern Pride" |
| Mascot | GUS |
| Rivals | Appalachian State, Georgia State |
| Consensus All-Americans | Numerous throughout history |
Georgia Southern Eagles Introduction
The Georgia Southern Eagles, a renowned collegiate football team, proudly represent Georgia Southern University. Established in 1982, this football program has quickly risen to prominence in the world of college football. Competing in the NCAA Division I, the Eagles call Statesboro, Georgia, their home. Their spirited mascot, Gus the Eagle, embodies the team's tenacity and determination.
Under the leadership of head coach Chad Lunsford, the Georgia Southern Eagles have soared to remarkable heights. Their home stadium, Paulson Stadium, is not just a venue; it's a fortress where legacies are forged and victories celebrated. As members of the Sun Belt Conference's East Division, the Eagles consistently face fierce competition in pursuit of conference and division titles. With a rich history and passionate fan base, the Georgia Southern Eagles continue to be a force to be reckoned with on the college football stage.
Georgia Southern Eagles History
Founded in 1982, Georgia Southern Eagles football quickly gained recognition for its option offense, known as the "flexion." The early years saw remarkable success, with the Eagles capturing six FCS national championships from 1985 to 2000. Their transition to FBS football in 2014 marked another milestone.
Achievements include multiple conference titles and bowl appearances, emphasizing their competitiveness at the FBS level. The Eagles maintain heated rivalries with Georgia State and Appalachian State, fiercely contending for the "Southern vs. State" bragging rights. Records boast impressive rushing stats, reflecting their unique offensive style. While championship success has been in the FCS era, Georgia Southern's football legacy is deeply rooted in innovation and a commitment to excellence.
Georgia Southern Eagles Coach
Clay Helton, a seasoned coaching veteran, took the reins of the Georgia Southern Eagles in 2022 after his tenure with the University of Houston. Helton brings extensive experience, having previously served as the head coach at the University of Southern California (USC), where he led the Trojans to multiple bowl victories. Known for his offensive acumen, Helton aims to elevate the Eagles' football program.
The Georgia Southern Eagles' coaching staff is a well-rounded team, with each member playing a vital role. The offensive and defensive coordinators handle strategy and play-calling, while position coaches focus on player development. The recruiting coordinator seeks top talent, and the strength & conditioning coach ensures players' physical readiness. Special team coordination and assistance from dedicated coaches complete the team's comprehensive approach to player development and success.
Head coaches
| No. | Coach | Alma mater | Seasons | Years | Games | Record | Pct. |
| 1 | E. G. Cromartie | Mercer | 3 | 1924–1926 | 13 | 7–5–1 | .577 |
| 2 | Hugh A. Woodle | Clemson | 2 | 1927–1928 | 18 | 11–6–1 | .639 |
| 3 | Crook Smith | Mercer | 13 | 1929–1941 | 117 | 45–66–7 | .411 |
| 4 | Erk Russell | Auburn | 8 | 1982–1989 | 106 | 83–22–1 | .788 |
| 5 | Tim Stowers | Auburn | 6 | 1990–1995 | 74 | 51–23 | .689 |
| 6 | Frank Ellwood | Ohio State | 1 | 1996 | 11 | 4–7 | .364 |
| 7 | Paul Johnson | Western Carolina | 5 | 1997–2001 | 72 | 62–10 | .861 |
| 8 | Mike Sewak | Virginia | 4 | 2002–2005 | 49 | 35–14 | .714 |
| 9 | Brian VanGorder | Wayne State | 1 | 2006 | 11 | 3–8 | .273 |
| 10 | Chris Hatcher | Valdosta State | 3 | 2007–2009 | 33 | 18–15 | .545 |
| 11 | Jeff Monken | Millikin | 4 | 2010–2013 | 54 | 38–16 | .704 |
| 12 | Willie Fritz | Pittsburg State | 2 | 2014–2015 | 24 | 17–7 | .708 |
| 13 | Dell McGee† | Auburn | 1 | 2015 | 1 | 1–0 | 1.000 |
| 14 | Tyson Summers | Presbyterian | 2 | 2016–2017 | 18 | 5–13 | .278 |
| 15 | Chad Lunsford | Georgia College & State | 4 | 2017–2021 | 47 | 28–19 | .596 |
| 16 | Kevin Whitley † | Georgia Southern | 1 | 2021 | 8 | 2–6 | .250 |
| 17 | Clay Helton | University of Houston | 1 | 2022–Present | 12 | 6–7 | .462 |
Georgia Southern Eagles Stadium: Paulson Stadium
Paulson Stadium, home to the Georgia Southern Eagles, is a vibrant and historic college football venue. Located in Statesboro, Georgia, the stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 25,000 fans, creating an intimate and electrifying game-day atmosphere. The stadium features a natural grass playing surface and has undergone several renovations over the years to enhance the fan experience. Its iconic "Beautiful Eagle Creek" hillside seating area is a spectator's favorite. Paulson Stadium has witnessed numerous thrilling moments in Georgia Southern's football history, making it a cherished destination for fans and a formidable home field advantage for the Eagles.
Georgia Southern Eagles Rivals
The Georgia Southern Eagles have two notable football rivalries that add excitement and intensity to their schedule. Firstly, the rivalry with Appalachian State, known as the Appalachian State–Georgia Southern football rivalry, dates back to their 1987 I-AA Playoffs meeting when the Mountaineers secured a critical victory. This rivalry intensified as both schools joined the Southern Conference in 1993 and continued as they became members of the Sun Belt Conference. It's marked by its passionate and competitive nature, with Appalachian State holding a 20–16–1 series lead. Additionally, the Eagles have a budding rivalry with Georgia State, with the series starting in 2014 and Georgia State currently leading 6–3 through 2022, adding another layer of excitement to their football season.
Georgia Southern Eagles Record and stats
The Georgia Southern Eagles have a storied history with remarkable achievements in college football. They claimed six national championships, with their first two in 1985 and 1986 under Coach Erk Russell, highlighted by Tracy Ham's stellar performances. 1989, they concluded an undefeated 15-0 season in Russell's final game. The 1990 championship came under Tim Stowers. In 1999, Paul Johnson secured another title with Adrian Peterson's incredible 247-yard rushing performance. The Eagles' sixth and final FCS championship came in 2000 when they defeated the Montana Grizzlies, solidifying their legacy as a powerhouse in college football.
National championships
| Year | Coach | Selector | Record | Score | Opponent |
| 1985 | Erk Russell | NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship Game | 13–2 | 44–42 | Furman |
| 1986 | Erk Russell | NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship Game | 13–2 | 48–21 | Arkansas State |
| 1989 | Erk Russell | NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship Game | 15–0 | 37–34 | Stephen F. Austin |
| 1990 | Tim Stowers | NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship Game | 12–3 | 36–13 | Nevada |
| 1999 | Paul Johnson | NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship Game | 13–2 | 59–24 | Youngstown State |
| 2000 | Paul Johnson | NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship Game | 13–2 | 27–25 | Montana |
Conference championships
| Year | Conference | Coach | Overall record | Conference record |
| 1993 | Southern Conference | Tim Stowers | 10–3 | 7–1 |
| 1997 | Southern Conference | Paul Johnson | 10–3 | 7–1 |
| 1998 | Southern Conference | Paul Johnson | 14–1 | 8–0 |
| 1999 | Southern Conference | Paul Johnson | 13–2 | 7–1 |
| 2000 | Southern Conference | Paul Johnson | 13–2 | 7–1 |
| 2001 | Southern Conference | Paul Johnson | 12–2 | 7–1 |
| 2002 | Southern Conference | Mike Sewak | 11–3 | 7–1 |
| 2004 | Southern Conference | Mike Sewak | 10–3 | 6–1 |
| 2011 | Southern Conference | Jeff Monken | 11–3 | 7–1 |
| 2012 | Southern Conference | Jeff Monken | 10–4 | 6–2 |
| 2014 | Sun Belt Conference | Willie Fritz | 9–3 | 8–0 |
Georgia Southern Eagles Roster
The Georgia Southern Eagles boast a diverse and talented roster for the upcoming season. On the offensive front, they have a dynamic group of quarterbacks, including junior Beau Allen and senior Davis Brin, providing depth and experience. The running back corps is equally impressive, with senior Jalen White and sophomore OJ Arnold leading the charge. The wide receivers feature a mix of veterans like Jaylon Barden and promising newcomers such as Taylor Bradshaw.
The tight end position is stacked with senior Beau Johnson and versatile junior Keaton Upshaw. The offensive line is anchored by senior Bryson Broadway and junior Rasheed Miller, offering both experience and size.
Defensively, the Eagles showcase a formidable defensive line, with players like sophomore Latrell Bullard and senior Kierron Smith providing strength and agility. The linebacking corps is headlined by seniors like Quincy Darnell and Davon Gilmore, ensuring solid coverage and tackling ability. In the secondary, versatile players like Cam Williams and TJ Smith bring their experience to the team.
Special teams are bolstered by a mix of kickers, punters, and long snappers, ensuring that the Eagles are well-equipped in all facets of the game. Georgia Southern is poised for a competitive season with this diverse and talented roster.
Georgia Southern Eagles Schedule
The Georgia Southern Eagles have a diverse and competitive schedule lined up for the upcoming college football season in 2023. They will face various opponents from various conferences, promising exciting matchups throughout the season.
The Eagles kick off the season with a challenging game against Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium, followed by clashes with notable teams like Florida State and Kansas State. Notable games include matchups with rivals like Appalachian State and Georgia State, which will surely bring extra intensity to the field.
Their schedule also features games against strong programs like LSU, Penn State, and Notre Dame, providing opportunities to showcase their skills against top-tier opponents.
As the season progresses, the Eagles will aim to make a mark in their conference and secure a spot in postseason play. With a mix of tough competition and regional rivalries, Georgia Southern's 2023 schedule promises an exciting and competitive season ahead.
FAQs
A. The Georgia Southern Eagles football team has a storied history dating back to 1982 when the program was founded. They quickly gained recognition for their unique triple-option offense under Coach Erk Russell. The team succeeded in the 1980s and '90s, winning multiple national championships and becoming known as the "GSU Miracle."
A. The Eagles have two significant rivals. The rivalry with Appalachian State, dating back to 1987, is considered one of the most passionate in the Sun Belt Conference. Additionally, the Georgia Southern vs. Georgia State rivalry, which started in 2014, has increased in intensity.
A. As of the 2022 season, the head coach of the Georgia Southern Eagles is Clay Helton. He joined the University of Houston in 2022 and has since led the Eagles.
A. The Eagles have a rich history of success, including six FCS national championships. Notable moments include their dramatic comeback victory in the 1985 championship game and a perfect 15-0 season in 1989.
A. The Eagles play their home games at Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia. With a seating capacity of approximately 25,000, it provides an electrifying atmosphere for fans. The stadium has seen many historic moments in Georgia Southern football, making it a cherished venue for the team and its supporters.
