Eagles and App Renew Rivalry
The Georgia Southern football team stands at 3-5 overall and 1-3 in Sun Belt play. After a 34-24 defeat to Arkansas State, the Eagles head to Boone, N.C., for a Thursday night clash with Appalachian State, holding a 4-4 record and also 1-3 in conference play.
The matchup renews the intense rivalry between the Eagles and the Mountaineers, but Georgia Southern’s main concern remains their performance this season. The team needs victories in three of their remaining four games to remain bowl eligible.
Coach Helton Addresses the Fans
“I know that Eagle Nation is disappointed and angry,” Helton said. “Any time you lose two hard-fought games that take you out of contention for a conference title, that is not who we are and that is not our standard at Georgia Southern. It is not acceptable and it never will be. To Eagle Nation, I say I am sorry. It is my job to make sure that doesn’t happen and I own that.”
Helton added that his focus now is on immediate improvement for the team and resolving broader issues after the season with athletic director Chris Davis and university president Kyle Marrero.
Author’s Summary
Facing a tough season and a fierce rival, Coach Helton urges Georgia Southern to fight for bowl eligibility and restore the team’s competitive standards.