ORLANDO — In Georgia Southern’s short time in the FBS, the Cure Bowl was the first GS bowl appearance that has not been played in Alabama. 

The team lost to FBS competitor, Liberty University, 23-16, in Orlando on Dec.21 in the home of Orlando City Soccer Club, Exploria Stadium.

Best play

Junior running back Wesley Kennedy III made a 35 yard run in the first quarter to ignite the Eagle offense in the first crucial offensive play of the game.

Redshirt-junior starting quarterback Shai Werts threw a 45 yard rock to Mark Michaud, adding 15 yards due to a Liberty penalty, which changed the tone of the game.

Top performers

Senior cornerback Kindle Vildor played a pivotal role in the second half, where he grabbed his second interception of the season.

Key stat

GS was held to 289 yards of offense compared to the Flames’ 402 yards, while Werts broke his two year no-interception streak in the second quarter.

Final score

With this loss, GS finishes 7-6 on the season.

Notables

It took both teams took awhile to warm up and in the first half, GS could not find an offensive rhythm. In the first half alone, GS only accumulated seven first downs and Werts was sacked twice. 

Reported attendance: 18,158

Liberty had timely success on third downs and went 5-16 throughout all four quarters.

The Flame defense held GS to just three field goals in the second half.

Amanda Arnold, The George-Anne Sports Editor, gasports@georgiasouthern.edu