STATESBORO — At the homecoming game where Eagle Nation honored the late freshman offensive lineman Jordan Wiggins who passed away this week, the Georgia Southern football team defeated New Mexico State, 41-7, in the second consecutive rainy game. 

With a 4-3 record and a three-game winning streak on the line, GS hopes to keep the momentum going on Thursday when they travel to play an undefeated Appalachian State team. NMSU drops to 0-8 overall this season.

Here’s a quick look at the victory:

Top performers

Junior running back Wesley Kennedy III ran for 143 yards and added three touchdowns to the board. Redshirt-junior defensive end Traver Vliem had seven total tackles, bringing him to 21 total tackles on the season. His performance put him above last year’s total tackle accumulative, which was 16.

Key Stat

Senior cornerback Kindle Vildor grabbed his first interception of the season in the second quarter and junior running back J.D. King rushed for 143 yards, the most on the ground for him this season.

Key Play

In the first GS possession of the second half, junior running back Wesley Kennedy III ran for 67 yards on a punt return for a TD. This was the first TD punt return for the Eagles since 2011.

Notables

There were several fumbles during the game due to the weather, but GS went the entire game without any penalties.

An interception by Rashad Byrd in the third quarter was his second career TD interception.

This game was the most amount of points that GS has been able to get on the board all season.

10, 907 attendees were present at the game.

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