The Georgia Southern football team will be entering their seventh contest of the season, and expectations are high as the offense has seemingly started to work well together.

Georgia Southern (3-3, 2-1)

While being at an even overall record, the Eagles have been successful the deeper they move into the season as they’re now on a two-game win streak.

The Eagle offense started out this season rocky. Between quarterback Shai Werts’ early season injury and running back Wesley Kennedy III’s academic suspension, the offensive line struggled to get into the groove that they established last season.

The gain of Kennedy back on the field has definitely been the boost the GS offense needed. In his first two games back, the junior has scored three touchdowns as well as averaging 84 rushing yards per game. In prior games, the Eagles have struggled to score in the red zone but Kennedy has been a huge difference maker, helping the offense improve that statistic.

Werts being back from injury and fully recovered has helped the team with their past victories, considering when Werts first got back from injury the redshirt-junior was a little rusty on the field. 

The starting quarterback scored his first touchdowns on the season during their last matchup against Coastal Carolina. Werts threw two over 20-yard passes to complete for two touchdowns in overtime over CCU. 

New Mexico State (0-7)

The NMSU Aggies have struggled this season and have been unable to collect a win as they are on a seven game losing streak.

While their record shows different, NMSU’s statistics show promise for a good fight Saturday in Paulson. Leading their offense is redshirt-sophomore quarterback Josh Adkins, who has passed for 1738 yards in the seven games he has played this season, while averaging 248 yards per game. Adkins has also thrown for nine touchdowns as well as rushing for four. 

“Just because they’re winless football team does not mean that we’re going to take them lightly,” Head Coach Chad Lunsford said. “It’s going to be tough to get pressure on the quarterback, but we need to make sure that we are making it difficult for him.”

While having a strong passing offense, the Aggies also find success in their rushing game led by running back Jason Huntlel. The senior has racked up a net 442 rushing yards this season, averaging 63.14 yards per game

In their last game against Central Michigan the Aggies rushed for 121 yards and threw for 263, showing no struggle to convert in the red zone as they scored both times they found themselves in the red zone.

This game between the two teams will be Georgia Southern’s homecoming. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. in Paulson.

Kaitlin Sells, The George-Anne Managing Sports Editor, gasports@georgiasouthern.edu