In the latest 2019 preseason polls, Georgia Southern ranks No. 77, according to CBS Sports’ top 130.

The Eagles finished the 2018 season ranked 40 with a 10-3 record and as Camellia Bowl champs.

Two other conference teams, Appalachian State (55) and Troy (56), are placed ahead of GS in the poll. With the Sun Belt’s divisional format returning for a second season, all three teams will compete for supremacy in a tough East Division.

Coaches from each team in the conference made their predictions on the 2019 standings prior to the Sun Belt’s media day, picking GS to finish third in the East behind App State and Troy respectively.

The Eagles will have an opportunity to climb the rankings immediately as the team opens the season against LSU, a team ranked sixth in CBS’ preseason poll.

Charles Paggett, The George-Anne Sports Reporter, gasports@georgiasouthern.edu