Georgia Southern kicks off their 2018 season in just days from now, hosting FCS foe South Carolina State University, looking to right the wrongs from the previous season.

As if anyone needs to be reminded, the Eagles went 2-10 in 2017, including losses to both rivals (Georgia State, Appalachian State) and a neutral-field loss to the FCS school, New Hampshire.

With six home games on the 2018, an oddity for the Eagles as of late, the results of home games will most likely influence whether or not they go bowling for the first time in years. These home games, however, won’t be easy. Georgia Southern sees App State, Troy, and Arkansas State all roll into Statesboro through the course of the season, and the teams that finished in the top of the Sun Belt a year ago.

So what will this team look like in the 2018 season? I believe they will take a step up on both sides of the ball, but the major improvements will be seen on the offensive side. Shai Werts, the redshirt-sophomore quarterback is set to take over for his second season in the position, so with a full year under his belt, I expect the team will be far more productive than the year prior.

Defensively, this team will perform better than last year, they are more experienced and with the new 3-4 defensive scheme that was installed in the offseason, look for Georgia Southern to take a step up.

If a prediction had to be made about the upcoming season, I’d say that the Eagles make it to the six-win plateau for the first time since 2015, getting them into what’s been the all elusive bowl appearance. Georgia Southern finishes 7-6, with a victory in their bowl game.

Ryan Kostensky, The George-Anne Sports Reporter, gasports@georgiasouthern.edu