When Georgia Southern (GS) takes on Appalachian State (APP) tonight under the bright lights of ESPNU, they’ll face what is arguably the best all-around team yet. While Ole Miss is more prestigious and Western Michigan is undefeated and ranked 20th in the nation, the Mountaineers boast a team that has no obvious weaknesses.

App is 5-2 (3-0 Sun Belt) on the season, with the losses coming to Tennessee in overtime and Miami at home. They do, however, have a perfect record in the Sun Belt and are in a three-way tie along with Troy and Arkansas State. They’ve outscored their opponents 79-22 in their three conference games this season. GS head Tyson Summers said that the number one thing that jumps out about this team is that they play hard every down in every phase of the game.

“They’re a tough, physical football team with a lot of team speed,” Summers said.

Offensively, the Mountaineers are led by their senior quarterback, Taylor Lamb. He’s the engine of the well-oiled machine that is their offense. He is a great passer and a capable runner, and leads the team with 10 total touchdowns. In last year’s matchup with the Eagles, Lamb threw for over 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

But as talented as he is, it’s APP’s running backs that boast the most talent on the team. Sophomore Jalin Moore already has 800 rushing yards on the season and senior Marcus Cox should be back from an injury he sustained earlier in the season. They’ll be looking to run against a GS team that has given up an average of about 260 rushing yards in its last three games.

“They’re all really good players, and they can rotate them in at any point,” Summers said.

Defensively, the Mountaineers are anchored by a pair of stud linebackers in Eric Boggs and Keenan Gilchrist. They’ve combined for over 100 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, three sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery. They’ll look to add to those totals against a run-oriented GS unit.

“It jumps out at you how well they play with their hands, getting off blocks and running to the ball. That’s why their playing as good on defense as they are,” Summers said.

Boggs and Gilchrist will be flanked by a pair of ball hawks at the cornerback position in Mondo Williams and Clifton Duck. The duo has a combined seven interceptions so far this season, and will look to make plays when GS drops back to pass, something they’ve been doing more of this year.

Photo Courtesy of David Mares – The Round Up.