It’s a known fact in college football; there are few rivalries that match the intensity between the Eagles of Georgia Southern and the Mountaineers of App. State. Unfortunately, the Mountaineers walked away winners this past Thursday at the showdown in Boone. However, the 31-13 loss has motivated the Eagles to continue their pursuit of greatness. In the words of NFL Hall of Fame linebacker, Ray Lewis, “I’m pissed off for greatness. Because if you ain’t pissed off for greatness, that means you’re ok with being mediocre.” The Eagles are certainly far from feeling ok with being mediocre. “We’re going to come back and play a lot better ball game,” Coach Fritz said. 

Tonight, the Eagles will have an opportunity to bounce back against the Bobcats of Texas State. Moreover, it’s bound to be an electric atmosphere in front of the Eagle Nation and the Eagles are anxious to make the best of their primetime showing on ESPNU. “We still have our goals: Win the Sun Belt and become bowl eligible,” wide receiver Myles Campbell said.

The Bobcats are currently ranked fifth in the Sun Belt Conference with a record of 2-4. The Bobcats last played the Jaguars of South Alabama where they won 36-18. Leading the way for the Bobcats’ offense was quarterback, Tyler Jones. He completed 13-of-23 passes for 105 total yards passing. He ran for one touchdown, threw zero touchdowns and threw one interception. At running back, Robert Lowe, averaged 8.3 yards per carry on 30 attempts and ran for three touchdowns. At wide receiver, the two most impactful players were C.J. Best and Jafus Gaines. Best caught five passes for 37 total receiving yards and Gaines caught 2 passes for 30 total receiving yards. The Bobcats’ offense is no stranger to the endzone, scoring an average of 34 points per game.

Potentially returning to play from injury is one of the Eagles’ defensive leaders, Matt Dobson. At safety this season, his performance has been dominant and should he play, the Bobcats’ offense will be further limited to a running game. With that being said, Antwione Williams looks to continue to lead the defense at linebacker. He’s currently leading the Eagles in tackles with 61 total tackles and 2.5 sacks. By his side is linebacker, Ironhead Gallon, who is second in tackles for the Eagles with 52 total tackles and 0.5 sacks. Up front on the defensive line is defensive end, Jamal Johnson, who will look to continue his strong play from last Thursday. He racked up eight tackles (three for a loss) and one sack. In the middle of the defensive line are nose tackles, Darrius Sapp and Jay Ellison, who will look to halt the running game. Their size and strength should prove tough against the Bobcats’ offensive line.

The Eagles are ready to make history. Eagles’ fans have a lot to look forward during tonight’s game. “If we win this game, we’ll be the first team in Georgia Southern history to be bowl eligible,” linebacker Chris DeLaRosa said. In addition, the opportunity to win the Sun Belt Conference is still up for grabs. Eagles’ fans should attend the game dressed in their best Halloween costumes and the Bobcats should be very scared.