Georgia Southern Tops App State 25-23
Georgia Southern secured their first road victory of the season on Thursday, defeating Appalachian State 25-23 in the “Deeper Than Hate” rivalry game. The win marked a turning point for the Eagles, who improved their record to 4-5 and moved within two wins of bowl eligibility.
Offensive Highlights
Quarterback JC French IV delivered a standout performance, throwing for 352 yards—his season high. He recorded two touchdowns, one passing and one rushing in the second half.
“The O-line did an amazing job today protecting me and the receivers making plays. I probably could have had 450 if I just put it on the money.”
Running back OJ Arnold contributed 105 rushing yards, including several late carries that secured the win for Georgia Southern.
Defensive Strength
Facing the Sun Belt’s leading rusher, Rashod Dubinion, the Eagles’ defense rose to the challenge. They held Dubinion to 40 yards on 12 carries and limited Appalachian State to only 77 rushing yards overall—their best defensive outing of the season.
Special Teams Impact
Freshman kicker Tripp Bryant played a decisive role, converting four of five field goals from 21, 26, 23, and 24 yards. His final kick early in the fourth quarter extended the Eagles’ lead to 25-16, a margin that proved enough to secure the win on a cold night in Boone.
Season Outlook
With renewed momentum from this rivalry victory, Georgia Southern looks ahead to finish strong and aim for another postseason appearance.
Author’s summary: Georgia Southern’s balanced offense, disciplined defense, and clutch kicking powered them to a crucial road win over Appalachian State in their rivalry matchup.