Behind a multi-dimensional offensive attack, the Georgia Southern football team shut out The Citadel 34-0 to open its 2023 campaign on Saturday evening in Allen E. Paulson Stadium. The victory marks the 21st shutout in Paulson Stadium and the second shutout in home opener history.
In his Georgia Southern debut, quarterback Davis Brin threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns on 25 of 35 passing to lead the Eagles. Running back Jalen White returned from injury to rush for 125 yards and a score on 16 carries to average 6.6 yards per carry.
The Eagles marched down the field on the opening drive to get on the board first. OJ Arnold rushed to the right for a 1-yard touchdown to put the Eagles out in front as that's all it would need to secure the victory. White rushed up the middle for a 2-yard touchdown with under two minutes to extend the lead.
In the final drive of the half, Brin completed four consecutive passes, highlighted by a 30-yard pass to Derwin Burgess Jr., before he completed a pass up the middle to Burgess Jr. for a 13-yard touchdown and a 22-yard field goal by Michael Lantz closed out the scoring in the first half.
Georgia Southern opened up the second half scoring on a Brin pass deep up the middle completed to Anthony Queeley for a 16-yard touchdown. Lantz's career-long 48-yard field goal finalized the score, 34-0.
The defense held steady throughout the game, holding The Citadel to 212 total yards. Khadry Jackson led the team with six total tackles and one sack on the night. Midway through the second quarter, Davon Gilmore stopped a Bulldog drive with a forced fumble that was recovered by Tyrell Davis to ensure a shutout.
The Eagle offense put up 473 yards of total offense, 200 on the ground and 273 through the air.
Scoring Plays
GS - 1st, 8:34 - OJ Arnold 1-yard run, 7-0
GS - 1st, 1:47 - Jalen White 2-yard run, 14-0
GS - 2nd, 12:22 - Derwin Burgess Jr 13-yard pass from Davis Brin, 21-0
GS - 2nd, 2:02 - Michael Lantz 22-yard FG, 24-0
GS - 3rd, 12:24 - Anthony Queeley 16-yard pass from Davis Brin, 31-0
GS - 4th, 9:25 - Michael Lantz 48-yard FG, 34-0
The Eagles (1-0) are back at home next Saturday, Sept. 9 against UAB. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. inside of Paulson Stadium.
