MOBILE, Ala. – Georgia Southern erased a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to storm back and down South Alabama 34-30 Saturday night at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Sun Belt Conference action. With the win, the Eagles become bowl-eligible for the third consecutive year.
The Eagles took the opening kickoff and marched 81 yards on 16 plays in 7:25, scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run from David Mbadinga. The Jags countered with a field goal and the team traded punts before JC French hit David Dallas for a 23-yard touchdown midway through the second quarter. USA responded with a quick 55-yard scoring drive to make it 14-10 with 4:26 left in the first half. South Alabama tacked on a short field goal right before the end of the half.
South Alabama took the second-half kickoff and took its first lead on a 24-yard field to make it 16-14. After a three-and-out by the Eagles, USA drove the ball 79 yards in 3:38 and scored on a 22-yard touchdown run to widen the lead and then scored another touchdown late in the third quarter to cap a 17-0 frame in which the Jags outgained Southern 216-30.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, French found a streaking Dallas down the middle for a 45-yard touchdown, his second of the game. The two-point conversion was no good and the Eagles still trailed by 10. Terrance Gibbs stripped the ball on the ensuing kickoff and Evan Lester Jr. recovered it to swing the momentum. Two plays later, Jalen White took it in from 2 yards out to quickly bring the Eagles back to within three. The defense got a stop and after French left with an injury, Dexter Williams II finished off the drive with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Dalen Cobb to give the Eagles the lead back and cap a 20-0 quarter.
South Alabama had a few chances late, but Marc Stampley II picked off his third pass of the season to end one drive and then back-to-back sacks by Da'Shawn Davis and Davon Gilmore on third and fourth down, respectively, thwarted the Jags' last drive. The Eagles outgained the Jags 126-55 in the final quarter, ending USA drives via a punt, a turnover and a turnover on downs.
French completed 22 of 27 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns and Williams II completed 3 of 5 passes for 33 yards and a score. White ran for 71 yards and a score and Dallas had five catches for 96 yards and two scores. Justin Meyers led the defense with 10 tackles while Davon Hicks had nine tackles.
Up Next: The Eagles (6-3, 4-1) will have an off week before hosting Troy (2-7, 1-4) on Nov. 16 at Allen E. Paulson Stadium/Evans Family Field. Kick time will be announced on Monday.
