2023 Georgia Southern Eagles football team

2023 Georgia Southern Eagles football
Myrtle Beach Bowl, L 21–41 vs. Ohio
Conference	Sun Belt Conference
Division	East Division
Record	6–7 (3–5 Sun Belt)
Head coach	Clay Helton (2nd season)
Offensive coordinator	Bryan Ellis (2nd season)
Offensive scheme	Multiple
Defensive coordinator	Brandon Bailey (1st season)
Base defense	4–2–5
Home stadium	Paulson Stadium
Seasons ←  2022 2024  →

2023 Sun Belt Conference football standings

v t e	Conf							Overall
Team		W		L					W		L
East Division
James Madison* x		7	–	1					11	–	2
Appalachian State y		6	–	2					9	–	5
Coastal Carolina		5	–	3					8	–	5
Old Dominion		5	–	3					6	–	7
Georgia State		3	–	5					7	–	6
Marshall		3	–	5					6	–	7
Georgia Southern		3	–	5					6	–	7
West Division
Troy xy$		7	–	1					11	–	3
Texas State		4	–	4					8	–	5
Arkansas State		4	–	4					6	–	7
South Alabama		4	–	4					7	–	6
Louisiana		3	–	5					6	–	7
Southern Miss		2	–	6					3	–	9
Louisiana–Monroe		0	–	8					2	–	10
Championship: Troy 49, Appalachian State 23
$ – Conference champion x – Division champion/co-champions y – Championship game participant * – Ineligible for postseason play due to FCS-to-FBS transition rules

The 2023 Georgia Southern Eagles football team represented Georgia Southern University during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Eagles played their home games at Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia, and competed in the East Division of the Sun Belt Conference. The team was coached by second-year head coach Clay Helton. ^[1]

Preseason

Recruiting class

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes

Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	40‡	Commit date
Beau Allen QB		Tarleton	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	203 lb (92 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Jshawn Anderson RB	Hartsville, SC	Hartsville HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 74
Jaylon Barden ATH		Pitt	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Davis Brin QB	Boerne, TX	Champion HS Tulsa	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	181 lb (82 kg)	–	Jan 2, 2023
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:     247Sports:
Bryson Broadway OT	Dawsonville, GA	Dawson County HS Georgia State	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	275 lb (125 kg)	–	Dec 12, 2022
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
DeAndre Buchannon WR	Atlanta, GA	Carver HS	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	160 lb (73 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 74
Chris Carter OT	Garden City, KS	Garden City CC	6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)	280 lb (130 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Kenneth Dorsey WR	Evans, GA	Evans HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	194 lb (88 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports:
Davon Ferguson CB		Bowling Green	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Jacob Ferguson DL	Council Bluffs, IA	Iowa Western CC	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	245 lb (111 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
JC French QB		Memphis	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	200 lb (91 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Davon Gilmore LB			6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	233 lb (106 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Damel Hickman CB		East Carolina	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Ayden Jackson WR	Marietta, GA	Walton HS	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	175 lb (79 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Matthew James EDGE	Jupiter, FL	Jupiter Christian School	6 ft 6.5 in (1.99 m)	215 lb (98 kg)	–	Aug 12, 2022
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports:
Will Johnson EDGE	Tucker, GA	Tucker HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	225 lb (102 kg)	–	Jul 29, 2022
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports:
Alijah Lacey EDGE	Bloomingdale, GA	New Hampstead HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	210 lb (95 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports:
Tarian Lee Jr. LB		Texas A&M	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	233 lb (106 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Caimon Mathis DB	DeSoto, TX	DeSoto HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	175 lb (79 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Jaden Mikhael TE	Niceville, FL	Niceville HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	231 lb (105 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports:
Bryson Norris IOL	Coffeyville, KS	Coffeyville CC	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	330 lb (150 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Anthony Queeley WR	Orlando, FL	Lake Nona HS Syracuse	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	195 lb (88 kg)	–	Dec 18, 2022
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Branden Palmer EDGE	Cornelius, NC	William Amos Hough HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	205 lb (93 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Troy Pikes DL	Atlanta, GA	Mays HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	270 lb (120 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports:
Kebba Secka DL	Lithia Springs, GA	Lithia Springs Comprehensive HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	235 lb (107 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports:
Alex Smith P	Melbourne, Australia	ProKick Australia	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)	220 lb (100 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports:
Matthew Smith IOL	Harlem, GA	Harlem HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	300 lb (140 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
TJ Smith S	Powder Springs, GA	McEachern HS Kansas State	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Keaton Upshaw TE		Kentucky	6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)	225 lb (102 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Keion Wallace WR	Springfield, GA	Effingham County HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	210 lb (95 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Coby Walton QB	Nolensville, TN	Nolensville HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports:
Elijah Walton ATH	Citra, FL	North Marion HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	210 lb (95 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports:
Jamari Whitehead LB	Jacksonville, FL	Raines HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	210 lb (95 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports:
Cameron Williams S		Washington	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	205 lb (93 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Ethan Williams IOL	Orange Park, FL	Fleming Island HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	285 lb (129 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports:
Matthew Williams OL	Appling, GA	Harlem HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	300 lb (140 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A
Robert Wright IOL	Stockbridge, GA	Stockbridge HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	285 lb (129 kg)	–
	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A    247Sports: N/A

Source: ^{[2] [3] [4]}

Media poll

In the Sun Belt preseason coaches' poll, the Eagles were picked to finish in fifth place in the East division. ^[5]

Media poll (East division)
Predicted finish	Team	Votes (1st place)
1	James Madison	78 (4)
2	Appalachian State	75 (4)
3	Coastal Carolina	71 (1)
4	Marshall	68 (1)
5	Georgia Southern	52 (1)
6	Georgia State	31
7	Old Dominion	17

Offensive lineman Khalil Crowder, wide receiver Khaleb Hood, and linebacker Marques Watson-Trent were named to the preseason All-Sun Belt first team. Tight end Jjay Mcafee was named to the second team. ^[5]

Personnel

2023 Georgia Southern Eagles football team roster
Players			Coaches
Offense Pos. # Name Class WR 1 Jaylon Barden Sr WR 2 Derwin Burgess Jr.  Jr WR 4 Anthony Queeley QB 5 Davis Brin TE 6 Keaton Upshaw WR 7 Khaleb Hood TE 9 Jjay Mcafee QB 10 David Dallas  Fr TE 11 Beau Johnson  Sr QB 12 JC French  Fr QB 13 Coby Walton Fr WR 14 Sam Kenerson  Jr WR 15 DeAndre Buchannon Fr QB 16 Colton FitzGerald  So WR 17 Dalen Cobb So WR 18 KD Dorsey Fr QB 19 Beau Allen  Jr WR 19 Josh Dallas  Fr RB 20 Terrance Gibbs  Fr WR 21 Marcus Sanders Jr. So RB 22 OJ Arnold So RB 23 Tyler Jordan  Sr WR 24 Joshua Thompson So RB 25 Jalen White Sr WR 26 Keion Wallace Fr TE 27 Ethan Dirrim Sr RB 28 J'Shawn Anderson Fr RB 29 Jamarian Samuel Jr WR 30 Alex Bowen  Jr RB 31 David Mbadinga Fr RB 33 Robert Edwards III  Fr RB 35 Terron Dixon II  Sr WR 38 Kevin Douglas Fr TE 48 Dylan Snyder  So OL 51 Matthew Williams Fr OL 55 Ethan Williams Fr OL 56 Brian Miller OL 57 Chandler Strong  Fr OL 58 Aaron Pyron  Sr OL 60 Rasheed Miller  Jr OL 62 Bryce Miller Fr OL 64 Caelan Williams  Jr OL 66 Johnnie Brown III  Fr OL 68 Nate Lewis  Fr OL 70 Korbett MacGregor  Fr OL 71 Robert Wright Jr. Fr OL 72 Khalil Crowder OL 74 Pichon Wimbley So OL 75 Bryson Broadway Sr OL 76 CK Carter So OL 77 Griffin Carder  Sr OL 78 Caleb Cook  So WR 80 Saan Lewis WR 81 Parker Self  Jr TE 82 JP Mikhael Fr TE 83 Elija Walton Fr WR 84 Ethan Christian Fr WR 85 Brooks Pangle  Fr WR 86 Graeme Williams  So TE 87 Evan Lester Jr.  So WR 88 Lawson Bachelder  Jr WR 89 Taylor Bradshaw Fr	Defense Pos. # Name Class LB 1 Marques Watson-Trent  Jr DB 1 Jalen Denton  Jr DB 4 Damel Hickman DB 5 TJ Smith  Jr DB 6 Cam Williams  Sr LB 7 Tarian Lee Jr.  Sr LB 9 Khadry Jackson LB 11 Jon Ferguson DL 13 Isaac Walker  So DB 14 Prince Green  So LB 15 Davon Gilmore  Sr DB 16 Tyrell Davis  So DB 17 Shemar Bartholomew DL 18 MJ Stroud  Fr DB 20 Seth Robertson Sr DB 21 Caimon Mathis Fr DB 22 Marc Stampley II So DB 23 Mari Wingard DB 24 Tracy Hill Jr.  Fr DB 25 Ayden Jackson Fr DB 26 Chase Dial-Watson  Jr DB 27 Andrew Douglas  So DB 28 Chandler Dial-Watson  Jr DB 29 Justin Meyers  So DB 30 Jack Ferguson  Jr DB 31 Jaden Martin-Burgess Fr DB 32 Kevin Speed  Fr LB 33 Holden Trice Fr LB 34 Jamari Whitehead Fr LB 35 Nigel Manns  Jr DB 36 Treston Jordan  Fr LB 37 Quincy Darnell  Sr LB 39 Reid Dedman  Sr DL 42 Branden Palmer Fr LB 43 Jacob Hammonds  Fr DB 44 Jeffrey Smyth  Sr DB 45 Chris Crouch  So DB 47 Elijah Hynes  Fr LB 48 Zack Blackwell  Fr DB 49 Amar Jenkins  Fr DL 50 Johnathan Douglas  Jr DL 51 Kebba Secka Fr DL 52 Jacob Ferguson  Jr DL 53 Trevon Locke  Jr DL 57 Latrell Bullard So DL 79 Weston Wallace  Jr DL 88 Justin Rhodes  Jr DL 90 Da'Shawn Davis So DL 91 Davion Rhodes  So DL 92 Kristian Varner  Sr DL 93 Troy Pikes Fr DL 94 Elhadj Fall  Fr DL 95 Alijah Lacey Fr DL 96 Lonnie Leverette  So DL 97 Myles Winslow  So DL 98 Tyler Padgett Fr DL 99 Kierron Smith  Sr	Special teams Pos. # Name Class P 82 Matthew Daniel  Sr LS 89 Jackson Wheeler  Sr P 90 Alex Smith Fr LS 93 Gaines Wood  Fr LS 94 Collin Springer LS 95 Mark Langston  Sr K 96 Chase Folser  Fr K 97 Brendan Franke Sr K 98 Michael Lantz  Sr P 99 Walker Bradberry  So	Head coach Clay Helton (Houston) Coordinators/assistant coaches Kevin Whitley (Georgia Southern) Cornerbacks Brandon Bailey (Georgia Southern) Defensive coordinator/linebackers Bryan Ellis (UAB) Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks Ryan Aplin (Arkansas State) Tight ends/Inside receivers/Pass game coordinator Darius Eubanks (Georgia Southern) Safeties and nickels BJ Johnson (Georgia Southern) Wide receivers Taylor Reed (Central Arkansas) Running backs Rip Rowan (Austin Peay) Defensive line Turner West (Memphis) Special teams coordinator TJ Woods (Azusa Pacific) Offensive line/Run game coordinator Legend (C) Team captain (S) Suspended (I) Ineligible Injured Redshirt Roster Last update: 3 September 2023

Schedule

The football schedule was announced February 24, 2023. ^[6]

Date	Time	Opponent	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
September 2	6:00 p.m.	The Citadel *	Paulson Stadium Statesboro, GA	ESPN+	W 34–0	17,803
September 9	6:00 p.m.	UAB *	Paulson Stadium Statesboro, GA	ESPN+	W 49–35	20,103
September 16	12:00 p.m.	at Wisconsin *	Camp Randall Stadium Madison, WI	BTN	L 14–35	75,610
September 23	2:00 p.m.	at Ball State *	Scheumann Stadium Muncie, IN	ESPN+	W 40–3	10,118
September 30	7:00 p.m.	Coastal Carolina	Paulson Stadium Statesboro, GA	NFLN	W 38–28	26,483
October 14	12:00 p.m.	at James Madison	Bridgeforth Stadium Harrisonburg, VA	ESPN2	L 13–41	25,097
October 21	2:00 p.m.	Louisiana–Monroe	Paulson Stadium Statesboro, GA	ESPN+	W 38–28	21,068
October 26	7:30 p.m.	Georgia State	Paulson Stadium Statesboro, GA (Modern Day Hate)	ESPN2	W 44–27	23,389
November 4	7:00 p.m.	at Texas State	Bobcat Stadium San Marcos, TX	ESPN+	L 24–45	18,204
November 11	7:00 p.m.	at Marshall	Joan C. Edwards Stadium Huntington, WV	NFLN	L 33–38	19,175
November 18	6:00 p.m.	Old Dominion	Paulson Stadium Statesboro, GA	ESPN+	L 17–20	20,032
November 25	3:30 p.m.	at Appalachian State	Kidd Brewer Stadium Boone, NC (Deeper Than Hate)	ESPNU	L 27–55	31,248
December 16	11:00 a.m.	vs. Ohio *	Brooks Stadium Conway, SC (Myrtle Beach Bowl)	ESPN	L 21–41	8,059
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from AP Poll and CFP Rankings released prior to game All times are in Eastern time

Game summaries

at Wisconsin

See also: 2023 Wisconsin Badgers football team

Game Three – Georgia Southern Eagles (2–0) vs. Wisconsin Badgers (1–1) – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Eagles	0	7	7	0	14
Badgers	0	7	21	7	35

at Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin

• Date: September 16, 2023
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 69 °F (21 °C); Cloudy; Wind at NW4 MPH
• Game attendance: 75,610
• Referee: Tim O'Dey
• TV: BTN

Game information

First quarter No scoring Second quarter (14:18) WIS – Tanner Mordecai 1-yard run (Nathanial Vakos kick) (Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:40; Wisconsin 7–0) (12:11) GASO – OJ Arnold 4-yard run (Michael Lantz kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards, 2:03; Tied 7–7) Third quarter (12:33) GASO – Jjay Mcafee 25-yard pass from Davis Brin (Michael Lantz kick) (Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:04; Georgia Southern 14–7.) (10:53) WIS – Braelon Allen 4-yard run (Nathanial Vakos kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 1:35; Tied 14–14) (7:40) WIS – Tanner Mordecai 18-yard run (Nathanial Vakos kick) (Drive: 6 plays, 40 yards, 1:59; Wisconsin 21–14) (0:39) WIS – Braelon Allen 2-yard run (Nathanial Vakos kick) (Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:05; Wisconsin 28–14) Fourth quarter (5:51) WIS – Chez Mellusi 1-yard run (Nathanial Vakos kick) (Drive: 7 plays, 86 yards, 3:41; Wisconsin 35–14)

Statistics	GASO	WIS
First downs	23	22
Total yards	80–455	69–451
Rushing yards	28–72	38–207
Passing yards	383	244
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	33–52–5	20–31–0
Time of possession	31:23	28:37

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Georgia Southern	Passing	Davis Brin	33/52, 383 yards, 1 TD, 5 INT
	Rushing	OJ Arnold	10 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD
	Receiving	Derwin Burgess Jr.	8 receptions, 124 yards
Wisconsin	Passing	Tanner Mordecai	19/30, 236 yards
	Rushing	Braelon Allen	12 carries, 94 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Chimere Dike	3 receptions, 57 yards

at Ball State

See also: 2023 Ball State Cardinals football team

Game Four – Georgia Southern Eagles (2–1) at Ball State Cardinals (1–2) – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Georgia Southern	14	9	10	7	40
Ball State	0	0	0	3	3

at Scheumann Stadium • Muncie, IN

• Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023
• Game time: 2:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: -
• Game attendance: 10,118
• TV: ESPN+

Game information

First quarter (11:51) GASO – Evan Lester Jr. 1-yard pass from Davis Brin (Michael Lantz kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 3:04; Georgia Southern 7–0) (8:47) GASO – Keaton Upshaw 9-yard pass from Davis Brin (Michael Lantz kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 63 yards, 1:30; Georgia Southern 14–0) Second quarter (12:37) GASO – Michael Lantz 41-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards, 1:37; Georgia Southern 17–0) (6:36) GASO – Michael Lantz 26-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 3:18; Georgia Southern 20–0) (0:00) GASO – Michael Lantz 37-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 0:43; Georgia Southern 23–0) Third quarter (8:47) GASO – Khaleb Hood 21-yard pass from Davis Brin (Michael Lantz kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 56 yards, 1:10; Georgia Southern 30–0) (1:03) GASO – Michael Lantz 35-yard field goal (Drive: 8 plays, 28 yards, 2:11; Georgia Southern 33–0) Fourth quarter (13:42) GASO – Anthony Queeley 8-yard pass from Davis Brin (Michael Lantz kick) (Drive: 4 plays, 55 yards, 1:06; Georgia Southern 40–0) (7:15) BALL – Jackson Courville 23-yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 6:27; Georgia Southern 40–3)

Statistics	GASO	BALL
First downs	25	10
Total yards	77–530	55–197
Rushing yards	27–167	28–37
Passing yards	363	160
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	36–50–0	14–29–2
Time of possession	30:41	29:19

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Georgia Southern	Passing	Davis Brin	34/46, 344 yards, 4 TD
	Rushing	OJ Arnold	9 carries, 90 yards
	Receiving	Khaleb Hood	7 receptions, 107 yards, TD
Ball State	Passing	Kadin Semonza	11/23, 123 yards, 2 INT
	Rushing	Marquez Cooper	9 carries, 16 yards
	Receiving	Rico Barfield	2 receptions, 50 yards

at Texas State

See also: 2023 Texas State Bobcats football team

Game Nine – Georgia Southern Eagles at Texas State Bobcats – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Eagles	10	0	7	7	24
Bobcats	7	24	14	0	45

at Bobcat Stadium, San Marcos, Texas

• Date: November 4
• Game time: 4:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Sunny
• Game attendance: 18,204
• Referee: Trennis Livingston
• TV announcers (ESPN+): Brant Freeman, Keith Moreland, and Koral Riggs
• Box score, Recap

Game information

First quarter TXST – Joey Hobert 23-yard pass from T. J. Finley (Mason Shipley kick), 12:45. Bobcats 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:15. GASO – Michael Lantz 29-yard field goal, 11:09. Bobcats 7–3. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:23. GASO – Jalen White 39-yard run (Michael Lantz kick), 3:36. Eagles 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:05. Second quarter TXST – Konner Fox 3-yard pass from T. J. Finley (Mason Shipley kick), 10:45. Bobcats 14–10. Drive: 15 plays, 75 yards, 7:51. TXST – Kole Wilson 8-yard pass from T. J. Finley (Mason Shipley kick), 3:46. Bobcats 21–10. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:41. TXST – Mason Shipley 31-yard field goal, 2:04. Bobcats 24–10. Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 1:35. TXST – T. J. Finley 16-yard run (Mason Shipley kick), 0:42. Bobcats 31–10. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 0:46. Third quarter TXST – T. J. Finley 12-yard run (Mason Shipley kick), 9:52. Bobcats 38–10. Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 1:44. TXST – Donerio Davenport 1-yard run (Mason Shipley kick), 2:34. Bobcats 45–10. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 4:40. GASO – Jjay McAfee 32-yard pass from Davis Brin (Michael Lantz kick), 0:25. Bobcats 45–17. Drive: 5 plays, 86 yards, 2:05. Fourth quarter GASO – Jalen White 3-yard run (Michael Lantz kick), 8:40. Bobcats 45–24. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 3:44.

Statistics

Statistics	GASO	TXST
First downs	21	30
Total yards	375	487
Rushing yards	180	186
Passing yards	195	301
Turnovers	2	1
Time of possession	25:04	34:56

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Georgia Southern	Passing	Davis Brin	18/27, 195 yards, TD, INT
	Rushing	Jalen White	17 rushes, 159 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Khaleb Hood	7 receptions, 67 yards
Texas State	Passing	T. J. Finley	25/31, 301 yards, 3 TD
	Rushing	Ismail Mahdi	20 rushes, 99 yards
	Receiving	Joey Hobert	13 receptions, 141 yards, TD

at Marshall

See also: 2023 Marshall Thundering Herd football team

Game Ten – Georgia Southern Eagles (6–3) at Marshall Thundering Herd (4–5)

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Eagles	3	17	6	7	33
Thundering Herd	10	7	7	14	38

at Joan C. Edwards Stadium • Huntington, West Virginia

• Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Sunny
• Game attendance: 19,175
• Referee: Scott Broadway
• TV announcers (NFLN): Jason Ross Jr. (play-by-play), Tyoka Jackson (analyst)
• Pregame line: Georgia Southern –1.5

Game information

First quarter (14:45) MRSH – Jayden Harrison 98 yard kickoff return, Rece Verhoff kick (Marshall 7–0) (6:15) GASO – Michael Lantz 35 yard field goal (Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:26; Marshall 7–3) (2:49) MRSH – Rece Verhoff 22 yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 3:26; Marshall 10–3) Second quarter (11:15) GASO – Jaylon Barden 9 yard pass from Davis Brin, Michael Lantz kick (Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 3:32; Tied 10–10) (5:32) MRSH – Caleb McMillan 21 yard run, Rece Verhoff kick (Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 5:39; Marshall 17–10) (3:07) GASO – Dalen Cobb 47 yard pass from Davis Brin, Michael Lantz kick (Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 2:25; Tied 17–17) (0:12) GASO – Michael Lantz 38 yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 26 yards, 0:59; Georgia Southern 20–17) Third quarter (6:51) GASO – Michael Lantz 40 yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 39 yards, 2:56; Georgia Southern 23–17) (5:06) MRSH – Rasheen Ali 2 yard run, Rece Verhoff kick (Drive: 4 plays, 70 yards, 1:45; Marshall 24–23) (1:56) GASO – Michael Lantz 21 yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:10; Georgia Southern 26–24) Fourth quarter (10:51) MRSH – Rasheen Ali 55 yard run, Rece Verhoff kick (Drive: 1 play, 55 yards, 0:09; Marshall 31–26) (2:41) MRSH – Rasheen Ali 9 yard run, Rece Verhoff kick (Drive: 1 play, 9 yards, 0:06; Marshall 38–26) (0:50) GASO – Derwin Burgess 2 yard pass from Davis Brin, Michael Lantz kick (Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 1:46; Marshall 38–33)

Statistics	GASO	MRSH
First downs	18	14
Plays–yards	80–384	54–370
Rushes–yards	24–77	33–169
Passing yards	307	201
Passing: comp–att–int	29–56–0	15–21–1
Time of possession	32:42	27:18

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Georgia Southern	Passing	Davis Brin	29/54, 307 yards, 3 TD
	Rushing	Jalen White	17 carries, 67 yards
	Receiving	Jaylon Barden	6 receptions, 96 yards, 1 TD
Marshall	Passing	Cole Pennington	15/20, 201 yards, 1 INT
	Rushing	Rasheen Ali	24 carries, 165 yards, 3 TD
	Receiving	DeMarcus Harris	4 receptions, 147 yards

Vs. Ohio

See also: 2023 Ohio Bobcats football team and 2023 Myrtle Beach Bowl

Game Thirteen – Georgia Southern Eagles (6–6) vs. Ohio Bobcats (9–3) (2023 Myrtle Beach Bowl)

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Georgia Southern	0	0	14	7	21
Ohio	3	17	14	7	41

at Brooks Stadium • Conway, South Carolina

• Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023
• Game time: 11:00 a.m. EST
• Game weather: sunny
• Game attendance: 8,059
• Referee: Patrick Foy (Mountain West) ^[7]
• TV announcers (ESPN): Drew Carter (play-by-play), Dustin Fox (analyst), and Stormy Buonantony (sideline)
• Pregame line: Georgia Southern −1.5; O/U 48.5 • Ohio notes, boxscore

Game information

First Quarter (06:27) OHIO - Gianni Spetic 27 yd FG 11 plays, 43 yards, TOP 06:42 (OHIO 3–0) Second Quarter (12:22) OHIO - Ricky Hunt 2 yd Run (Gianni Spetic Kick) 13 plays, 59 yards, TOP 07:13 (OHIO 10–0) (03:16) OHIO - Ricky Hunt 18 yd pass from Parker Navarro (Gianni Spetic Kick) 4 plays, 62 yards, TOP 01:53 (OHIO 10–0) (00:00) OHIO - Gianni Spetic 26 yd FG 6 plays, 25 yards, TOP 01:07 (OHIO 20–0) Third Quarter (11:46) OHIO - Ricky Hunt 6 yd Run (Gianni Spetic Kick) 1 play, 6 yards, TOP 00:05 (OHIO 27–0) (07:54) GASO - David Mbadinga 3 yd Run (Michael Lantz Kick) 9 plays, 69 yards, TOP 03:52 (OHIO 27–7) (11:46) OHIO - Ricky Hunt 40 yd Run (Gianni Spetic Kick) 6 plays, 60 yards, TOP 03:19 (OHIO 34–7) (01:13) GASO - Derwin Burgess Jr. 65 yd pass from Davis Brin 2 plays, 68 yards, TOP 00:51 (OHIO 34–14) Fourth Quarter (12:27) GASO - Jjay Mcafee 15 yd pass from Davis Brin 7 plays, 52 yards, TOP 03:46 (OHIO 34–21) (02:52) OHIO - Ricky Hunt 9 yd Run (Gianni Spetic Kick) 8 plays, 55 yards, TOP 03:40 (OHIO 41–21)

Statistics	Georgia Southern	Ohio
First downs	16	18
Total Yards	383	352
Rushes/yards	21–33	46–232
Passing yards	350	120
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	32–42–3	11–16–120
Time of possession	26:40	33:20

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Georgia Southern	Passing	Davis Brin	32/42, 350 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
	Rushing	David Mbadinga	4 rushes, 44 yards, 1 TD
	Receiving	Derwin Burgess Jr.	6 receptions, 117 yards
Ohio	Passing	Parker Navarro	11/16, 120 yards, 1 TD
	Rushing	Rickey Hunt	17 rushes, 115 yards, 4 TD
	Receiving	Sam Wiglusz	5 receptions, 64 yards

References

1. "2023 Georgia Southern Football Schedule". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
2. "Georgia Southern Announces December Recruiting Class". Georgia Southern University Athletics. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
3. "Georgia Southern 2023 Football Commits". 247sports.com.
4. "Georgia Southern Adds Two More to Recruiting Class". Georgia Southern University Athletics. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
5. "Sun Belt Announces Football Preseason Awards & Poll". sunbeltsports.org. July 24, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
6. "Georgia Southern's 2023 Football Schedule Released". Georgia Southern University. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
7. Austro, Ben (December 3, 2023). "2023-24 bowl officiating assignments". footballzebras.com. Retrieved December 5, 2023.