STATESBORO -- The Georgia Southern Eagles are looking to extend their two game winning streak and continue Southern Conference play on the road at Western Carolina Saturday. Kickoff for the Catamounts' homecoming is set for 3:30 p.m.
Georgia Southern (3-1, 2-1) is coming off a successful homestand in which they defeated Elon and No. 25 Samford to earn their first two SoCon victories of the year. Junior Jerick McKinnon started Saturday's game against the Bulldogs at A-Back before taking over under center in the second quarter. McKinnon rushed for a season-high 162 yards and two touchdowns.
The Eagles' defense helped GSU extend their home winning streak to 13 straight games after holding Samford without a first down for 24:36. The defense now leads the SoCon in total defense and ranks second in scoring defense. Georgia Southern also ranks second in interceptions and sacks. Lavelle Westbrooks is tied for the lead in the conference with two interceptions including a 72-yard return for a touchdown in the second quarter Saturday.
Western Carolina (1-4, 0-3) dropped their fourth-straight game at Furman Saturday after Jerodis Williams broke open the game with three-straight touchdowns on a 100-yard kickoff return, an 89-yard rush and a 2-yard run. The Catamounts found themselves down 45-10 in the quarter before scoring twice in the fourth quarter.
Under first-year Head Coach Mark Speir, Western Carolina ranks fifth in the conference in passing and averages over 200 yards a game through the air. Sophomore quarterback Eddie Sullivan has completed 83 of his 145 passing attempts for 849 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions.
A year ago Georgia Southern rushed for 634 yards, the third-largest total in program history as they defeated Western Carolina 52-20 at home. Three Eagles rushed for over 100 yards and a fourth in Robert Brown missed out by just a yard. Western Carolina threw for nearly 300 yards in the loss but scored all three of their touchdowns on the ground.
Friday
April 26th, 2024
1:40AM
