Georgia Southern pushes back into FCS postseason

STATESBORO -- Georgia Southern is heading back to the playoffs.

The Eagles (7-4) were among 20 teams selected Sunday for the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. They will host South Carolina State (9-2) next weekend.

Georgia Southern is a six-time national champion but will be making its first playoff appearance since 2005. The Eagles have been through three coaches since then, turning to Jeff Monken this season.

The playoffs seemed out of reach when the Eagles stood at 4-4. But they closed with a three-game winning streak, including an upset of top-ranked Appalachian State. That was enough to earn an at-large bid and the team's first home playoff game in six years.

The winner of Saturday's contest plays at William & Mary on Dec. 4.