STATESBORO -- Georgia Southern's appeal for bowl eligibility has been denied by the NCAA, ending the Eagles' season.<br />
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Georgia Southern won the Sun Belt Conference championship with a perfect 8-0 record in league games. Because it was in its inaugural season in the FBS, Georgia Southern (9-3) was not eligible for a bowl bid. The school asked for a waiver on the rule.<br />
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Athletic director Tom Kleinlein says it was important the school take its argument "to the highest level." Kleinlein says Georgia Southern's accomplishment this season was "nothing short of extraordinary."<br />
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The school announced Tuesday it will not submit another appeal.<br />
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Georgia Southern, a former longtime Division I-AA power, was only the third team to win a conference title in its first year in the FBS.
