Sun Belt: Georgia Southern

Georgia Southern Eagles

2015 Results: 9-4 (6-2, 3rd in Sun Belt)

Defeated Bowling Green in Go Daddy Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 5 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd SAVANNAH STATE

10th at South Alabama

17th LOUISIANA-MONROE

24th at Western Michigan

October

5th at Arkansas State

15th at Georgia Tech

22nd at New Mexico State

27th APPALACHIAN STATE

November

5th at Mississippi

12th LOUISIANA

19th at Georgia State

December

3rd TROY

Georgia Southern enters their third year as an FBS school and also have a new head coach. Tyson Summers made the jump from Colorado State where he was the defensive coordinator, and inherits a top 25 defense from a year ago. After winning a Sun Belt title in their first season, expectations are high to return to that level of play for the program.

The Eagles had the top ranked rushing attack a year ago. Averaging 363 yards on the ground per game, they also return 99% of that production. Leading rusher Matt Breida returns along with the next 5 leading rushers. Summers will employ two quarterbacks this year before settling on a full-time starter. This will be a full option team, but the new coach will be easing in a passing game.

The defense came up huge last year, but was for the most part underappreciated. The secondary suffered the most losses on the side as only one starter returns. Senior linebacker Ironhead Gallon returns as the centerpiece for the 4-3 scheme. Three upfront return including interior linemen Jay Ellison and Darrius Sapp who combine 640 lbs between the two to stop up the middle.

Player to Watch: Matt Breida

Breida returns to the nation's leading rushing attack a year after running for 1,608 yards and 17 TDs. The back already has 3,093 yards in his career, and looks as though he will add to that total considerably. If the passing game can get going as Summer hopes, more holes will open up for Breida whether he needs them or not.

If you only watch them once, watch:

10/15 at Georgia Tech

If you like old-school football, this is your game. Here are two teams who will turn the clock back 60 years to a time when a forward pass was unheard of.

What to Expect

The Eagles have a lot going against them, They have a new coaching staff along with a very difficult schedule. They will need to settle on one quarterback and get the ball down the field quicker if they hope to continue their winning ways.

Prediction

5-7 (3-5, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th