GATA Talk

We are BACK! Your favorite Georgia Southern football podcast is back for Season 6, and we have our first title sponsor. GATA Talk is now brought to you by KnKut, owned by Georgia Southern alumni and Eagles super fan Andy Thompson. If you're in the market for premium drill bits and cutting tools, look no further than KnKut.com.  In Part 1 of our Georgia Southern Football Preview Extravaganza, Matt and Cody focus on all of the changes that took place during the offseason, and what effects those changes could have on the outlook of the 2023 season.  Show Notes:  We're Back and Have an Official Sponsor!  Coaching Changes: DC, O-Line and Position Coaches  New Gunslinger in Town with Davis Brin  QB Depth: Plenty of Talent for Years to Come  Transfer Portal: Biggest Departures and New Faces

The Eagles are going bowling in Montgomery! Matt and Cody will get you ready to run through a brick wall as they preview the Camellia Bowl matchup against the Buffalo Bulls. The guys also discuss coaching changes, transfer portal, recruiting, and more in this post-season episode.  Show Notes:  Previewing Buffalo: A Jekyll and Hyde MAC Team Game Is Winnable But Could Be a Shootout  Kyle Vantrease Could Cement His Decision to Transfer to GS  Coaching Changes Around the Belt  Derrick Canteen Leaves: We Wish Him the Best  Recruiting: Take a Deep Breath, the Sky Isn't Falling  Montgomery, Colorado Weather and the Future of GATA Talk

We're going bowling and App State is home for the holidays! Matt and Cody react to the thrilling win over the Mountaineers in the regular season finale and discuss possible bowl destinations.  Show Notes:  Wild Shootout Win Against Our Hated Rival Defense Did Just Enough When It Mattered Most  Walk-Ons and Young Guns Showed Up and Showed Out  Bowl Projections: Possible Bowl Destinations and Opponents  What a Bowl Win and a 7-6 Season Would Mean for 2023

One game to decide it all. Happy Thanksgiving week, Eagle Nation! Georgia Southern heads into the final game of the regular season with their postseason dreams on the line. And it all comes down to Hate Week — a rivalry game with App State with a bowl eligibility at stake for both teams.  Show Notes:  Marshall Loss: Defense Played Better, but Injuries Taking a Toll  Student Section and Attendance: Not Apples to Apples  Hate Week: What a Win and a Bowl Game Would Mean for 2023  Pack Paulson: Be the Change You Want to Be 

Buckle your seat belts, Eagle Nation, we're fired up! After a frustrating loss in the final road game of the regular season, Georgia Southern returns home still searching for its sixth win and bowl eligibility. Matt and Cody discuss the disappointing Thursday night loss on national TV, our pathetic excuse for a defense and what needs to change scheme, attitude and culture wise to get that elusive sixth win of the season against a solid Marshall team.  Show Notes:  Our Defense Is Worthless: Something Has to Change to Win Another Game Defense Needs to Play Angry, Prove Everyone Wrong Offensive Struggles: Injuries, Play Calling or Defensive Pressure?  Previewing Marshall: Another Top Defense Heads to Paulson Stopping the Herd's Running Game Is Key, But a Huge Ask for our D Losing Against Marshall Likely Means 0-4 to Close the Season

After a frustrating loss to South Alabama in Paulson Stadium, Georgia Southern heads to Lafayette, Louisiana, for its final road game of the regular season. Can the Eagles bounce back and become bowl eligible with a Thursday-night win against the Ragin' Cajuns on national TV? Show Notes:  South Alabama May Be the Most Frustrating Loss Yet Defense Will Not Win Us Games or Maintain Leads Offensive Production Slowed Without Slew of Weapons  3-and-1 Vanilla Play Calling Is a Big Concern Previewing Louisiana: Ragin' Cajuns Blew Their Own Lead Different Louisiana Team Than Past Years Eagles Still Have Plenty to Play for, and It Starts Thursday

After a much needed bye week, GATA Talk is back to get you ready for a huge matchup with South Alabama as the Jaguars head to Paulson Stadium. Georgia Southern improved to 5-3 on the year with a big road win against ODU in Virginia two weeks ago and now looks to become bowl eligible with a win against South Alabama in Statesboro.  Show Notes:  ODU Recap: Most Well-Rounded Win Thus Far Defense Improving Little by Little  Thank You Amare Jones!  South Alabama Preview: Jaguars Have Many Similarities to JMU  Keys to a Win Against S. Alabama  Fun Facts Officially Retired for the Season 

Georgia Southern sends another freshly ranked team home without a number next to its name. The Eagles put up nearly 600 yards of offense including 578 yards through the air for quarterback Kyle Vantrease. Now back over .500, the Eagles head up to Virginia to take on a confident Old Dominion team coming off a dominate performance against Coastal Carolina.  Show Notes:  Wild Game and Record-Setting Day for Vantrease  Defense Forced Turnovers and Showed Progress  Our Offense Is FUN: If you Disagree, You Have Blinders On  Was Storming the Field Warranted?  Previewing ODU: Confident Team with Offensive Identity Shift  Pivotal Game in Virginia with East Title Still in Play  

After another heart-wrenching loss to rival Georgia State, the Georgia Southern Eagles return home to the friendly confines of Paulson Stadium to take on the nationally ranked James Madison Dukes. Matt and Cody discuss what went wrong against State, how the season outlook has (or hasn't) changed and what will be needed to get an upset win against the Sun Belt's Cinderella in JMU.   Show Notes:  Turnovers, Line Play and Physicality the Difference Against State  What Is Going on with the Defense? KVT Is the Guy: But at What Point Is He Not? JMU Preview: Veteran QB, Good Run Game and Excellent Defense

Georgia Southern loses a heartbreaker in Conway. Now the Eagles have to bounce back with another "road" game against rival Georgia State. Matt and Cody talk clock management and defense in the Coastal game, preview Georgia State and bring back the #FunFacts segment.  Show Notes:  Clock, Refs and 4th Quarter Defensive Breakdown Against CCU Is Coastal the Most Hated Program in the Sun Belt? MUST Win Game at Turner Field #FunFacts About Georgia State  Blue Pants?

Georgia Southern enters Sun Belt Conference play this week at 3-1 after a home win against Ball State. The Eagles now head to Conway, S.C., to face Coastal Carolina and — possibly for the first time — Grayson McCall.  Show Notes:  Ball State Recap: No Quit in This Eagles Team  OJ Arnold Is Going to a Problem for Opposing Teams  Coastal Preview: McCall Could Miss Another One Against Us  Keys to a Win Against Coastal Fun "Facts" About Conway, South Carolina

Georgia Southern comes away with its first loss of the season after an UGLY game in Birmingham against UAB. Matt and Cody break down the frustrating loss, but explain why they remain optimistic for the rest of the season. It starts this Saturday as the team returns home to Paulson Stadium to close out the non-conference slate against Ball State of the MAC.  Show Notes:  Two Weddings...And a Funeral in Birmingham Kyle Vantrease Had an Off Day, But It's Not the Norm Finding an Answer for Defenses Dropping Eight  Defense Has to Tackle Better and Take Better Angles  The Hangover Was STRONG for the Sun Belt  Previewing Ball State: From Mason Jars to RBs with Pet Alligators

IT'S CORN!!! Georgia Southern heads into Lincoln, Nebraska, and comes away with its first Power Five win as an FBS program, beating the Cornhuskers 45-42 in front of a sellout crowd at Memorial Stadium. Matt and Cody give their thoughts on the historic win, the faster-than-expected evolution of the Eagles' offense and what needs to happen to keep this momentum going. The guys also preview another tough road test as GS heads to Birmingham to take on UAB. Do the Eagles keep rolling, or will there be a hangover from the party in Lincoln?  Show Notes:  Why This Nebraska Win Is Special  Why This Eagles Team Is Different  Kyle Vantrease Played Like a Man Possessed  We Can Still Run the Football  UAB Preview: Well-Coached Team Not to be Taken Lightly  Keys to a Win Against UAB

The Clay Helton era of Georgia Southern football officially began with an expected win over FCS opponent Morgan State, but it was how our Eagles won that is the story. Matt and Cody break down the lopsided season opener and what (if at all) it tells us about this team. The guys also preview the first real test of the young season as the Eagles make the long trip to Lincoln, Nebraska, to face the Cornhuskers out of the Big Ten.   Show Notes:  New GS Offense Starts Slow, But Finishes Dominant  Defense Pitches Shutout: Thoughts on New-Look Defense  Refreshing Blowout Against an FCS Foe How Is This Different Than the 2016 Savannah State Win?  Previewing Nebraska: Winnable Game Against Struggling Cornhuskers Keys to Winning in Helton's Road Debut with GS 

September 3 is right around the corner and GATA Talk is here to get you ready for the start of the 2022 Georgia Southern football season opener again Morgan State. Matt and Cody dispute what pundits are saying about the transition to a more balanced or pass-heavy offensive attack and answer some tough questions about keys to a successful 2022 campaign.  Show Notes:  How Long Will the Offensive Transition Take? Scrimmage Analysis  Defense Looking Sharp Under Will Harris  If/Then: Addressing Scenarios for a Successful 2022 Season Previewing Morgan State - HBCU out of the MEAC 

New intro, who dis? GATA Talk is back as we usher in the conclusion of Sun Belt Media Days, the start of fall practice and count down the days until Georgia Southern football is back and the Clay Helton era begins! Matt and Cody give their predictions for the Sun Belt East and West divisions, discuss the keys to having a winning season and proving the doubters wrong, and break down the Eagles' offense, defense and special teams units. Show Notes:  Sun Belt Media Days Recap and Projections  East Preview: Question Marks Around Every Team Why Kyle Vantrease Is the Perfect Bridge QB for the New Offense We Have One of the Best O-Line Coaches in the Country Skill Positions: Who Is Primed for Big Years? Defense: Plenty of Talent, But a Lot of Unknowns Special Teams: Significant Improvement Needs to Happen  West Preview: Louisiana Takes a Step Back While South and Troy on the Rise GS Might Have the Toughest Draw with Cross-Division Games

The 2022 Georgia Southern Blue vs. White game is in the books, and with it concludes the first spring of the Clay Helton era. Matt and Cody discuss the spring game, how the new offense and defense is shaping up, and give their thoughts on realistic expectations in Helton's first year leading the Eagles.  Show Notes:  Thoughts on Spring Game Progression of New Offense and Defense New Sun Belt Members: East Division Just Got a LOT Harder 2022 Schedule Overview and Thoughts What's a Realistic Record for Georgia Southern in Clay Helton's First Year? Benko and Helton Investing in the Program with IPF and S&C Program Shoutouts to other Georgia Southern Teams and Their Accomplishments 

Happy new year and welcome to GATA Talk Season 5! Since we last recorded, Georgia Southern head football coach Clay Helton finalized his staff, including a rising star as defensive coordinator and an experienced O-line coach. Helton also brought in a veteran QB from Buffalo that will compete for the starting job. On top of all that, Matt and Cody also discuss the key players returning for Helton's first year at the helm of the Eagles.  Show Notes:  Clay Helton's Georgia Southern Staff Part 2 Will Harris an Exciting Defensive Hire  Richard Owens Is the Guy We Need Coaching the O-Line Kyle Vantrease: Possible QB1 Transfers in from Buffalo  Host of Players Return: JD King, TBG, Amare Jones, and More!

Clay Helton's first early signing period recruiting class at Georgia Southern is in the books and his staff is only partially assembled. Matt and Cody discuss Helton's first batch of recruits and the coordinators and assistants he's brought on board so far.  Show Notes:  Helton's First Recruiting Class Best QB and Wide Receiver Class in History  Defensive Standouts Helping with Recruiting  Recruiting Grades for Helton's Class Staff Breakdown: Mostly Offense and Off-Field Roles Ellis as OC: Concerns Are Completely Justified 

It's Thanksgiving week, and we're thankful for all of our listeners and the support they've given us this season. It's also App State Hate Week. Matt and Cody break down the BYU loss, the emergence of a new QB1 and what it will take to end the season with a win at The Rock. Show Notes:  BYU, Connor Cigelske and Flying Burritos  A Debate About the New "Indoor" Practice Facility  Mullen Out at Florida: Potential that Helton Returns Home?  Coaching Carousel: Chip Lindsey Out at Troy  12-Team Playoff Expansion and What It Means for Georgia Southern  App State Preview: What It'll Take to End the Season with a Rivalry Win

Georgia Southern picked up its third win of the 2021 season with an ugly and down-right weird victory on the road against Texas State. Now, the Eagles face one of their biggest tests of the season as they host No. 14 BYU. Can the Eagles pull off the massive upset on senior night? Show Notes:  A Strange Night in San Marcos  A Tale of Two Quarterbacks  BYU Preview: Perfect Night Needed for Eagles Upset USC Fans Are a Special Kind of Crazy 

Georgia Southern is still searching for its third win of the 2021 season after a 28-8 loss in a cold and rainy Paulson Stadium at the hands of Coastal Carolina. But Matt and Cody look at the silver lining with more analysis on the Clay Helton hire and the possibility to seeing more Cam Ransom the rest of the season. Show Notes:  Not Many Positives Against Coastal  Clay Helton Knocks Introductory Press Conference Out of the Park  Confirmation That a New Offensive Identity Is Coming GS Needed Clay Helton More Than Helton Needed GS USC Didn't Have a Clay Helton Problem, They have a USC Problem More Cam Ransom and Potential Under New Regime 

What a whirlwind the last 24 hours has been. The Braves are world champions and Georgia Southern football has a new coach in former USC head coach Clay Helton, a name many didn't consider until it quickly surfaced and became official. Matt and Cody discuss the hire and its impact on recruiting, the future of the triple option and the potential for Georgia Southern football under Coach Helton.  Show Notes:  Clay Helton Is the Choice: Initial Reaction  Recruiting, Timing and Impact  Offensive Philosophy and Potential Staff  Other Names Who Were Considered: Paul Johnson? Contract and Expectations

After a break from the bye week, GATA Talk is back! There is a TON to talk about, including conference realignment and a new and improved Sun Belt, the Georgia Southern coaching search and whether or not Georgia State is a rival.  Show Notes:  Conference Realignment Recap  Sun Belt Adds Four: Now Best G5 Conference  Matt's Top Three Coaches He Doesn't Want  Georgia State: A Rival Whether We Like It or Not

Another week brings more off-the-field drama to discuss. Matt and Cody talk about the removal of Gavin Adcock from the team, the heartbreaking loss against Troy and what Georgia Southern needs to do to turn things around on a short week as the Eagles head back to the Yellowhammer State to face the South Alabama Jaguars.  Show Notes:  Gavin Adcock Dismissed: Comes Down to Respect for the Blue and White Troy Recap: What Went Right and What Went Wrong Is It Time to Play Cam Ransom More?  South Alabama Preview: Keys to a Win on a Short Week 

Georgia Southern is 1-0 in the Kevin Whitley era after a blowout win over Arkansas State to improve to 1-1 in Sun Belt play and 2-3 on the season. Matt and Cody discuss the game, what felt different with the team and the test the lies ahead on the road against a tough Troy defense. Show Notes:  Arkansas State Win: Team Responds Well and Shows Out for Four Quarters Breaking Negative Streaks: Turnovers and Third-Quarter Scoring  Logan Wright's Big Day  Soul of the Team: NaJee Thompson, Logan Wright & CJ Wright  Troy Preview: Eagles Go Up Against Top 20 Rush Defense  Why the StAte Win Isn't Like the 2017 South Alabama Win  Subtle Changes Seem to Be Working Under Whitley 

Georgia Southern becomes just the third FBS team this season to fire its head coach. A viral video of player misconduct seemed to force the issue of head coach Chad Lunsford's dismissal following a 1-3 start to the season. Matt and Cody discuss the decision, the bus surfing video, interim coach Kevin Whitley, where the team goes from here and the future of Georgia Southern's offensive scheme in this jam-packed episode.  Show Notes:  The Chad Lunsford Era Is Over  Bus Controversy a Discipline and a Safety Issue  Kevin Whitley Name Interim and the Message That Sends from Benko Louisiana Recap and Arkansas State Preview  Eagles Still Scoreless in 3rd Quarter and Still Zero Turnovers Expect a National Search for New Coach, Not Just the Same Retreads Offensive Direction: It's NOT Triple Option or Bust

Georgia Southern is limping into Sun Belt Conference play at 1-2 on the season following a 45-10 loss to a ranked Arkansas team. As the Eagles return home to Paulson Stadium, Matt and Cody discuss what it will take to turn things around, break down the few positives from the blowout in Fayetteville and preview the conference opener against Louisiana.  Show Notes:  Back-to-Back 30+ Point Losses: A First for GS  Arkansas May Not Be Our Biggest Test of the Season  It's Completely Acceptable to Compare Ourselves to Our Peers  Tough Questions and Great Answers in Team Press Conference  Louisiana Preview: Stopping Levi Lewis and Getting Running Game Going

In perhaps the most emotional episode of GATA Talk to date, Matt and Cody discuss Georgia Southern's blowout loss to FAU, a divided fan base and what it all means moving forward.  Show Notes:  FAU: What Went Wrong?  College Football Is a Business and Fans Are Allowed to Be Critical  Lose the Slogans, Props and Gimmicks and Return to GS Football  Arkansas: Shocking Upset or 70-point Blowout - Could Go Either Way 

It wasn't pretty, but Georgia Southern got its first win of 2021 against FCS Gardner-Webb. Matt and Cody discuss why the five-point win is concerning moving forward and why this game shouldn't be written off with the "a win is a win" attitude. The guys also preview FAU in what will be a long game for the Eagles if things don't improve significantly.  Show Notes:  Why a Five-Point Win Against a Pedestrian Big South School Won't Cut It This Game Is Not the Same as the Campbell Nail-biter Last Year Both Young QBs Look Promising in Debut Who Gets the Start at QB Against FAU?  Defensive Concerns, Especially the Secondary  FAU: More Potent Offense and Equally Strong Defense as 2020 Owls

It's GAME WEEK!!! In our third and final 2021 season preview episode, Matt and Cody go game by game, breaking down the upcoming Georgia Southern football season. Topics include the QB battle, COVID vaccinations and a preview of our season opener against Gardner-Webb.  Show Notes:  Scrimmage No. 2 Thoughts, Todd Bradley-Glenn Injury and COVID Vaccinations  Our New Favorite Quote: 'Stats Are For Losers' - Chad Lunsford  Game-by-Game Breakdown: Wins, Losses, Toss Ups and Storylines  Predictions: Win-Loss Record and Do We Make a Bowl? Gardner-Webb Preview: Family Affair, and One Georgia Southern Fans Know Well  

As we inch closer to the 2021 Georgia Southern football season, the guys break down the Eagles' offense, defense and special teams units. Eight starters return on both sides of the ball. Who will be breakout players, who will be the X factor and how will the units come together as we gear up for a challenging 2021 schedule?  Show Notes:  Special Teams Preview: Beck, Kicking Duties, Returns & LS Questions  Defense Preview: Baker Jr., Canteen, Wade, Birdsong, Wright and Ellis Offense Preview: Up Tempo, More Motion, More Big Plays  Breaking Down TEs, O-line, WRs and QBs

Take two! After recording the night before the Justin Tomlin news, we called and audible and decided to record our 2021 season preview a second time. Matt and Cody take your Twitter questions about the quarterback situation, the outlook of the Georgia Southern offense and if it is championship or bust for the Eagles and head coach Chad Lunsford this season.  Show Notes:  We're Good at a lot of Things, Timing Isn't One of Them  Breaking Down the GS QB Situation Who Starts Game One: Cam Ransom or Sam Kenerson? What's the Deal with James Graham?  QB1 at Season's End: Tomlin or Someone Else? What Will the Offense Look Like Under Ruse?  Is It Sun Belt Title or Bust for Coach Lunsford?  Realignment Tease and the Ever-Evolving Rumor Mill

Breaking news leads to an impromptu episode of GATA Talk! All signs point to the College Football Playoff expanding from four teams to 12, including guaranteeing at least one spot for a Group of Five champion. Matt and Cody discuss what this means for the Sun Belt, Georgia Southern and football as a whole.   Show Notes:  What Would a 12-Team Format Look Like? 2020 Would Have Featured Two G5 Schools  Expansion's Impact on Recruiting, Transfer Portal and NIL Could Georgia Southern Make a 12-Team Playoff?  How Long Before a G5 Cinderella?  Why the Expansion Is Great for College Football

Your favorite Georgia Southern football podcast is back for Season 4! And buckle up, Eagle Nation, because it's a long one. Matt and Cody discuss everything from basketball (as promised) to FCS spring football to a clearer QB competition coming out of spring camp.  Show Notes:  Life News: Baby No. 3 for Cody and Matt Moving Out West Men's and Women's Basketball Season Recaps  FCS Spring Football: The Lack of Attention Is Warranted  Georgia Southern Spring Camp and Spring Game Recap No James Graham for Much of Camp: Is It Tomlin's Time? Is There a Waffle House in Colorado?  Preseason Predictions: What to Respect and What to Dismiss  Schedule Is Brutal and the Sun Belt Is Only Getting Better  Question Marks Outside of QB Going Into 2021 GS Is Finding Success Outside of Football

After a break for the holidays, GATA Talk is back for our Season 3 finale! And boy do we have plenty to talk about, including the New Orleans Bowl, offensive coaching changes, the transfer portal, Shai Werts' legacy and how the Sun Belt Conference grew stronger in the offseason.  Show Notes:  We're Now on PayPal: Consider Tipping Your Favorite Podcasters (Link) New Orleans Bowl Recap  Shai Werts' Legacy at Georgia Southern Coaching Changes: Offensive Overhaul and What It Means Transfer Portal: Players Leaving, Players Staying and New Commits Looking Ahead to 2021: Shaping Up to Be a Fun Year  Sun Belt Got Better with Coaching Carousel

So much to talk about has led to our longest episode EVER! Matt and Cody touch on recruiting, the App State loss, the regular season as a whole and preview the New Orleans Bowl matchup with Louisiana Tech.  Show Notes:  Achieving the Improbable: 12 Regular Season Games in 2020 National Signing Day: Highly-Rated Recruits and Transfers  App State Recap: Mosely, Plungers and What Went Wrong Regular Season Recap: 7-5 and Potential for 2021 New Orleans Bowl: Battle of the Backup QBs  Rest of the Sun Belt Pulling for GS? Where Does the Sun Belt Rank in the Group of 5? G5s Will Never Make Current CFP & Possibilities of Expansion

It's App State Hate Week...again. For the first time in eight years, Georgia Southern will play their arch rival on a Saturday. Matt and Cody recap the FAU game, positives and negatives they saw with the "new" offense and what it will take to pick up a third straight win against the goat-loving Mountaineers from Boone. Show Notes:  This One's for You, Brant from Metter! FAU Recap: Defense Shows Up and Shows Out Thoughts on Justin Tomlin and the Up-Tempo Ruse Offense A Way Too In-Depth Debate About Our Kicking Game App State Preview: Bragging Rights and Second Place in the East on the Line Will an Explosive Offensive Showing Shore Up the OC Job for Ruse? Will Werts Play, and What's the Outlook If He Does?

Let's try this again, shall we? Shane Marinelli, FAU insider and host of Inside the Burrow, joins the pod once again to discuss the Owls ahead of Saturday's rescheduled game. We asked Shane about the COVID-19 situation at FAU, breaking in a true freshman QB and his thoughts on why the defense has been so strong this year. Show Notes:  COVID-19 in Boca: FAU Has Had SEVEN Games Cancelled or Postponed Shane's Thoughts on QB Javion Posey and What He Brings to the Offense  FAU Defense a Surprise in 2020  Thoughts on Willie Taggart in His First Season with the Owls Unsung Hero on FAU: Who Should GS Fans Watch For? 

For the second straight week there is plenty to discuss in the world of Georgia Southern football. Following a lose to (rival?) Georgia State, head coach Chad Lunsford made a change at the offensive coordinator position, relieving Bob DeBesse of his duties and moving former OC Doug Ruse into the interim role. Matt and Cody discuss what Ruse may bring to the offense, what our depleted defense may look like moving forward and what it will take to beat a very good FAU team.  Show Notes:  DeBesse Out: Right Decision, But Timing Seems Odd Was the Georgia State Loss the Nail in the Coffin?  What Will the Offense Look Like Under Ruse? Lunsford Should be Open to National OC Search Special Teams and Kicking Game Logan Wright Has Himself a Game Reynard Ellis Opts Out  FAU Preview: Terrific Defense and Athletic QB Willie Taggart Is Good: Can't Get Out-coached Saturday

So much to talk about this week, so buckle up! Matt and Cody discuss the letdown against Army, the final drive, potentially losing several key players to legal issues, and whether Georgia State is a true rival.  Show Notes:  Luck Finally Works Against Eagles in Army Loss Special Teams a Growing Concern  Offense: The Case to Make a Change Now and Why We Won't  The Final Drive and the Decision Not to Kick Werts vs. Tomlin and the Future of the QB Position  Wesley Kennedy, C.J. Wright and others Arrested  Time for Jalen White to Shine?  Why Losing Wright May Have Bigger Impact Than Losing Kennedy Debate: Is Georgia State a True Rival? Previewing Georgia State: Another Potent Offense Capable to Putting up Points

After another close win to improve to 6-2 on the season, Georgia Southern hits the road to face an unfamiliar opponent with a very familiar head coach. Matt and Cody break down the 40-38 win against Texas State and preview Saturday's big matchup with Army and Jeff Monken.  Show Notes:  Another Squeaker: Positives and Negatives on All Three Phases Georgia Southern 2020 Is a Gem for Networks and Third-Party Viewers Room for Improvement: Red Zone Efficiency and Explosive Plays   Is Special Teams a Concern?  Previewing Army: New Opponent with Familiar Coach  Can't Get Overconfident In Our Ability to Stop the Run  Keys to a Victory: Should We Pass More Against Army? Reminiscing on the Jeff Monken Era and What He Meant to the Program

It came down to the wire once again, but Georgia Southern came away with it's fifth win of the 2020 season last week, beating troy for the first time in four tries. Now the Eagles set their sights on the Texas State Bobcats, a team with more talent and offensive firepower than their record would lead you to believe. Show Notes:  Defense Shows Up and Shows Out Once Again Shout Outs for Stellar Performances Offense Racking Up Yards and Controlling Clock, But Not Scoring TDs Previewing Texas State: Dangerous Game for the Eagles We've Seen Two of the Best Catches in GS History in 2020 Kicking Game Is Fine: No Need to Panic

Georgia Southern squeaked out another victory Oct. 29 against South Alabama to improve to 4-2 on the season and 2-2 in Sun Belt Conference play. The Eagles now welcome Troy for Homecoming in a game that will test the defensive secondary and the stagnant GS offense.  Show Notes:  A Public Apology to Scott Sloan and the Defense Offense Still Lacks Identity, Consistency and "Kill" Mentality Good Start, But Feed. Kennedy. More!  Troy Will Test Our Defense with Up-Tempo Passing Game We'll Need At Least 30 Points to Beat Troy Analytics: Not About Lack of Plays, But Lack of Explosive Plays & Scoring Opportunities Team Is Lacking GATA Mindset  Rant About TD Guitar, LED Lights, Mo Bamba and...Glitter Bombs?

On a short week with South Alabama coming to Statesboro for a Thursday night, nationally televised battle, Matt and Cody recap the abysmal offensive showing in the loss against Coastal Carolina and what it will take to not lose our third conference game of the year against the Jaguars.Show Notes: It Was Offense, Not Defense That Led to the Coastal LossKept Going to a Dry Well on the Passing GameShould Tomlin Play More? Game Likely More Lopsided If McCall PlaysWe're Regressing When Majority of Sun Belt Is Improving 6 Yards Per Play Bare Minimum on Offense - And We Aren't ThereWe Discuss Coastal Carolina's Locker Room Wrestling MatchIs Coastal Becoming a Rival of Georgia Southern?Previewing South Alabama: Confident Team with Solid Defense Keys to a Win: Get Kennedy the Ball More and Limit the Big Play

Georgia Southern got the convincing, dominate win it has been looking for all season. Yes, it came against UMass, but it was the type of game the Eagles needed to gain some confidence and work out some kinks as GS prepares for one of its biggest tests of the season in No. 25 Coastal Carolina.  Show Notes:  Georgia Southern Finally Plays Four Quarters and Finishes Result Doesn't Change Outlook Much for Coastal Carolina  Uptempo or Ball Control? ULM and UMass Were 8-8 on 4th Down Conversions: That Can't Happen Previewing Coastal: They're Vulnerable Against the Run

Only in 2020 would we be talking about a game that was scheduled less than 10 days from kickoff. Georgia Southern is now back to 12 games on its schedule after booking its seventh home game. Now, instead of an improbable three-week bye, the Eagles will host UMass Oct. 17.  Show Notes:  Jared Benko Is a Miracle Worker  You Don't Book UMass Unless You're Confident We'll Win Getting to Know the Minutemen  We Need a Blowout Victory — But What Would That Ultimately Mean? Will Playing UMass Help of Hurt Our Chances Against Coastal Secondary and Defensive Play Calling Needs Work Cody Goes Full Bad Cop While Matt Remains Hopeful

They say football is a game of inches. That was the case Oct. 3 as Georgia Southern narrowly escaped Monroe, Louisiana, with a win. Matt and Cody break down what went wrong in the final 20 minutes of the game and where we go from here, including some unknowns with our next opponent.  Show Notes:  Cardiac Eagles Theme Continues  Offense Played Well Other Than Final Two Drives Why Were King and Kennedy Not Out for the Final Drive? Defense: Why Can't We Close out Halves and Games? Problems with Defense Isn't a Talent Issue Mix of Pass and Run: What's the Right Ratio?  Hate Week/Week and a Half/Two Months Benefits of Playing App in December  Coastal Carolina May Be Best Team in the Sun Belt

It wasn't the final result we wanted, but there are a lot of positives to take away from last week's 20-18 loss to a ranked Louisiana team. Will Georgia Southern be able to maintain the same intensity this week against a bad ULM team as the Eagles head back to the Bayou State for the second straight week?  Show Notes:  Finding Positives in a Gut-wrenching Loss  Key Moving Forward Is Consistency and Finishing Drives Offensive Play Calling and Getting Kennedy Touches Defensive Play Improved  The Catch and the Two-Point Conversion  Georgia Southern on Wrong End of Lucky Kick ULM Preview: Keys to a Blowout Victory

Things just got very interesting! With the news breaking that the No. 19 Louisiana Ragin Cajuns will be without some key starters for Saturday's game, we welcome in Josh from the Ragin Review Podcast, the fan podcast of Louisiana football.  Show Notes:  Beyond Elijah Mitchell: Key Starters Out for Cajuns How Will a Young and Inexperienced Louisiana Secondary Factor in? Depth Behind Mitchell: How Much of a Drop off Is There? Shai Werts Could Have a Big Game Perception of Georgia Southern Amongst Louisiana Fans Confidence Level of Cajun Fans Heading Into Saturday

After an unanticipated "bye week," Georgia Southern hits the road for the first time in 2020 to open Sun Belt Conference play against No. 19 Louisiana. Was the postponed FAU game a blessing in disguise? How healthy of a team will we see back against the Ragin' Cajuns, and can the Eagles pull off the upset and get the third win over a ranked opponent in the FBS era? Matt and Cody discuss these topics and more!  Show Notes:  Was FAU Postponement a Positive or Negative? Campbell Looked Like an Inferior FCS Team Against Coastal Louisiana Struggled with GagSt: Do We Have a Chance? Keys to a Victory Against the Ragin' Cajuns We Must Maintain Intensity for 60 Minutes