Georgia Southern leaves Clemson loss behind, turns to Jacksonville State
After suffering their first loss of the season, the Eagles hit the road again
STATESBORO, Ga. —
After suffering their first loss of the season this past Saturday at Clemson, the Georgia Southern Eagles hit the road again this week when they travel to Jacksonville, Alabama, to take on Jacksonville State.
On Monday, the Eagles held their weekly news conference as they looked back on the Clemson game and ahead to what’s in store with the Gamecocks.
The Georgia Southern Eagles obviously didn’t get the desired result this past Saturday night in Clemson, suffering a 22-7 loss to the Tigers, but there were some things to build on as they hit the road for a second straight week, this time at Jacksonville State.
And the Eagles believe they will be equipped to handle that hostile environment, especially after responding well this past weekend in Death Valley.
“We have a really mature and confident football team that, expects to win any time they walk into any stadium, against any opponent,” said Clay Helton, Georgia Southern head football coach. “I love their maturity in this last game. I loved their confidence in this last game and their approach to how they prepared and how they walked into the park.
One reason they feel good about things is the way the defense is playing. After pitching a shutout in game one, they gave up only one touchdown to Clemson.
“I think we’re doing a really good job with trusting each other and putting all our faith that the coach is going to put us in the right position to make plays,” said MJ Stroud, Georgia Southern linebacker. “And we’re really just going out there and having fun with each other like it’s a child’s game at the end of the day. So we’re just really just being children and having fun.”
The offense, though, is a different story as the Eagles scored only seven points at Clemson and squandered other opportunities.
“Lot of missed opportunities that we need to take advantage of,” said Ashton Hollins, Georgia Southern wide receiver. “When we’re playing a good team like Clemson, which we did. We can’t miss those opportunities. And we have to fix those in practice this Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. It’s going to be a grind. But I think we’re going to be prepared for the next game.”
The Eagles and Jacksonville State will get together this coming Saturday night in Jacksonville, Alabama.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m.