Georgia Southern Balanced Yet Unremarkable, Sam Houston State Dominant Defense
2024 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Georgia Southern Eagles vs Sam Houston State Bearkats
The 2024 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl promises an exciting postseason showdown as the Georgia Southern Eagles (8-4) face off against the Sam Houston State Bearkats (9-3) at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Set for Thursday, December 21, this bowl game features two teams with contrasting styles, setting up an intriguing clash for college football fans. Georgia Southern enters as the Sun Belt Conference’s second-place finisher in the East, while Sam Houston State clinched third place in Conference USA. The two teams will meet for the first time in bowl history, with both bringing unique strengths and challenges to the table.
Georgia Southern Eagles: Offense and Defense in the Middle of the Pack
The Georgia Southern Eagles had a solid yet unspectacular 2024 campaign, finishing 8-4 overall and second in the Sun Belt East Division. Despite their strong record, the Eagles rank middle-of-the-pack statistically on both sides of the ball. On offense, Georgia Southern averaged 28.2 points per game and 364.1 total yards per game, ranking 65th and 92nd nationally, respectively. A major factor in their offensive performance has been their reliance on the passing game, which ranked 52nd nationally, averaging 239.9 passing yards per game. However, their rushing attack struggled, ranking just 102nd in the country with an average of 124.2 yards per game.
Quarterback JC French has been a key driver for the Eagles, passing for 2,619 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions during the regular season. His connection with wide receiver Derwin Burgess Jr., who led the team with 603 yards and 3 touchdowns, has been one of Georgia Southern’s most consistent offensive weapons.
In the backfield, Jalen White led the rushing attack with 654 yards and 12 touchdowns, though the team as a whole has been inconsistent running the football. The absence of key players due to the transfer portal (including two starters), may impact the Eagles’ offensive game plan in this matchup.
Defensively, Georgia Southern’s numbers reflect similar mediocrity, allowing an average of 27.3 points per game and 442.2 yards per game, ranking 84th and 120th nationally, respectively. The Eagles’ rush defense was especially porous, allowing 179.8 rushing yards per game (104th in the nation), while their pass defense gave up an alarming 262.4 passing yards per game (123rd). Linebacker Marques Watson-Trent led the defense with 110 tackles, while Chance Gamble and Mark Stampley II each had 3 interceptions.
Sam Houston State Bearkats: Defensive Powerhouse, Offensive Struggles
The Sam Houston State Bearkats have been a defensive juggernaut throughout the 2024 season, ranking among the top 20 in the country in several key defensive categories. Their defense allowed just 20.0 points per game and 315.6 total yards per game, ranking 19th nationally in both categories. Sam Houston’s defense has been particularly stingy against the pass, allowing just 174.1 passing yards per game, which ranks 10th nationally. Their rushing defense has also been strong, allowing 141.5 rushing yards per game, ranking 55th overall.
On the offensive side, however, the Bearkats struggled to put up points, averaging only 23.2 points per game, ranking 102nd nationally, and 354.7 total yards per game, placing them 96th in the country. Hunter Watson, the team’s starting quarterback, has shown flashes of potential, passing for 1,598 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. However, he will face significant pressure in this game as Jase Bauer, the backup quarterback and key offensive contributor, has opted out of the bowl game. Additionally, three of Sam Houston’s top four rushers have entered the transfer portal, including Simeon Evans, the team’s leading receiver with 474 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Despite these losses, Sam Houston still has a strong core of talent on defense, including linebacker Caleb Weaver, who recorded 86 tackles during the regular season. However, Weaver will also miss the bowl game due to his transfer, leaving a significant gap in the Bearkats’ defensive front. The defensive line has been effective at generating pressure, led by Chris Murray, who tallied 5.5 sacks, but like Weaver, Murray is no longer with the team.
Conclusion
This game will ultimately come down to which team can impose their strengths on the other. While Georgia Southern has the more well-rounded offensive attack, they have struggled significantly on defense, especially against the pass. On the other hand, Sam Houston State’s defense has been stellar all year, but their already limited offense faces a tough road ahead due to key player absences.
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