Georgia Southern has established itself as one of the top powers in FCS football, and the Eagles hope to return to the playoffs again this season. It starts with the season opener against Jacksonville on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET, at Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Ga.
Georgia Southern, an FCS semifinalist a year ago, had a good quarterback battle between sophomore Ezayi Youyoute and junior Jerick McKinnon leading up to the opener. Both should see action against the Dolphins.
Running back Dominique Swope is back after winning Freshman of the Year honors in the Southern Conference with more than 1,000 rushing yards. The Eagles are ranked No. 3 in the nation to open the season.
Jacksonville was 6-2 in the Pioneer Football League a year ago, 7-4 overall. Senior running back Keith Dawson is the leading returning rusher for the Dolphins. Dawson also scored four touchdowns in 2011.
There is no local TV broadcast for this game.
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