UAB vs. Georgia Southern Short Report | Sep 9, 2023
Allen E. Paulson Stadium
Statesboro, GA
Sep 9, 2023
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Game Recap
In a thrilling contest at Allen E. Paulson Stadium, the Georgia Southern Eagles emerged victorious over the UAB Blazers with a final score of 49-35. The game started dramatically as UAB fumbled on the first play, allowing Justin Rhodes of Georgia Southern to recover and position the Eagles for an early score. Davis Brin capitalized with a five-yard touchdown pass to Jalen White, putting the Eagles on top. Brin would add a four-yard rushing touchdown late in the first quarter to extend the lead to 14-0.
Despite trailing early, UAB roared back in the second quarter, highlighted by a 19-yard touchdown run by Jermaine Brown Jr., followed by a five-yard touchdown pass from Jacob Zeno to Bryce Damous, ultimately giving the Blazers a fleeting 22-21 lead. However, Georgia Southern regained momentum just before halftime with a fantastic 39-yard touchdown rush by OJ Arnold, entering the break up 28-22. The second half saw both squads trading major blows, but Georgia Southern's balanced attack proved more resilient. Brin's one-yard touchdown pass to Khaleb Hood and Jalen White's six-yard rushing touchdown helped the Eagles fend off UAB's persistent challenge, with Michael Lantz's field goals sealing the victory.
Key Plays:
Justin Rhodes (Georgia Southern Eagles)
Recovered a Jermaine Brown Jr. fumble, setting up the Eagles at the UAB 19-yard line, leading to a quick touchdown.
Davis Brin (Georgia Southern Eagles)
Completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jalen White, capitalizing on the early turnover to put the Eagles ahead 7-0.
Davis Brin (Georgia Southern Eagles)
Extended the lead to 14-0 with a 4-yard rushing touchdown, finishing a methodical 13-play, 80-yard drive.
OJ Arnold (Georgia Southern Eagles)
Tossed a 26-yard touchdown pass to Derwin Burgess Jr., showcasing the Eagles' versatile offensive attack.
Jacob Zeno (UAB Blazers)
Connected with Bryce Damous for a 5-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the Eagles' lead and sparking UAB's comeback effort.
OJ Arnold (Georgia Southern Eagles)
Broke free for a 39-yard touchdown run, allowing the Eagles to reclaim the lead before halftime at 28-22.
Jalen White (Georgia Southern Eagles)
Scored on a 6-yard touchdown run. The successful two-point conversion from Davis Brin to Jalen McAfee extended Georgia Southern's lead to 43-29.
Michael Lantz (Georgia Southern Eagles)
Added crucial insurance points with a 37-yard field goal, pushing the Eagles' lead to 46-29.
Jacob Zeno (UAB Blazers)
Dove into the end zone on a 1-yard touchdown run, marking his third total touchdown of the game.
Michael Lantz (Georgia Southern Eagles)
Sealed the victory for Georgia Southern with a 38-yard field goal, solidifying the 49-35 final score.
TJ Smith (Georgia Southern Eagles)
Intercepted a pass from Jacob Zeno, returning it 14 yards to set up the Eagles' offense at the UAB 38-yard line.
Isaac Walker (Georgia Southern Eagles)
Recovered Jacob Zeno's fumble, clinching the game's outcome.
Standout Players:
Davis Brin (Georgia Southern Eagles, QB)
Brin orchestrated the Eagles' offense with precision, completing 38 of 47 passes for 318 yards, two passing touchdowns, and rushing for a pivotal score. His leadership was instrumental in securing the victory.
Jacob Zeno (UAB Blazers, QB)
In a standout performance, Zeno completed 33 of 43 passes for 385 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing TD. Despite the loss, his efforts kept UAB competitive throughout the game.
Jalen White (Georgia Southern Eagles, RB)
White was a dual-threat, rushing for 40 yards and a touchdown while also catching a five-yard touchdown pass, contributing significantly to the Eagles' balanced attack.
OJ Arnold (Georgia Southern Eagles, RB)
Arnold was dynamic, rushing for a spectacular 39-yard touchdown and throwing a 26-yard passing touchdown, showcasing his versatility and adding crucial points for the Eagles.
Michael Lantz (Georgia Southern Eagles, K)
Lantz was reliable, converting both field-goal attempts from 37 and 38 yards and making all five extra points, helping maintain and extend Georgia Southern's lead.
Justin Rhodes (Georgia Southern Eagles, DL)
Rhodes set the tone early with a fumble recovery on the first play, leading to a quick touchdown and giving Georgia Southern an early advantage.
Khaleb Hood (Georgia Southern Eagles, WR)
Hood's clutch one-yard touchdown reception in the second half was pivotal, and he also broke Georgia Southern's career receiving yards record with over 1,855 yards.
Marques Watson-Trent (Georgia Southern Eagles, LB)
Watson-Trent led the defense with 14 tackles, including 1.5 for loss, showcasing leadership and defensive prowess.
Team
1
2
3
4
T
UAB Blazers
0
22
7
6
35
Georgia Southern Eagles
14
14
7
14
49
